Window Tint and Car Modifications in Qatar: What Needs Written Permission

Many drivers modify a car without checking the law: dark tint, a full wrap, a new colour, a loud horn, a business sticker. This guide goes through what the English text of the Traffic Law (Decree-Law No. 19 of 2007, amended by Law No. 5 of 2010) says on Al Meezan, which we read in October 2026. It is general information, not legal advice. The tint limits and permit steps sit in decisions we could not read, so we do not give percentages.

Window tint (Article 69)

Article 69 says vehicle glass shall not be tinted by any means without the written permission of the Licensing Authority, in accordance with the regulations established by a ministerial decision. Article 88 lists using any means to tint glass without that permission as a reason to impound the vehicle for up to 90 days. A violation of Article 69 also falls under Article 95, which allows one week to one year in prison or a fine of QR 3,000 to QR 10,000 when handled by a court.

Two things the law text does not tell us: how dark the tint may be, and how to apply for permission. Both depend on the ministerial decision and the Executive Regulation, which we did not find or read. Do not rely on what a tint shop tells you. Ask the Traffic Department for the permit and keep it in the car.

Colour and structure changes (Articles 25 and 88)

Article 25 says the owner may not change the use of the vehicle, or replace an essential part so that the data in the registration certificate changes, without written authorization. Article 7 describes the certificate as including the body, the colour and the chassis and engine numbers. Article 88 lets the Traffic Department impound a vehicle used after substantial changes to its structure or colour without written permission. A full colour wrap that changes the registered colour is a point to check before you do it.

Writing, stickers and adverts (Article 24)

Article 24 says that unless the Licensing Authority authorizes it in writing, nothing may be written, drawn or placed on the body of the vehicle other than what the Executive Regulation allows. It also bans using a vehicle for advertising by loudspeakers, banners or three-dimensional models on the outside without written permission. The authority may allow the owner to write a name, address, business logo or activity on the vehicle the licence covers, as long as that does not change the shape or hide the vehicle data. So company lettering is possible, but it is a permission, not a right. Our guides to car repair garages and car wash and detailing list businesses, but check the permit with the Traffic Department rather than the shop.

Number plates (Articles 12 and 13)

Plates belong to the State. Article 13 says no change of colour, shape or detail is allowed and plates may not be lent, otherwise they can be confiscated. Article 12 requires two plates, front and rear, from the Issuing Authority. Article 88 lets the Traffic Department impound a car driven without plates, with plates not issued by the Licensing Authority, or with plates swapped for different ones even if they carry the same data.

Horns, lights, noise and smoke

• **Horns (Article 68):** the horn may only be used when there is an imminent threat. Tuned air horns may not be installed, and the vehicle may be impounded. Audio or optical alarm devices are limited to police, civil defence and ambulances unless written permission is given, and on conviction the court confiscates the devices.
• **Lights (Articles 69 and 70):** dazzling front or rear lights are banned except where the weather needs them. There must be no red lights at the front of the vehicle, only white, or yellow in fog.
• **Noise and smoke (Article 58):** vehicles that make irritating noises or emit dense smoke or smells need a proper silencer. Article 94 treats this as a serious offence, with one month to three years or QR 10,000 to QR 50,000 in court. Article 88 allows impounding for thick smoke or irritating noises.
• **Signs (Article 56):** no board or device that looks like a traffic sign may be fitted to a vehicle.

A quick checklist before you modify

1. Ask yourself whether the change alters the glass, the colour, the plates, the body data or the engine. If yes, you likely need written permission.

2. Ask the Traffic Department what the permission is called and where to apply. Keep a copy in the car.

3. Buy and fit only parts that keep the plates, lights and registration data unchanged.

4. Avoid red lights at the front, tuned air horns and loud exhausts.

5. If your car is impounded, read our guide to impounded vehicles. If it fails the technical check, see what to do if your vehicle fails inspection.

What we could not verify

• The ministerial decision on tint, including any limit on darkness and any medical exemption.
• How to apply for written permission, its cost and how long it lasts.
• Whether a wrap that keeps the same colour needs any approval.
• The Executive Regulation, which sets what writing is allowed on a vehicle.
• The compounding fine table, so we do not know the usual roadside amount for each offence.