Window tint laws are different and vary from state to state. Before filming your car’s windows, you must know the rules and regulations of that particular state. However, no worries if you are not traveling and are stuck in your state. You only have to know the laws of your resident state. But if you travel from state to state and in different cities, you may face some problems with your window tints. Because every state has different tint laws, let’s explore the various percentages and vehicle window terminologies related to these tint film laws.
Different terminologies and understandings
Before delving into the depth of the states and their laws about tinting, let’s understand some terms that will ease the whole perception. Meanwhile, VLT means visible light transmission and is measured in percentages. The lower the rate, the darker the tint. A higher percentage means high resolution and a clear view inside the vehicle.
- Front side window tint percentage: The allowed and legal tint film percentage on the driver’s and front passenger side windows.
- However, the backside window tint percentage refers to the total percentage of tint VLT for the backside window.
- Rear windshield percentage, this term means the tint’s VLT% for the rear windshield that is legal.
- AS-1 is the straight line on the front windscreen from the top that can be covered with tint.
- Tint colors: different colors are allowed, and restricted colors are prohibited in various states.
- Reflection: A tinted film’s reflectivity refers to how much light is deflected away from the window. The lower the reflectivity, the less light is blocked or reflected against the glass. Moreover, this can help reduce glare and heat in the vehicle.
Chart of window tints in different states
| State | Front Sides | Rear Sides | Rear Window | Windshield | Reflectivity |
| Alabama | 32% | 32% | 32% | 6″ | no more than 20% reflective |
| Alaska | 70% | 40% | 30% | 5″ | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| Arizona | 33% | ANY | ANY | AS1 | no more than 35% reflective |
| Arkansas | 25% | 25% | 10% | 5″ | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| California | 70% | ANY | ANY | 4″ | no more reflective than a standard window |
| Colorado | 27% | 27% | 27% | 4″ | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| Connecticut | 35% | 35% | ANY | AS1 | no more than 21% reflective |
| Delaware | 70% | ANY | ANY | AS1 | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| District of Columbia | 70% | 50% | 50% | 5″/AS1 | no more than 25% reflective |
| Florida | 28% | 15% | 15% | AS1 | no more than 20% reflective |
| Georgia | 32% | 32% | 32% | 6″ | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| Hawaii | 32% | 35% | 35% | 70% light | no more than 35% reflective |
| Idaho | 35% | 20% | 35% | AS1 | must be non-reflective |
| Illinois | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6″ | no more than 25% reflective |
| Indiana | 30% | 30% | 30% | AS1 | no excessive reflections allowed, but not specified |
| Iowa | 70% | ANY | ANY | AS1 | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| Kansas | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 | no more than 25% reflective |
| Kentucky | 35% | 18% | 18% | AS1 | no more than 20% reflective |
| Louisiana | 40% | 25% | 12% | AS1 | must be non-reflective |
| Maine | 35% | ANY | ANY | 4″ | no law |
| Maryland | 35% | 35% | 35% | 5″ | no more than 35% reflective |
| Massachusetts | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6″ | no more than 35% reflective |
| Michigan | 4″ | ANY | ANY | 4″ | no more than 20% reflective |
| Minnesota | 50% | 50% | 50% | NONE | no more than 20% reflective |
| Mississippi | 28% | 28% | 28% | AS1 | no more than 35% reflective |
| Missouri | 35% | ANY | ANY | AS1 | no more than 35% reflective |
| Montana | 24% | 14% | 14% | AS1 | no more than 35% reflective |
| Nebraska | 35% | 20% | 20% | 5″/AS1 | no law |
| Nevada | 35% | ANY | ANY | AS1 | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| New Hampshire | NONE | 35% | 35% | 6″ | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| New Jersey | NONE | ANY | ANY | NONE | no law |
| New Mexico | 20% | 20% | 20% | 5″/AS1 | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| New York | 70% | 70% | ANY | 6″ | no more than 20% reflective |
| North Carolina | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| North Dakota | 50% | ANY | ANY | <70% | no more reflective than a standard window |
| Ohio | 50% | ANY | ANY | <70% | no more than 20% reflective |
| Oklahoma | 25% | 25% | 25% | 5″/AS1 | no more than 13% reflective |
| Oregon | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6″ | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| Pennsylvania | 70% | 70% | 70% | NONE | no law |
| Rhode Island | 70% | 70% | 70% | AS1 | must be non-reflective |
| South Carolina | 27% | 27% | 27% | AS1 | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| South Dakota | 35% | 20% | 20% | AS1 | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| Tennessee | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 | no more than 25% reflective |
| Texas | 25% | 25% | ANY | 5″/AS1 | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| Utah | 43% | ANY | ANY | AS1 | no metallic or mirrored tinting |
| Vermont | NONE | ANY | 32% | 32% | no more than 20% reflective |
| Virginia | 50% | 35% | 35% | AS1 | no more than 35% reflective |
| Washington | 24% | 24% | 24% | 6″ | no law |
| West Virginia | 35% | 35% | 35% | 5″ | 20% reflective |
| Wisconsin | 50% | 35% | 35% | AS1 | no law |
| Wyoming | 28% | 28% | 28% | 5″/AS1 | no more than 20% reflective |
Advantages and disadvantages of window tints
Installing the window tint in your automobile has some significant benefits and drawbacks. Let’s have a brief look at both.
Window tints for your vehicle can give you many advantages, like
- Dark window tints can protect you from harmful UV rays and radiation caused by direct sunlight.
- Moreover, the tint film can protect you from excessive heat and glare.
- Additionally, you can enjoy your privacy and enhance your personal preferences.
But when we discuss the drawbacks and disadvantages of window tints, you will think twice before installing these film tints.
- Dark window tints reduce the focus of the driver on the roads.
- Moreover, the window films strike the direct sunlight, affecting the driver’s mobility and activeness.
- Furthermore, the drivers cannot pay proper attention to their surroundings, which causes accidents.
- Dark tints create a cozy environment inside the car that can cause the driver dizziness.
- The dark tints are an alarming sign for security and the police wardens because the criminals can escape easily.
However, the windows tints should be installed per the directions and recommendations of the particular state and its rules for personal safety and security.
Penalty or ticket on installing window tints
You can face penalties and fines for violating the window tint laws. As we know, every state has different laws legislated for the public’s benefit. However, you will be punished if you don’t follow the rules. Moreover, the tinting violation penalty depends on the laws of the state in which you live.
For example, California allows 70% of VLT for the front side window and no restriction for the backside, and in Arizona, the VLT% for the front side window is 33 because it is a sunny state. So, it is not a wholesome story. You may face the penalty according to the state and its laws.
Medical exemptions for patients
These laws are designed for people with medical issues that make them more sensitive to light than others. People with albinism, for example, require constant sun protection. Other disorders, such as psoriasis, can affect people. While some people with psoriasis benefit from sunlight, others respond negatively to UV radiation. Furthermore, people who have erythema may also be eligible for a medical exemption. Rosacea can cause high sensitivity and skin inflammation.
However, if you are suffering from any of these, you can get an exemption letter from the director of motor vehicles. You only have to submit a written suggestion from a qualified physician that shows your skin disorder is caused by direct sunlight. You must keep this letter with you to prevent any legal dispute or harm in the future. Moreover, this exemption letter can protect you from the sun’s radiation during travel.
Different laws and regulations for window tints
When discussing the different rules and regulations for window tints, every state has specific rules for every window according to its laws. For example, some states allow tinting for the front-side windows, and others don’t allow any tint on the front side. However, before delving deep into the laws, let’s discuss the front, back, and rear windshield tints in detail.
Laws for front-side window tint
Every state has its own specific rules for specific windows of vehicles. These laws vary from state to state and are observed in compliance with that area. Moreover, in most states, front-side window tints are very restricted. Many states don’t allow tint or film on the front seat window. However, others allow a specific VLT percentage for the driver’s side window. VLT refers to the percentage of sunlight that can easily pass through the window. The lower the rate, the darker the tint.
Meanwhile, California and New York allow only 70% of VLT, which means there is a clear and bright view inside the car. The driver can focus more on a higher % of VLT rather than the darker tints. Although it is not specified in every state, some states like Arizona and Utah allow darker shades on the front side.
Exemptions in different states
The drivers can get an exemption letter if they face problems with direct sunlight and excess heat during travel. Every state has its exemption conditions. However, most of the time, medical conditions and certain specific reasons are the central point of exemptions. If any driver suffers from UV rays and radiation and cannot drive the vehicle for a long route, he can apply for an exemption letter.
Other conditions, such as eyesight issues or reflection, may cause problems while driving. So, if you have any of these issues, you can get the extensions according to your state and its laws.
Laws for back-side window tint
Regarding the backside window tints, every state has specific rules for the backside window. Some states allow any darkness from the backside; others allow tints of a particular percentage. You must consult an expert in tint in your state before installing the film on your vehicle’s windows.
For instance, California, Texas, and Ohio allow darkness in the backside window tints. Even you can use a 5% VLT tint for the backside. Meanwhile, Kansas and Washington allow 35% VLT for the backside window. However, adequate information according to the particular state laws gives you a compliance driving experience.
Laws for rear windshield tint
Laws for rear windshield tint also vary from state to state in the United States. However, you must consult an experienced film installer with adequate and up-to-date information because these tinting laws can have some changes and variations. So, an up-to-date tint maker can guide you better.
Every state has less strict rules for the back side windows than the front. However, consulting a tint maker is always better before designing your vehicle’s looks. Many states allow darker tints at the rear windshield to keep privacy and protect the passengers from harmful UV rays. Passengers feel comfortable and cozy in dark tints and non-reflecting glass at the backside.
For this instance, many states allow any darkness percentage for the rear windshield. However, the condition for both side mirrors is crucial for using dark window tints. Meanwhile, some states only allow a specific VLT percentage, which means a calculated sunlight % that can pass through the windows. Indiana allows 30% VLT for the rear windshield, whereas Michigan allows any VLT% for the rear windshield.
You can ensure your car follows the law by following your state’s requirements for rear window tinting. To take advantage of all the benefits of tinted windows, be aware of any exceptions or changes that might occur and always put safety and visibility first.
Reflections of window tints
In addition to controlling the darkness of window tint, states limit the amount of tint reflection. Tint reflection refers to the amount of light reflected off the window’s surface. Excessive reflection may interfere with the visibility of other cars on the road.
To achieve compliance with tint reflection rules, you must understand your state’s specific criteria. Some states may regulate the maximum permitted percentage of reflection, while others may ban particular types of reflective window tint.
Citations and tickets for window tint law violation
If your vehicle does not comply with specific rules and regulations of that particular state, you may face legal disputes or penalties. However, to avoid such legal complexities, follow the laws and décor your vehicle with tints according to the specified rules. Moreover, you may face these situations if you do not abide by the laws.
- The city traffic police officers have the authority to stop suspected cars on the roads that are violating the tinting laws.
- You may face a hefty fine or penalty if your law violation occurs more than two times.
- Moreover, the traffic police officer can stop your vehicle and fine you according to the severity of your violation.
- Sometimes, the officer issues you a fix-it-ticket, which means you must correct the tints within the specified time frame.
- If you don’t correct the vehicle’s tint after getting a fix-it-ticket, you may face a heavy fine, and the car may be ceased.
How do I comply with the state’s tinting rules?
Here are some tips and tricks to help you comply with the state’s rules and laws. Follow them to ease your traveling and vehicle decorations.
- Must understand the rules and regulations of that particular state. Also, be up-to-date with the changes and the state’s permissible VLT percentage for window tints.
- Before installing the tint film, consult a professional tint expert with adequate information about the window tints.
- Additionally, you must keep a medical exemption letter with you, if you have any.
- Furthermore, you must keep all the documents and certificates of the tint installer in case you face any legal issues about tinting.
- If your window tint is damaged, immediately maintain and inspect it regularly to avoid any hurdles.
- Always stay informed about the changes in VLT% of your state to protect yourself from any penalty or fine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, window tint laws by state are different and vary from state to state. However, the advantages of tints, like UV protection, heat and glare protection, and privacy, are on the top, but you must follow the laws according to the state. These specific rules are required for public security and road safety. Moreover, personal preferences should comply with the state’s regulations to avoid mishaps and penalties.
Meanwhile, the car tints look fabulous and attractive on the vehicle, but adhering to the state rules and regulations can save you time and money. However, the exemptions and the excesses will be granted if you face any disability or disease with direct sunlight. while installing the tint films, you must know the specific rules of that particular state and the exemptions and conditions to enjoy your travel without any hurdles.