Any car owner who appreciates the look and performance of their car should be aware of the legal background of window tinting. Navigating the many laws from several states, each with its own restrictions on the acceptable tint levels, can be a challenge. This thorough guide is your key to knowing these rules, making sure your window tint adheres to state legislation, and keeping your automobile looking good.
Why is window tint regulated, and what is it?
Window tinting is applying a thin layer to the glass surfaces of automobile windows. Its main goal is to reduce visible light and ultraviolet (UV) radiation entering the windows. The tint level—described as a percentage of Visible Light Transmission (VLT)—determines how much light passes through the glass. The VLT percentages needed for the front, side, back, and windshield windows differ across states.
More crucially than only safeguarding your privacy, rules are in place to guarantee your safety and the safety of all other road users. These rules provide for window tinting while ensuring that drivers have adequate visibility for safe driving.
Knowing VLT and Other Essential Tinting Terminology
Understanding the basic terminology used in tint regulations is essential before delving into particular state laws:
- The percentage of visible light that can enter your car through its windows is the VLT% (Visible Light Transmission). The tint is darker with lower VLT%.
- The VLT% permitted on your car's driver and front passenger windows is called the front-side window tint level.
- The permitted VLT% for the back passenger windows of your car is called the rear-side window tint level.
- Tint level of the rear window: This shows the permitted VLT% of the rear window.
- Windshield: The rules are more stringent here; most states forbid tinting below the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- AS-1 Line Typically seen on windshields, this line indicates how much tint can be applied.
State-by-State Examination of Tint Laws
Examining the differences in tint laws among all states:
| State | Front Glass | Rear Glass Sides | Rear Glass Window | Windshield |
| Alabama | 32% | 32% | 32% | 6" |
| Alaska | 70% | 40% | 30% | 5" |
| Arizona | 33% | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| Arkansas | 25% | 25% | 10% | 5" |
| California | 70% | ANY | ANY | 4" |
| Colorado | 27% | 27% | 27% | 4" |
| Connecticut | 35% | 35% | ANY | AS1 |
| Delaware | 70% | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| District of Columbia | 70% | 50% | 50% | 5"/AS1 |
| Florida | 28% | 15% | 15% | AS1 |
| Georgia | 32% | 32% | 32% | 6" |
| Hawaii | 32% | 35% | 35% | 70% Light |
| Idaho | 35% | 20% | 35% | AS1 |
| Illinois | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6" |
| Indiana | 30% | 30% | 30% | AS1 |
| Iowa | 70% | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| Kansas | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| Kentucky | 35% | 18% | 18% | AS1 |
| Louisiana | 40% | 25% | 12% | AS1 |
| Maine | 35% | ANY | ANY | 4" |
| Maryland | 35% | 35% | 35% | 5" |
| Massachusetts | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6" |
| Michigan | 4" | ANY | ANY | 4" |
| Minnesota | 50% | 50% | 50% | NONE |
| Mississippi | 28% | 28% | 28% | AS1 |
| Missouri | 35% | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| Montana | 24% | 14% | 14% | AS1 |
| Nebraska | 35% | 20% | 20% | 5"/AS1 |
| Nevada | 35% | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| New Hampshire | NONE | 35% | 35% | 6" |
| New Jersey | NONE | ANY | ANY | NONE |
| New Mexico | 20% | 20% | 20% | 5"/AS1 |
| New York | 70% | 70% | ANY | 6" |
| North Carolina | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| North Dakota | 50% | ANY | ANY | <70% |
| Ohio | 50% | ANY | ANY | <70% |
| Oklahoma | 25% | 25% | 25% | 5"/AS1 |
| Oregon | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6" |
| Pennsylvania | 70% | 70% | 70% | NONE |
| Rhode Island | 70% | 70% | 70% | AS1 |
| South Carolina | 27% | 27% | 70% | AS1 |
| South Dakota | 35% | 20% | 27% | AS1 |
| Tennessee | 35% | 35% | 20% | AS1 |
| Texas | 25% | 25% | 35% | 5"/AS1 |
| Utah | 43% | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| Vermont | NONE | ANY | 32% | 32% |
| Virginia | 50% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| Washington | 24% | 24% | 24% | 6" |
| West Virginia | 35% | 35% | 35% | 5" |
| Wisconsin | 50% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| Wyoming | 28% | 28% | 28% | 5"/AS1 |
Windows Tinting Medical Exemptions
Many states have medical exemptions from their usual tinting laws. Darker hues may be used by those with conditions that make them light-sensitive. Generally, such people must have supporting paperwork, such as a doctor's letter, to help the exemption.
Window Tinting Advantages Continued Legally
Window tinting not only enhances the look of your car but also offers a range of practical benefits:
- Lower UV Radiation: Tints block up to 99% of UV radiation, shielding passengers and keeping the car's interior from deteriorating.
- Extra Privacy and Security: Tinted windows give additional privacy, making it difficult for others to see inside the automobile.
- Increased Energy Efficiency: Window tints lessen the demand for air conditioning by keeping interior temperatures cooler.
Wrap-up
Understanding and abiding by your state's window tint regulations is not just about safety and legal compliance, it's also about respecting your own aesthetic and personal preferences. Whether you live in icy Alaska or sunny California, understanding the particular laws can enable you to make wise window tinting choices. To enjoy the advantages of hassle-free window tinting, always remember to balance legal requirements with your own aesthetic and personal preferences. Your choices matter.
FAQ Questions
Q: Can I tint my windows legally?
A: Yes, if it complies with the particular VLT% regulations in your state.
Q: Darkest legal tint: what is it?
A: The states differ on this. For instance, limo tint, or 5% tint, is permitted on specific windows in some states.
Q: In what ways do law enforcement officials check the legality of window tint?
A: At traffic stops, police measure the VLT% of window tints using instruments called tint meters.