The legal maximum for front-side windows is typically between 25% and 35% VLT in most states. This suggests that the window tint can only block between 75 and 65% of the visible light. Nonetheless, some states permit windshields and rear windows to have a deeper tint. This article will discuss tint and the legal laws and regulations for using tint.
Car Window Tinting: What Is It?
Visible Light Transference (VLT) measures how much visible light can flow through automotive glass. Car window tinting is a technique that darkens the glass in vehicles. The percentage of visible light (VL) that passes through is used to calculate VLT. More VL is allowed when the VLT is higher.
Various Kinds Of Window Tint
There are numerous varieties of window tint, each with a unique set of benefits. It’s critical to comprehend the different kinds of window tint available if you’re considering getting some.
Metallic Tint: This window tint gives your automobile a contemporary edge with its sleek. It resists a black appearance, intense heat, and UV radiation. If you frequently use the apps on your phone, there might be better options than metallic tint because it can interfere with GPS and cell phone signals.
Infrared Tint: This window tint maximizes visibility while blocking heat and UV rays. You won’t have to worry about your state’s window tint regulations. Additionally, these tints are made to resist fading, peeling, and chipping for years.
Carbon Tint: Carbon tint, like metallic tint, is more effective in blocking UV rays and heat than other film forms. But it was made so GPS and cell phone signals could pass through without needing metal.
Hybrid Tints: Metal particles and dyes are combined in hybrid window tinting to create a tinted window. The tint comprises numerous colored layers with a thin coating of metal (usually titanium) positioned in between. It helps to create a tinted window to allow light in while blocking heat and UV rays.
Color Dyed Tint: Dyed window tinting entails adding many colored film layers. This film can absorb sunlight and be as dark as you want. It is the most often used and affordable window tinting technique.
Car Window Tint Benefits
There are more benefits to window tinting your car than aesthetics. It prolongs the life and condition of your car and offers many other advantages for your comfort and safety.
Here are a few more advantages to window tinting for your vehicle:
Protects your skin: Sun exposure can cause severe damage to your skin, even when driving. Tinted windows prevent UV radiation, so you won’t have to worry about sunburn.
Minimizes fading: Car window tint blocks the UV rays of the sun. It prevents your upholstery from deteriorating. It is particularly true for cars with black interior decorations and upholstery.
Reduces heat: Window tint shields you and your interior from UV ray damage. It keeps part of the heat from entering your car. It can prevent your car from getting too hot throughout the day if you live in a place with plenty of direct sunlight or if the interior is gloomy.
Safety: Window tinting helps keep the glass in your car from breaking in the case of an accident by keeping it together. It will protect you from glass fragments that could hurt you.
Improved appearance: A well-executed professional tint can give your automobile a sleek, sophisticated appearance and lend you a sense of mystery as you drive it daily.
Privacy: Dark-tinted windows make it more difficult for passersby to see into your car. It will be curious about what’s inside, depending on the amount of tint you get and the rules in your area.
Know The State Laws And Regulations Before Choosing Window Tints
State rules should allow any professional to tint your car, but we still tell you to familiarize yourself with them. But you must be aware of your state’s rules about window tinting before you tint even one car window.
Now, let’s look at some of the states and their tinting regulations:
Indian Law About Using Car Window Tints
In 2012, India banned the tinting of car windows because of the increased privacy and ease with which illegal conduct may be carried out. An increased risk of traffic accidents might also result from wearing dark glasses.
It is important to remember that using tinted glass is subject to stringent laws in India. As per RTO rules 2023, Indian laws state that the visibility of car windows must be at least 70% for the front and rear glasses and 50% for the side glasses.
US State Law About Using Car Window Tints
The US has various states, and their laws and regulations differ from applying tint in the car.
Alaska
Alaska only permits tint on the upper part of a front windshield, the same as Alabama does. They do, but draw the line at five inches.
In Alaska, mirrored tints are also prohibited. Side windows must have 70% light transmittance, whereas rear windows must have 40%. These requirements relate to transparency.
Alabama
Except for the top six inches of the windshield, you are not allowed to tint the front of your windshield in Alabama to cut the amount of light entering. You cannot use glass tint that lowers light transmission to less than 32% on the side windows or rear windshield. The tint cannot increase reflectance by more than 20%. These regulations only apply to the front windows of vans, trucks, and SUVs.
Colorado
You can tint your windshield in Colorado. However, it must have at least 70% light transmittance. The driver’s side windows must permit a minimum of 27% light transmission.
Like the front windshield, the rear windshield must allow 70%, and the side windows must allow 27%.
Florida
Florida individuals grant medical exemption certificates with Lupus and certain other medical disorders that need restricted exposure to light. For everyone else in Florida, side windows need a minimum of 28% light transmittance. Windows on the back side must send at least 15% of light.
Columbia
Minivans are subject to specific regulations in the District of Columbia. Any car without a minivan must have front side windows and a front windshield with at least 70% light transmittance.
Minivans must have rear windshields and rear side windows with 50% light transmittance. Light transmittance for the front windshield and side windows must be at least 55%. The most tint that can be applied to a windshield is five inches.
Idaho
Like many other states, Idaho allows you to tint only the top six inches of your front windshield. At least 35% of light must pass through the front side windows and the rear windshield. At least 20% of light must pass through the backside windows.
Maryland
Any tinted windows in Maryland must permit a minimum of 35% light transmission.
Windshields below the AS-1 line and five inches from the top cannot have tint added to them. The tint must end at the one that is less.
Maryland prohibits some aftermarket tinting, including:
- A tinge of yellow, red, or amber
- An effect of mirrored or dazzling tint
- New Hampshire
- No driver in New Hampshire can operate a vehicle with aftermarket tint applied to the front windshield or side windows while registered in the state.
Aftermarkets allow rear window tinting if the vehicle includes rearview mirrors on both sides. Next, the tint must have a minimum of 35% light transmittance.
Illinois
There are stringent laws governing window tinting in Illinois. Like many other states, They permit front windshield tinting, the top six inches. The movie also needs to be non-reflective. Suppose the driver does not have a certification from a registered medical professional stating that the driver’s medical condition necessitates tinted windows. In that case, tinting is not allowed on the front side windows. As long as the car has side mirrors, it is acceptable to tint the backside windows.
Any car can benefit significantly from window tinting, but you must stay within the allowed amount. Illegal window tinting can lead to fines and other penalties. But it can also raise the possibility of accidents. It makes it more work for emergency personnel to do their duties.
Make sure the tint you select is within the permitted limits by researching state legislation before tinting your windows. You may take advantage of the advantages while remaining safe. It will be easy if you abide by the window tinting requirements.
