Luton Borough Council has changed its rules on tinted windows for licensed vehicles. From 1 November 2026, Luton-licensed private hire vehicles can have darker glass behind the B-pillar (the upright pillar between the front and rear doors), as long as it lets through at least 30% of light. The rules for the front of the car stay the same. The windscreen must let through at least 75% of light and the front side windows at least 70%. Hackney carriages (black cabs) still need at least 70% on the windows behind the B-pillar, so the change only helps private hire. Tinted film and aftermarket tint kits are not allowed on any window of a licensed vehicle, and any factory-fitted tint must still meet the minimum levels. The council suggests checking the manufacturer's specification for the glass, or using a digital tint meter, before the vehicle goes for its licensing inspection.