The Secretary for Presidential Affairs and head of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), Tafadzwa Muguti, has announced a nationwide ban on tinted vehicles windows, ordering all motorists—both private and public—to remove tints from their vehicles immediately or face arrest. The directive, issued on Tuesday, is aimed at enhancing public safety and addressing security concerns linked to the misuse of heavily tinted vehicles.
According to Muguti, the ban is part of a broader government effort to curb criminal activity associated with vehicles that obscure visibility. The order, he emphasized, applies to all vehicles except official government and VIP transport, as well as vehicles manufactured with standard factory tints that meet legal visibility requirements.
Muguti cited a sharp rise in crimes committed using vehicles with obscured windows as justification for the move. “We have seen an increase in serious crimes carried out using vehicles with dark tints, including the recent rape of a Grade 7 girl in an omnibus, armed robberies conducted by criminals using unmarked informal taxis, and the transportation of dangerous drugs,” he stated. The Secretary stressed that the use of tinted windows to facilitate criminal activity posed a direct threat to public safety and could no longer be tolerated.
Under the new directive, all provinces are instructed to enforce a complete ban on tinted vehicle windows. Muguti specifically highlighted commuter omnibuses, warning that no such vehicle will be allowed to operate with tinted glass. He added: “We will not allow any commuter omnibus to operate with tinted windows. Please remove your tinted windows immediately, or the police will do it for you, or your vehicle will be impounded.”
Nationwide Ban on Tinted Vehicle Windows Announced, CIO Secretary Sets Strict Enforcement Measures
The enforcement measures signal a zero-tolerance approach toward vehicles that fail to comply with the new rules. Muguti indicated that law enforcement agencies, including the police and traffic authorities, have been tasked with ensuring full compliance. Vehicles found in violation may be impounded, and owners could face arrest if they fail to remove illegal tints within the specified timeframe.
While the directive has been welcomed by some citizens concerned about crime, it has also sparked debate among motorists and transport operators. Some private car owners expressed frustration over the suddenness of the ban, arguing that removing tints could be costly and inconvenient. Others, however, acknowledged that the measure could improve safety on the roads and reduce the risk of criminal activity.
Legal experts note that the enforcement of vehicle window regulations is within the powers of the government, provided that directives are issued in accordance with national laws governing road safety and vehicle standards. Standardized factory tints are allowed under the new policy, ensuring that vehicle manufacturers’ specifications are respected while still addressing security concerns.
The directive is part of a wider push by the government to strengthen public safety and enhance law enforcement effectiveness. Muguti emphasized that vehicles with obscured windows have increasingly been used in criminal enterprises, making it difficult for authorities to identify suspects and monitor illegal activity. Removing dark tints, he said, will enhance visibility for both motorists and law enforcement officers, contributing to safer roads and improved public security.
Authorities have also indicated that the ban will be accompanied by public awareness campaigns to ensure that motorists understand the new regulations and the consequences of non-compliance. This includes outreach through provincial offices, media announcements, and community engagement initiatives to educate drivers about the legal and safety rationale behind the directive.
In addition, the CIO Secretary called on citizens to support the initiative by reporting vehicles operating with illegal tints. “Public cooperation is critical. We need communities to assist law enforcement by identifying vehicles that do not comply with the ban,” he said. The government hopes that this combined approach of enforcement and community engagement will quickly bring tinted vehicles into compliance and reduce their misuse in criminal activities.
In conclusion, the nationwide ban on tinted vehicle windows represents a decisive step by the Zimbabwean government to curb crimes facilitated by obscured visibility in vehicles. By targeting both private and public vehicles, while exempting official government and VIP transport, the measure aims to balance security needs with practical allowances. Motorists are advised to comply immediately to avoid arrest or vehicle impoundment, as the directive signals the start of stringent enforcement measures across all provinces.
Source- ZimEye
