Window tinting plays a critical role in your car’s wellbeing. It’s an excellent way of giving your auto the desired look and shield you from direct sunlight. Are you planning to ting your ride? Well, there are various window tint laws in the US. These vary between states, and you must abide by them to enhance your safety. However, this can be a challenge if you usually travel from one state to another.
Let’s begin by understanding the different terminologies used in window tinting regulations to interpret the state laws and limits better:
VLT-
This means visible light transmission, and it gauges the automotive window tints. VLT is a percentage of the amount of light that gets through your car window or film. If it’s low, this translates to a darker tint.
Front-side Window Tint Level-
This is the VLT percentage that you’re allowed to use on your driver and front passenger windows. It’s higher to enhance the driver’s visibility to the outside.
Rear-side Window Tint level-
This is the VLT percentage you can use on your rear side windows. It varies between passenger and multipurpose cars.
Rear Window Tint Level-
This is the VLT level allowed for your rear window. It usually similar to the rear side window, but this may vary between states.
Tint color:
The regulations on tint color vary; some states have no restrictions, while others are prohibitive on specific colors or mirrored finishes.
Windshield:
No state allows windshield tinting. However, you can add some stickers on the top of the windshield in some states.
AS-1 Line:
This is a line on the windshield that runs parallel to the top. It’s clear as glass, meaning that your windshield isn’t tinted.
Color& Types of tint
In some states, tint laws are less stringent and don’t go into much detail about the tint color. The less strict states allow a car tint legal limit of about 30% VLT levels, and most of the 50 states fall in this cluster. On the other hand, the middle-ground states allow a range of 30%-70% VLT level. These include;
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Virginia
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Iowa
- Wisconsin
- Utah
- Ohio
- Minnesota and more
There are also stricter states that require 70% VLT on the front or rear side windows or both.
These are;
- California
- Delaware
- Rhode Island
- New York
- Michigan
- Vermont
- Washington DC
- New Jersey
- New Hampshire
- Illinois.
Among these states, Illinois and Texas have the most stringent car tint requirements.
Are there any Exceptions?
Of course, yes! Most states offer exceptions for medical reasons. If you suffer from light sensitivity due to some illness, you can apply for a darker tint than the specified levels. But, you’ll have to carry a doctor’s note in your car always.
The Bottom Line
The degree to how much you can tint your car windows varies from one state to another. Some states are less strict than others. But, if you plan to tint your car, inquire about the rules from the state government to avoid falling into the wrong hands of the law.
