Which Automotive Windows Can You Legally Tint?

Automotive window tinting is a well-liked aftermarket upgrade. It’s an inexpensive modification that changes a vehicle’s looks while delivering several practical advantages. Tinting blocks glare, reduces heat, helps with privacy, and protects skin and interior components from harmful UV rays. However the core issue with third-party window tinting is compliance with state law; illegal tinting can result in fines. Nevertheless, avoiding a ticket involves two critical elements: using the proper level of tint darkness and knowing which windows may be tinted.

It is not a problem when you persist with the tinting that got here from the factory. Federal law mandates where window tinting may be applied and sets tint darkness levels for cars coming off the assembly line. Make no tint changes to a stock vehicle, and you will not should worry about getting pulled over — a minimum of in relation to window tinting.

The regulation of aftermarket tinting is one other matter, as each state handles it individually. Because of this, there is a patchwork of rules as an alternative of 1 national standard. At a minimum, you possibly can tint the rear side windows and rear window without running into problems. The challenge lies with the front side windows and the windshield, in addition to where the automotive is registered.

While we’re specializing in where you possibly can legally apply window tint, it’s price mentioning that try to be aware of your state’s standards for tint darkness. This is normally known as visible light transmission (VLT), the proportion of visible light that passes through a automotive’s window. A better percentage of VLT tint is barely noticeable to the human eye, while a lower percentage is kind of dark. Each state determines what VLT rating is permissible, which may vary by window location. There are even several states where a 5% tint is legal on a minimum of one glass surface. Before adding window tint, check the VLT requirements on your state.

Every state (and Washington, DC) allows rear window tinting. Nevertheless, there could also be additional requirements, comparable to having external mirrors on either side (for instance, in Latest York). States also generally allow tinting on the rear side windows (the glass between the C and D pillars in SUVs, minivans, and wagons). Meanwhile, just a few states restrict tint on the front side windows.

Most states sanction some kind of windshield tinting, but only the highest portion of the windshield is usually tinted. The coverage area normally extends 4 to 6 inches from the highest of the glass, but some jurisdictions depend on the horizontal AS-1 line as a measuring reference (which has an identical range). AS markings are government-mandated indicators applied by the manufacturer to the windshield. Just a few states (comparable to Iowa, Latest York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee) allow full windshield tinting, but only at a VLT rating of 70% or higher.

Although the vast majority of states follow an identical approach to window tint regulations (where rear and side window tints are OK, and windshield tints are allowed inside limits), just a few jurisdictions are outliers. Most notably, Latest Jersey and Vermont prohibit aftermarket tinting on the front side windows.

Michigan is exclusive in allowing only a four-inch horizontal tint band on the front side windows. In effect, this mirrors what’s permitted on the windshield. Because of this, essentially the most tinting a Michigan-registered vehicle could have on the front half is a four-inch band that begins on the B-pillar on one side, runs along the highest fringe of the windshield, and ends on the B-pillar on the opposite side. Meanwhile, Minnesota, Latest Hampshire, and Latest Jersey are the one states that prohibit any third-party tint on windscreens, leaving the factory blue tint at the highest of the windshield because the only option for some cars.

Many states offer medical exemptions from window tint regulations, allowing automotive owners with eye or skin conditions to receive additional sun protection. The method normally involves having a medical skilled complete a form, and that form is submitted to the DMV.