Did you know that automotive tinting film has a $6.65 million market size?
The popularity of tinted car windows has risen in the last two decades. Not only do they make your driving experience more pleasant, but they also add an air of luxury to any car. However, the legality of tinted windows can be somewhat uncertain, depending on where you live.
For this reason, we’ve put together a brief guide to driving with dark-tinted windows. Read on to learn about legal auto window tint laws across the country.
Amount of Visible Light
States have laws limiting the amount of visible light blocked with auto window tint material. Most states have a limit of 50% for the visible light transmittance (VLT) of a tinted window. This means that 50% of available sunlight will pass through the tint.
Exceeding the VLT limit can result in a traffic violation and a fine. Different states have different definitions of VLT. Motorists must be aware of regulations in their area.
Additionally, some states have more restrictions on the percentage level for back windows. It’s important to look for a professional automotive window tinting service and understand legal tint laws. They should also ensure the tint applied to the vehicle meets the legal requirements to save themselves from getting a fine.
Type of Film Used
Understanding legal auto window tint law is vital to owning and operating a vehicle. The law regulates the amount of darkness and reflectivity of the tint used for car windows.
The type of film used determines many legal guidelines and can depend on the state or country you live in. The front windshield may be tinted, but not to an excessive degree.
Side and rear windows are typically allowed to be darker. Certain types of film are designed to block out UV rays. Others may give more or less visibility.
Regardless, all window tints must meet the standards the state governing body sets to be legal. By educating yourself about the law in your area and the type of film used for your windows, you can ensure that all your auto window tinting is legal and safe.
Medical-Related Tinting
Understanding the legal laws regarding auto window tinting in the United States is essential. State laws can vary regarding the type of tint that is allowed and the amount of tint that is allowed. Generally speaking, states enable windows to be tinted as long as the amount of tint does not exceed the maximum tint percentage allowed.
For medical-related tinting, which is used to reduce bright lights for those with medical conditions of the eyes, many states give exceptions and allow for a more significant amount of tint than the common law specifies.
However, other rules, such as specific windows needing to remain untinted, may apply even in cases of medical-related tinting. Generally, checking with local regulations and verifying any applicable exceptions before tinting is wise.
AS-1 line
In most states, the legal VLT limit for the AS1 line (windshield top) is 30%. You can only tint your windshield to 30% VLT or more.
Exceeding the VLT percentage limit is illegal and often carries a fine. In addition, each state may have specific laws regarding window tint, such as placing a sticker or label stipulating the VLT percentage allowed.
It’s essential to research the laws for your state and be aware of the tint limits. Failing to adhere to the VLT percentage requirement may result in a citation or a fine.
Aftermarket Tinting Material
Aftermarket tinting material is an efficient and cost-effective way to improve the appearance of a car while providing privacy, additional UV protection, and Solar Heat Rejection. However, many states and local jurisdictions have window tint laws for applying aftermarket window tinting material to ensure that the tint is not too dark.
For example, in Oregon, all window tinting material applied must allow at least 27% of light to pass through the material on the side and rear windshields and 35% on all other windows.
Additionally, only tint material that complies with the Department of Transportation regulations can be used. By being aware of local laws, drivers who use aftermarket tinting material can ensure that their windows do not violate any of these regulations.
The Reflectivity of the Tinting
Legal auto window tint laws vary from state to state. Generally, regulations regarding window tinting reflectance will set a maximum percentage of what is allowable on each window.
The windows on the vehicle’s driver’s side (excluding the windshield) are often limited to no less than 35% reflected light for both the front window and rear windows. Similarly, the windows on the passenger’s side of the vehicle are limited to 25% of reflected light.
These laws are in place to ensure the safety of the driver and any passengers, as a window that is too darkly tinted can impair the visibility of the driver’s surroundings and the view of those outside the vehicle, leading to potential accidents.
Cant Extend More Than Five Inches
In most states, you cannot extend your window tint beyond five inches from the top of the car window, as measured from the uppermost part of the glass. This rule applies to all windows except for the topmost part of the windshield.
Typically, the higher the percentage, the less dark the tint. Additionally, many states have laws that specify the amount of tint a driver can apply to the rear windshield.
Individuals found violating such laws may receive a ticket and be fined. Drivers need to stay informed of the tint laws in their local area to ensure they are following safety regulations.
Analyzing Different Window Tint Laws
Each state has laws and regulations regarding the legal level for window tinting on automobiles. To stay on the right side of the law, contact your local DMV for specific information related to the regulations. Keep your car safe and legal by understanding applicable car window tint laws.
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