A municipal reform in Tijuana permitting the use of tinted vehicle windows officially went into effect this week, following its publication in the Official State Gazette on June 12.
The amendment to Article 18 of Tijuana’s Traffic and Vehicle Control Regulations allows motorists to equip their cars with darkened windows.
According to Calafia Noticias, vehicles with up-to-date documentation may now feature window films, solar control sheets, or specialized tints.
However, the regulation stipulates that the degree of darkening must not impede visibility into the vehicle’s interior.
City Councilmember Gina Arana clarified that high-level tinting remains prohibited. She also noted that while the reform had been recorded in Baja California’s official gazette for three years, it had never before been formally published. Arana emphasized that drivers cannot be penalized for using tinting that complies with the new regulations, as long as it allows law enforcement to see inside the vehicle.
The reform, which was unanimously approved by the Tijuana City Council, also accepts tints installed by vehicle manufacturers, provided they adhere to applicable Mexican Official Standards.
Under the new provisions, traffic officers are empowered to remove window tinting if it completely obstructs interior visibility. Should a driver refuse to comply, officers may issue a citation, which could ultimately result in the vehicle being impounded.
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The updated rules apply not only to locally registered vehicles but also to cars from other municipalities, states, and even foreign-plated automobiles.
The measure took effect on June 13, one day after its official publication, and is now fully enforceable throughout Tijuana.
City officials introduced the proposal in response to a surge in public complaints regarding extortion attempts against both residents and tourists, as well as growing health concerns over prolonged sun exposure.
