One common way to customize vehicles is by adding tinted windows, which add a sleek look to your car, enhance privacy, and help reduce glare and heat. Familiarize yourself with the window tint laws in your state to avoid fines and keep your vehicle legal.
According to zippia.com, the most popular places for window tinting jobs can be found in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Oklahoma. Some states allow windshield tint strips. Keep in mind that the legally permissible width and darkness of the strip differ by state.
In this article, you will learn more about window tint laws and their legal implications and restrictions.
Overview of Window Tint Laws
Window tinting is regulated by law, and each state has different rules. Understand these laws before tinting your car windows. Every state has its rules about how dark the tint can be, based on the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage.
The windshield has stricter rules compared to the side and rear windows. Some states allow a lighter tint on the front windows while permitting much darker tints on the rear. When selecting your tint, be aware of the legal limits to avoid being fined or having to remove it.
Some states grant exemptions for certain medical conditions, allowing people with specific health issues to apply for darker tints.
Find a professional installer who understands your state’s regulations to help you stay compliant.
Common Violations and Penalties
Penalties for not following window tint laws vary from state to state. You could face fines that range from a small amount to several hundred dollars, depending on how serious the violation is.
In some places, police may give you a warning for a first offense, with repeat offenses resulting in harsher consequences.
According to Santa Fe car accident attorney Joleen K. Youngers, other penalties could include mandatory vehicle inspections or having to remove illegal tint. In rare cases, some states allow police to issue tickets for illegal tint, which can lead to demerit points on your driving record and higher insurance rates.
Some states may even be able to impound your vehicle until you have complied with the local tint laws.
Having an illegal tint can complicate selling your car. Potential buyers may hesitate to purchase the vehicle if they see that the tint is against the law.
Understanding and following your state’s window tint laws can help you avoid these serious problems. Ignoring the rules could end up costing you much more in the long run.
State-Specific Legal Limits
Every area has its own legal limits for window tints, resulting in different regulations across the country.
In California, it is required that front-side windows allow 70 percent VLT, while rear windows must allow 50 percent VLT. In Florida, front-side windows must have at least 28 percent VLT. New York has stricter rules, with the front windows not allowed to exceed 70 percent VLT.
Check which types of tinting materials are permitted. Some states ban reflective tints, and others have strict rules about colors.
Tips for Compliance
You can look up window tint laws on your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. The website will point out the specifics of tint percentages and other requirements that are allowed in your state.
During window tint installations, ask questions concerning the VLT percentage of the tint you’re looking at to assure legality.
After installation, you may want to keep some documentation regarding the specification of your tint. This might be useful should you ever be stopped by law enforcement or questioned about your tint.
If you are still not sure if your tint is legally acceptable, have your vehicle inspected for compliance. Some regions provide legal inspections to know whether your tinting is legal.
Strictly adhering to these steps lets you enjoy the benefits of having your car’s window tinted.
Resources for Further Information
The International Window Film Association’s (IWFA) website is an excellent source of information for window tints. They have a guide on tinting laws state by state and keep track of the changes in legislation. The website explains the benefits of window tinting.
Do not hesitate to reach out to local agencies for clarification and more information on enforcement actions and penalties.
Online forums and communities devoted to automotive modification may offer personal experiences or valuable advice from other enthusiasts. Online sources are not foolproof, so any relevant information should always be verified for accuracy.
