Car window tinting is today one of the most popular modifications drivers are applying to their vehicles. It includes a lot of benefits, among which protecting the passengers from the harmful effects of UV rays and increasing privacy. Moreover, tinting your windows can add aesthetic value to your car and improve its look.
However, there are laws and regulations that any driver should be aware of when deciding to modify their car. These policies vary from state to state and they can be quite confusing if you have never looked into it before.
Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of tinting your car windows, the limitations that you might be facing, and how the laws change in different states. So, you can have a stress-free window-tinting experience!
Quick Navigation
- Things to Know When Tinting Your Window
- Where You Live Can Make A Difference
- Be Aware of The Terminology
- Vlt%
- Front-Side Window Tint Level
- Rear-Side Window Tint Level
- Rear Window Tint Level
- Windshield
- Color
- As-1 Line
- Tint Percentages
- Know Your Car Model
- Exceptions
- Tinting Laws and Regulations by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Pros and Cons of Tinting Your Window
- Benefits
- Increased Privacy of the Vehicle
- Lowers the Internal Temperature of Your Car
- The Tint Can Block UV Rays
- The Film or Tint Can Strengthen Your Windows
- Protects Your Car’s Interiors
- Drawbacks
- Reduced Visibility
- Legal Issues
- Benefits
- Costs and Processes
- Costs
- Where and How to Get Your Window Tinted
- Conclusion
Things to Know When Tinting Your Window
U.S. states boast different laws and regulations that can make the life of drivers more difficult than expected. Moreover, the policies regarding the tinting quality, processes, and percentages can change depending on what window you are willing to tint.
Being aware of some factors such as the terminology used, what the percentages refer to and how your address can change the limitations you will have to face can help you navigate among the laws.
Where You Live Can Make A Difference
States’ laws are primarily concerned with ensuring that your driving experience is completely safe. By darkening your front window, you might be compromising your ability to see the road, possible obstacles, and pedestrians.
While complying with these regulations can take quite a bit of research, you should inform yourself about what the limits are to avoid modifying your car into an unsafe vehicle.
Moreover, while privacy is arguably the main reason for drivers to modify their car windows look, some States prefer to guarantee a higher level of safety for the public. Therefore, they require the driver and front passenger to be visible by cameras and officers.
This can seldom represent an annoyance for any car owner that decides to tint their car’s windows but failing to become knowledgeable about these restrictions can create misunderstanding with law enforcement officers.
Ultimately, States tend to embrace laws that reflect the local environment. In sunnier, hotter places you will be able to tint your windows darker. In areas famous for poor visibility or weather conditions, it is required for any driver to have optimal visibility of the road and surroundings.
Be Aware of The Terminology
While you will most likely get to know these terms when going through your car windows tinting process, being aware of the current terminology can help you decide in advance your budget and vehicle’s look.
If you are personally looking into the laws of your state, learning these terms can help you decipher what the different requirements mean. Let’s have a look at the most common terms.
Vlt%
“Visible Light Transmission” percentage: this is the general unit of measure of window tints. It represents the percentage of visible light that can penetrate through the film or window. The lower this percentage is, the less light can get through the tint, the darker your windows will look.
Front-Side Window Tint Level
The VLT percentage you are allowed on your front-side window. This is the window you and your front passengers are looking at while driving or in the car. Often, this percentage is higher than for the rear window, as it allows the driver to see the road and, vice-versa, be seen from the outside.
Rear-Side Window Tint Level
This is the VLT percentage you are allowed on your rear-side window. It is usually lower than the front window, meaning that the tint can be darker. The required value can differ for multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) and vans.
Rear Window Tint Level
This VLT percentage specifies the amount of tint you can apply on your rear window. It is often the same as the rear side window for a better aesthetic effect, but in some states, the regulations can be stricter.
Windshield
It cannot be tinted in the U.S., but you will be able to apply stickers in some states in the area already marked by the manufacturer’s sun shield.
Color
Tint’s colors or finishes (reflective or mirrored) can vary greatly from State to State. Some areas don’t have color limitations as far as you are only tinting following the restrictions regarding VLT%.
As-1 Line
This line is drawn from the letters AS-1 which you can notice on the windshield of your vehicle. It runs parallel to the top of the mirror and it’s roughly 5 inches wide. State laws regarding the tinting of this line vary.
Tint Percentages
If you are in the process of examining the laws that apply to your area, you will have noticed that the restrictions are expressed in percentages. As we have already seen, that percentage indicates the amount of visible light that is able to penetrate the window after applying the tint.
Generally, the lower the percentage is, the darker your windows will be. These percentages can vary depending on what window you are taking into consideration. Often, the rear and rear-side windows are allowed lower percentages than the front windows. This is for safety and privacy reasons.
A different value expressed in percentages is the reflectivity. This indicates the amount of light that is reflected by the newly tinted windows. Often this percentage cannot exceed 35%.
Know Your Car Model
After checking all the regulations and laws that apply in your local area, you will have to have a look at the type of vehicle you are willing to tint. Cars and passenger vehicles have different restrictions from multi-purpose vehicles and vans. Moreover, there are laws applying exclusively to SUVs.
If you are planning to move from a state to another, it is recommended to wait until you have moved there before starting to modify your car. If you are buying an SUV with tinted windows, make sure it is legal to be driven in the other state.
Since this can represent a major investment, you might want to consider buying your car in the state you are moving into. This will eliminate all doubts and stress related to your car’s specifications.
Exceptions
Many states apply exceptions to the restrictions and laws regarding car windows tinting for medical conditions. These are conditions that can increase the damage of UV rays on the skin and eyes of the patient.
If you believe you are affected by one of these health conditions, you will be able to request a permit that allows you to tint your car windows darker. Let’s have a look at the most common conditions that can require darker tints.
- Melanoma
- Psoriasis
- Solar Urticaria
- Dermatomyositis
Other less common health conditions such as Pellagra and Bloom syndrome can also require different adaptations of the laws. However, anybody affected by these anomalies should be carrying appropriate documentation with them at all times. These permits should specify:
- Name and specifications of the medically diagnosed condition, certified by a professional.
- Allowedduration of daily UV exposure and the maximum UV amount.
- Specifications of the vehicle to which the exemptions are applied.
If you are modifying your car due to medical conditions, it is recommended to get your car inspected and certified by professionals. The strength and quality of the tint can also be tested through photometers. To reach out for help, get in touch with the department of motor vehicles in your state.
Tinting Laws and Regulations by State
We have mentioned that laws can vary greatly depending on the state you are in. here we are going to have a look in detail at the requirements of the different areas and how to approach them. Aside from VLT percentages, some states apply other restrictions that any driver should be aware of.
Alabama
Alabama tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 32%
- Back Side Windows: 32%
- Rear Windows: 32%
- Windshield: 6 inches
- Reflectivity percentage: 20% or less
- Side mirror restrictions: no restrictions
- Color restrictions: no restrictions
- Medical exemptions: allowed for tint
Alaska
Alaska tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 70%
- Back Side Windows: 40%
- Rear Windows: 40%
- Windshield: 5 inches
- Reflectivity: no metallic and mirrored tints allowed
- Side mirror restrictions: no restriction
- Color restrictions: no red, yellow, and amber allowed
- Medical exemptions: allowed, but they need to be renewed annually
Arizona
Arizona tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 33%
- Back Side Windows: Any
- Rear Windows: Any
- Windshield: AS-1-line tinting allowed (complying with manufacturer’s measurements.)
- Reflectivity: lower than 35%
- Side mirror restrictions: dual side mirrors needed
- Color restrictions: red and amber not allowed
- Medical exemptions: not specified
Arkansas
Arkansas tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 25%
- Back Side Windows: 25%
- Rear Windows: 10%
- Windshield: 5 inches
- Reflectivity: no metallic/mirrored tints
- Side mirror restrictions: not specified
- Color restrictions: not specified
- Medical exemptions: need to be carried along with a physician’s certification within the vehicle.
California
California tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 70%
- Back Side Windows: Any
- Rear Windows: Any
- Windshield: 4 inches
- Reflectivity: no more reflective than a standard window
- Side mirror restrictions: dual side mirrors needed
- Color restrictions: red, amber, and blue not allowed, the side windows must be colorless.
- Medical exemptions: not specified
Colorado
Colorado tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 27%
- Back Side Windows: 27%
- Rear Windows: 27%
- Windshield: 4 inches
- Reflectivity: no metallic/mirrored
- Side mirror restrictions: double side mirror required
- Color restrictions: red and amber not allowed
- Medical exemptions: does not allow medical exemptions.
Connecticut
Connecticut tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 35%
- Back Side Windows: 35%
- Rear Windows: Any
- Windshield: as-1 line and above (not reflective)
- Reflectivity: no more than 21% reflective
- Side mirror restrictions: double side mirrors required
- Color restrictions: all colors permitted
- Medical exemptions: VLT 20% modification allowed
Delaware
Delaware tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 70%
- Back Side Windows: Any
- Rear Windows: Any
- Windshield: as-1 line and above (nonreflective)
- Reflectivity: no metallic/ mirrored
- Side mirror restrictions: none
- Color restrictions: none
- Medical exemptions: not specified
Florida
Florida tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 28%
- Back Side Windows: 15%
- Rear Windows: 15%
- Windshield: AS-1 line and above (nonreflective)
- Reflectivity: no more than 25% reflective
- Side mirror restrictions: double side mirrors needed
- Color restrictions: no colored tints allowed
- Medical exemptions: allowed
Georgia
Georgia tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 32%
- Back Side Windows: 32%
- Rear Windows: 32%
- Windshield: 6 inches
- Reflectivity: lower than 20%
- Side mirror restrictions: no restrictions
- Color restrictions: red and amber not allowed
- Medical exemptions: special permit required
Hawaii
Hawaii tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 35%
- Back Side Windows: 35%
- Rear Windows: 35%
- Windshield: must allow 70% of light
- Reflectivity: no metallic/mirrored
- Side mirror restrictions: no restriction
- Color restrictions: no restriction
- Medical exemptions: no medical exemptions
Idaho
Idaho tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 35%
- Back Side Windows: 20%
- Rear Windows: 35%
- Windshield: Tinting of the AS-1 line allowed
- Reflectivity: no more than 35% reflective
- Side mirror restrictions: double side mirrored required
- Color restrictions: no restrictions
- Medical exemptions: allowed
Illinois
Illinois tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 35%
- Back Side Windows: 35%
- Rear Windows: 35%
- Windshield: 6 inches
- Reflectivity: not allowed.
- Side mirror restrictions: double side mirrors required
- Color restrictions: no restrictions
- Medical exemptions: not specified
Indiana
Indiana tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 30%
- Back Side Windows: 30%
- Rear Windows: 30%
- Windshield: Above AS-1 line
- Reflectivity: no more than 25% reflective
- Side mirror restrictions: not specified
- Color restrictions: not specified
- Medical exemptions: not specified
Iowa
Iowa tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 70%
- Back Side Windows: Any
- Rear Windows: Any
- Windshield: Above AS-1 line
- Reflectivity: no excessive reflections allowed
- Side mirror restrictions: no restriction
- Color restrictions: no restriction
- Medical exemptions: not allowed since 2012
Kansas
Kansas tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 35%
- Back Side Windows: 35%
- Rear Windows: 35%
- Windshield: Above AS-1 line
- Reflectivity: no metallic or mirrored tinting
- Side mirror restrictions: double mirrors required
- Color restrictions: amber, red, and yellow not allowed
- Medical exemptions: Kansas laws do not allow medical exceptions.
Kentucky
Kentucky tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 35%
- Back Side Windows: 18%
- Rear Windows: 18%
- Windshield: Above AS-1 line
- Reflectivity: below 25%
- Side mirror restrictions: no restriction
- Color restrictions: no restriction
- Medical exemptions: not specified
Louisiana
Louisiana tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 40%
- Back Side Windows: 25%
- Rear Windows: 12%
- Windshield: Above AS-1 line
- Reflectivity: below 20%
- Side mirror restrictions: no restriction
- Color restrictions: red and amber not permitted
- Medical exemptions: does not allow medical exemptions
Maine
Maine tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 35%
- Back Side Windows:Any
- Rear Windows:Any
- Windshield: 4inches
- Reflectivity:non-reflective
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed
- Colorrestrictions: No specific colors are prohibited.
- Medicalexemptions: granted by the Chief of the State Police.
Maryland
Maryland tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 35%
- Back SideWindows: 35%
- Rear Windows:35%
- Windshield: 5inches
- Reflectivity:not specified
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed
- Colorrestrictions: red, yellow, and amber not allowed
- Medicalexemptions: not allowed
Massachusetts
Massachusetts tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 35%
- Back SideWindows: 35%
- Rear Windows:35%
- Windshield: 6inches
- Reflectivity:below 35%
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors are required
- Colorrestrictions: No colors are prohibited
- Medicalexemptions: medical exemptions can be granted
Michigan
Michigan tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: any (only 4 inches from the top of the window)
- Back SideWindows: any
- Rear Windows:any
- Windshield: 5inches
- Reflectivity:below 35%
- Side mirrorrestrictions: not specified
- Color restrictions:all tints are allowed
- Medicalexemptions: Medical exemptions can be granted.
Minnesota
Minnesota tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 50%
- Back SideWindows: 50%
- Rear Windows:50%
- Windshield:none allowed
- Reflectivity:below 20%
- Side mirrorrestrictions: not specified
- Colorrestrictions: No colors are restricted
- Medicalexemptions: It allows medical exemptions for special tint.
Mississippi
Mississippi tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 28%
- Back Side Windows: 28%
- Rear Windows: 28%
- Windshield: AS-1 and above (manufacturer’s line)
- Reflectivity: no more than 20% reflective
- Side mirror restrictions: not specified
- Color restrictions: No colors are restricted
- Medical exemptions: not specified
Missouri
Missouri tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 35%
- Back SideWindows: Any
- Rear Windows:Any
- Windshield:AS-1 and above (manufacturer’s line)
- Reflectivity:No more than 35% allowed
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors required if the backside glass is tinted
- Colorrestrictions: No colors are prohibited
- Medicalexemptions: The State allows for a 3% variation of the VLT limits
Montana
Montana tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 24%
- Back SideWindows: 14%
- Rear Windows:14%
- Windshield:AS-1 and above (manufacturer’s line)
- Reflectivity:No more than 35% allowed
- Side mirrorrestrictions: no restrictions
- Colorrestrictions: amber, red and yellow tints are not permitted in the state
- Medicalexemptions: The state allows for medical exemptions, but fines for notcomplying with the law can be as high as $500
Nebraska
Nebraska tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 35%
- Back SideWindows: 20%
- Rear Windows:20%
- Windshield: 5inches/ AS-1 line
- Reflectivity:only below 35%
- Side mirrorrestrictions: no restrictions specified
- Colorrestrictions: red, amber, and yellow tinting colors are not permitted in thisstate.
- Medicalexemptions: Nebraska does not allow any medical exemptions.
Nevada
Nevada tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 35%
- Back SideWindows: Any
- Rear Windows:Any
- Windshield:AS-1 and above (manufacturer’s line)
- Reflectivity:no specifications
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed
- Colorrestrictions: red and amber colors not permitted
- Medicalexemptions: the state allows for medical exemptions.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: no tinting allowed
- Back SideWindows: 35%
- Rear Windows:35%
- Windshield: 6inches
- Reflectivity:metallic / mirror tints prohibited
- Side mirror restrictions:double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Colorrestrictions: No colors are prohibited in New Hampshire
- Medicalexemptions: The state allows for medical exemptions for the windshield tinting.
New Jersey
New Jersey tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: no tinting allowed
- Back SideWindows: any
- Rear Windows:any
- Windshield: notinting allowed
- Reflectivity:metallic / mirror tints prohibited
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Colorrestrictions: No colors are banned,
- Medicalexemptions: special tints can be requested due to proven specific medicalconditions. Fines can be as high as $5000 for repeated offenses.
New Mexico
New Mexico tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 20%
- Back SideWindows: 20%
- Rear Windows:20%
- Windshield: 5inches / AS-1 line (manufacturer’s line)
- Reflectivity:no law
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Colorrestrictions: amber, red and yellow colors are not permitted in the state
- Medicalexemptions: Medical exemptions are allowed for special tints.
New York
New York tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 70%
- Back SideWindows: 70%
- Rear Windows:any
- Windshield: 6inches
- Reflectivity:metallic / mirror tints prohibited
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Colorrestrictions: No colors are prohibited
- Medicalexemptions: medical exemptions are allowed for special tints
North Carolina
North Carolina tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 35%
- Back SideWindows: 35%
- Rear Windows:35%
- Windshield:allowed up until the manufacturer’s line
- Reflectivity:below 20%
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Colorrestrictions: red, amber and yellow are not permitted
- Medicalexemptions: not specified, but a 3% variance on the VLT limit is allowed inthis state.
North Dakota
North Dakota tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 50%
- Back SideWindows: any
- Rear Windows:any
- Windshield:below 70% VLT
- Reflectivity:metallic / mirror tints prohibited
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Colorrestrictions: There are no color restrictions
- Medicalexemptions: North Dakota no longer accepts medical exemptions.
Ohio
Ohio tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 50%
- Back SideWindows: any
- Rear Windows:any
- Windshield:below 70% VLT allowed
- Reflectivity:no more reflective than a standard window.
- Side mirrorrestrictions: not specified
- Colorrestrictions: Local laws don’t mention any prohibited colors
- Medicalexemptions: no mention of allowances for medical exemptions. Fines can be up to$120.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 25%
- Back SideWindows: 25%
- Rear Windows:25%
- Windshield: 5inches on manufacturer’s line
- Reflectivity:below 20% allowed
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Color restrictions:No prohibitions on the colors mentioned.
- Medicalexemptions: Oklahoma allows for medical exemptions.
Oregon
Oregon tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 35%
- Back SideWindows: 35%
- Rear Windows:35%
- Windshield: 6inches
- Reflectivity:below 13% VLT allowed
- Side mirror restrictions:double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Colorrestrictions: Red, green, yellow, black and amber tints are not allowed.
- Medicalexemptions: Oregon allows darker tints for medical exemptions. Fines can be ashigh as $360.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 70%
- Back SideWindows: 70%
- Rear Windows:70%
- Windshield: notallowed
- Reflectivity:metallic and mirrored tints are prohibited
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Color restrictions:not specified
- Medicalexemptions: not specified
Rhode Island
Rhode Island tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 70%
- Back SideWindows: 70%
- Rear Windows:70%
- Windshield:manufacturer’s line and above tinting allowed
- Reflectivity:no law
- Side mirrorrestrictions: No other restrictions
- Colorrestrictions: all colors allowed
- Medicalexemptions: not specified. Fines can be as high as $250 per offense.
South Carolina
South Carolina tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 27%
- Back SideWindows: 27%
- Rear Windows:27%
- Windshield:manufacturer’s line and above tinting allowed
- Reflectivity:not allowed
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Colorrestrictions: Tinting in amber, yellow, and red colors are not allowed.
- Medicalexemptions: South Carolina allows medical exemptions for special tint. Finescan be as high as 200 and include 30 days in prison.
South Dakota
South Dakota tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 35%
- Back SideWindows: 20%
- Rear Windows:20%
- Windshield:allowed above the manufacturer’s line
- Reflectivity:metallic and mirrored tints are prohibited
- Side mirrorrestrictions: There are no restrictions on mirrors
- Colorrestrictions: There are no restrictions on colors
- Medicalexemptions: South Dakota does not allow for any medical exemptions, but theState allows for a variance of 6% on the VLT limit.
Tennessee
Tennessee tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 35%
- Back SideWindows: 35%
- Rear Windows:35%
- Windshield:allowed above the manufacturer’s line
- Reflectivity:metallic and mirrored tints are prohibited
- Side mirrorrestrictions: There are no restrictions on mirrors
- Colorrestrictions: There are no restrictions on colors
- Medicalexemptions: The state allows medical exemptions for special tint.
Texas
Texas tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 25%
- Back SideWindows: 25%
- Rear Windows:any
- Windshield: 5inches or manufacturer’s line
- Reflectivity:below 25% VLT reflectivity
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Colorrestrictions: amber, blue, and red colors are not allowed.
- Medicalexemptions: not specified
Utah
Utah tint laws:
- Front Side Windows:43%
- Back SideWindows: any
- Rear Windows:any
- Windshield:tinting allowed above the manufacturer’s line
- Reflectivity:metallic and mirrored tints are prohibited
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Colorrestrictions: There are no restrictions on colors
- Medicalexemptions: medical exceptions can be granted.
Vermont
Vermont tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: no tinting is allowed in Vermont
- Back SideWindows: any
- Rear Windows:any
- Windshield:tinting allowed above the manufacturer’s line
- Reflectivity:metallic and mirrored tinting is prohibited
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Colorrestrictions: there are no restrictions on colors
- Medicalexemptions: medical exceptions can be granted to darker the tint.
Virginia
Virginia tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 50%
- Back SideWindows: 35%
- Rear Windows:35%
- Windshield:tinting allowed above the manufacturer’s line
- Reflectivity:below 20% VLT allowed
- Side mirrorrestrictions: not specified
- Colorrestrictions: red, amber, and yellow colored tints are prohibited
- Medicalexemptions: special tints permits can be obtained with medical exemptions.
Washington
Washington tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 24%
- Back SideWindows: 24%
- Rear Windows:24%
- Windshield: 6inches
- Reflectivity:below 35% VLT allowed
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Colorrestrictions: red, green, yellow, black and amber tints are not allowed.
- Medicalexemptions: not specified
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 70%
- Back SideWindows: 50% (cars), 35% (MPV)
- Rear Windows:50% (cars), 35% (MPV)
- Windshield: 5inches or manufacturer’s line
- Reflectivity:not specified
- Side mirrorrestrictions: not specified
- Colorrestrictions: no restriction specified
- Medicalexemptions: medical waivers are permitted. Fines can be as high as $1000
West Virginia
West Virginia tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 35%
- Back SideWindows: 35%
- Rear Windows:35%
- Windshield: 5inches
- Reflectivity:up to 35% reflective allowed
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Colorrestrictions: Colored tints in amber, red, and yellow are not allowed.
- Medicalexemptions: It allows medical waivers for special tints. Fines can be ashigh as $200
Wisconsin
Wisconsin tint laws:
- Front SideWindows: 50%
- Back SideWindows: 35%
- Rear Windows:35%
- Windshield:tinting allowed above the manufacturer’s line
- Reflectivity:not specified
- Side mirrorrestrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Color restrictions:there are no restrictions on colors
- Medicalexemptions: Medical waivers can be required for a darker tint. The State allowsfor a 3% variance on the VLT limit.
Wyoming
Wyoming tint laws:
- Front Side Windows: 28%
- Back Side Windows: 28%
- Rear Windows: 28%
- Windshield: 5 inches or manufacturer’s line
- Reflectivity: up to 25% reflectivity allowed
- Side mirror restrictions: double side mirrors needed if the backside windows are tinted
- Color restrictions: no red, yellow, and amber tints can be used on the windshield. Any color can be used in the other windows.
- Medical exemptions: darker tints can be obtained with medical exemption documentation.
Pros and Cons of Tinting Your Window
Tinting your car’s windows can have a number of benefits, aside from improving the look of your car. However, the process of modifying your car can be fairly confusing and will require research and knowledge. It is important to fully understand the pros and cons of tinting your car’s windows before undertaking the makeover.
Benefits
Increased Privacy of the Vehicle
Often used by corporate drivers, tintedcar windows improve the quality of the privacy your vehicle can offer you. For business cars, it is important to protect the whereabouts of their clients.Similarly, to limousines, when dealing with the public is essential to maintaina low profile.
For your private car, you can decide howimportant privacy is for you while driving or when your car is parked in theparking lot. However, it has been seen that darkened windows can act as adeterrent for thieves.
In fact, since they would not be able tosee in your car, there are fewer chances that they will try a break-in. In caseyou are carrying valuables in your car, this can be the perfect solution foryou.
Lowers the Internal Temperature of Your Car
Especially if you live in a hot climate’sstate such as Mexico or California, you will be familiar with the temperaturesyour car can reach when it has been left under the sun for hours. However, itis not always possible to find a parking space in the shadow. If you are usingyour car for daily activities or to commute to work, you might want to considertinting your car windows to lower the car.
This has been proven to be an extremelyeffective way to maintain your car cooler during long exposures to sun and heat.
The Tint Can Block UV Rays
Nowadays we are all aware of the damagingeffects of UV rays not only for our skin and eyes but also for the interiors ofour vehicles. If you tend to use your car for long journeys during hours ofdaytime, you will want to consider tinting your car windows. It has in factbeen seen that they can block up to 99% of UV rays, protecting both you and theinteriors of your car.
The Film or Tint Can Strengthen Your Windows
It is fairly common in America having torepair or replace some of your car windows because they have been damaged by arock or pebble. If you are often driving through countryside roads especially, tintingyour car windows can help you protect your windows from shattering. Byadding an extra layer of protection, the tint or film you have applied to yourwindows can avoid you having to repair chips and cracks often.
Protects Your Car’s Interiors
Long exposure to direct sunlight and UVrays can have damaging effects on the interiors and upholstery of your vehicle.To avoid seeing your leather seats cracking or your carpet’s color fading away,tinting your car window is an easy go-to solution. Especially if you have beeninvesting in your car, you will want to keep it in perfect conditions or aslong as you can!
Drawbacks
Reduced Visibility
By tinting your windows and applyingstickers to your AS-1 line, you will be reducing the driver’s visibility ofroads, possible obstacles, pedestrians, and surroundings. While if you arecomplying with the local laws you will be protected to some degree,inexperienced drivers should not attempt to drive a car with reducedvisibility.
Moreover, the tints will prevent some ofthe light from entering your vehicle. While this is not considered a problemduring the hours of daylight, it can create issues when night driving. If youuse your car mainly during evening hours or night journey, you might want toconsider delaying tinting your windows.
Legal Issues
With the intricate labyrinth of laws, itcan be difficult to comply with all the regulations. If you have been darkeningyour car windows yourself, there is always the possibility of incurring legalissues. These can potentially be reduced by cooperating with a professionalthroughout the process.
Moreover, some of the restrictions usevague terms such as “non-reflective” or “non-excessive”, which can createconfusion. Interpretations of these terms can vary, and you might face legalissues in the future. In this case, it is best to maintain the tint orreflectivity of your windows as low as possible.
Costs and Processes
The application processes and the cost of window tints can vary massively. It usually depends on the retailer you have decided to work with and on the type of tint, you have picked. Let’s have a look at what the costs are and how to minimize them without compromising the quality of your tint.
Costs
The tints that are available today on themarket are of different qualities and materials. It is possible to undertake a DIYtinting process for just over $20, but you will need high skills and precisionto avoid ruining your car’s look. Moreover, many users have experienced troublewith the film coming off the window within a few months of the application.
For certified retailers, the cost can bemuch higher. If you are planning on tinting more than one window, someprofessionals have offers and discounts for tinting all of your windows. Forstandard, non-reflective film, the price can range between $25 and $99 for asingle window. This is a low-cost and long-term solution that can be applied toany car.
If you drive a delivery van or prefer touse your car during daytime for long journeys, you might want to considerinvesting in heat-rejector tints. However, this can bring the cost up to $400for the entire car. For high-performance ceramic, carbon, metallic and coloredtints the price can be as high as $800.
Where and How to Get Your Window Tinted
Tinting your windows at home can be agreat DIY exercise if you are modifying an old or second-hand car. If you arenot an expert, make sure this will not ruin your investment. The process is easy,and all the materials can be found on Amazon.
If you believe you need help while applying the film, YouTube tutorials can help you in this case. If you are not sure whether you should be undertaking this process yourself or request the help of a professional, checking out these videos will give you an idea of the procedures and the skills involved.
The only main benefit of reaching out for a professional retailer is to have a warranty. Outsourcing your car window tinting can be quite expensive, especially if you are planning to use high-quality materials. However, in this case, a warranty that protects your investment against weather and time damages can be essential.
Conclusion
Tinting your car’s windows can have incredible benefits for your health and your driving experience. It can also improve the look of any car! However, it is important to understand local laws to avoid incurring various issues. Have you tinted your car’s windows recently? Did you find it easy or have you face some difficulties? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
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