Ayesha Nyanzunda
Motorists who received tickets for tinted car windows are being urged not to panic after the Ministry of Justice clarified that such fines may have been issued prematurely.
During yesterday’s National Assembly Question and Answer session, concerns were raised over confusion caused by a previous announcement that tinted windows were illegal. Zvimba Eastt legislator Kudakwashe Mananzva asked the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, whether it is indeed a criminal offense to tint car windows.
Minister Ziyambi clarified that tinting is legal as long as it does not obstruct the driver’s clear line of vision. “The law is that when putting tint on a car, it must not prohibit the driver from having a clear line of vision,” he said.
Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs: Ziyambi Ziyambi.
Regulations on side windows are still being discussed and have not yet been finalized.
Several MPs, including Kuwadzana East legislator Charlton Hwende, expressed concern for motorists who had been ticketed following the disputed announcement. The minister reassured the public that police officers enforce the law using statutory instruments, not social media posts or unofficial statements.
Kuwadzana East legislator Charlton Hwende
“If anyone was issued a ticket, they have the right to go to court, and the court will take corrective measures,” he explained.
The session also addressed the broader issue of government communication. Minister Ziyambi emphasized that only designated government spokespersons are authorized to announce official policy, warning that statements by others can cause unnecessary confusion.
Motorists who received fines for tinted windows are advised to present their cases in court, as tickets issued without proper statutory backing may be overturned.
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