Kurdistan Region sets new tinting fees and permits for vehicle windows

ERBIL, Iraq — The Kurdistan Regional Government's Ministry of Interior has issued new instructions regulating the tinting of vehicle windows across the region. Colonel Heymen Heme Emin, spokesperson for the Erbil Traffic Directorate, outlined the rules at a press briefing. Under the framework, vehicles with windows tinted by the manufacturer or authorized dealers at 0 to 30 percent will not be charged a fee. Drivers installing 30 to 50 percent tint will pay 100,000 dinars annually for two windows or 150,000 dinars for four. For 50 to 80 percent tint, the fees rise to 500,000 dinars for two windows and 800,000 dinars for four. The 80 to 100 percent category carries an annual fee of 1 million dinars for four windows and requires special approval. All permits must be renewed annually or every three years, and the vehicle must be registered in the driver's name. The rules apply to taxis, private cars, buses and vehicles with Iraqi provincial or European plates. Drivers with existing tinting permits that have expired have been given 30 days to comply with the new requirements.