What Are the Legal Tint Limits by State in the USA?
Auto window tinting is the process of applying a thin, protective film to the inside of a vehicle's windows. This film serves to darken the glass, which can provide a variety of benefits. The primary goal of auto window tinting is to reduce the amount of sunlight and heat entering your car, but it also offers increased privacy, protection from harmful UV rays, and can even improve safety in an accident. Essentially, it’s like putting a pair of sunglasses on your car, making for a cooler, more comfortable, and safer ride, especially during hot summers across the USA.
Why Get Auto Window Tinting?
Many people get their car windows tinted for a stylish, custom look, but the practical benefits are what truly make auto window tinting a worthwhile investment. As someone who's spent a lot of time in cars in both Arizona heat and Florida humidity, I can tell you that a good tint job makes a world of difference. It’s not just about comfort; it's about protecting yourself and your vehicle.
Here are the key benefits you get from auto window tinting:
Reduces Heat: Quality tint film blocks a significant amount of the sun's infrared rays, which are what cause heat. This keeps your car's interior much cooler, making your air conditioner more efficient and saving you money on gas.
- Blocks UV Rays: Most professional-grade films block up to 99% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. This is a huge health benefit, as it protects you and your passengers from sun damage that can lead to skin cancer. It also stops your car's interior from fading and cracking.
- Increases Privacy and Security: Darker windows make it much harder for people to see inside your car. This protects your belongings from prying eyes and gives you a greater sense of personal privacy.
- Reduces Glare: Tinted windows cut down on the harsh glare from the sun, snow, and oncoming headlights. This reduces eye strain and makes for a more comfortable and safer driving experience.
- Shatter Protection: In an accident, the film can help hold shattered glass together. This prevents sharp shards from flying into the cabin and can reduce injury.
Understanding the Different Types of Auto Window Tinting
Not all tint films are the same. The material of the film determines its performance, durability, and cost. Choosing the right one depends on your budget and what's most important to you.
| USA State | Front Side VLT | Back Side VLT | Rear Window VLT | Notes & Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 32% | 32% | 32% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| Alaska | 70% | 40% | 30% | Windshield tint allowed above the AS-1 line. |
| Arizona | 33% | Any | Any | Front windshield tint limited to the top 5 inches. |
| Arkansas | 25% | 10% | 10% | Reflectivity must be below 25%. |
| California | 70% | Any | Any | Rear windshield requires dual side mirrors. |
| Colorado | 27% | 27% | 27% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| Connecticut | 35% | 35% | 35% | Tint must not be reflective. |
| Delaware | 70% | 20% | 20% | Windshield tint allowed on top 5 inches. |
| Florida | 28% | 15% | 15% | Reflectivity must be below 25%. |
| Georgia | 32% | 32% | 32% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| Hawaii | 35% | 35% | 35% | Reflectivity must be below 35%. |
| Idaho | 35% | 20% | 20% | Windshield tint allowed on top 4 inches. |
| Illinois | 35% | 35% | 35% | Reflectivity must be below 35%. |
| Indiana | 30% | Any | Any | Windshield tint limited to AS-1 line. |
| Iowa | 70% | Any | Any | Reflectivity must be below 35%. |
| Kansas | 35% | 35% | 35% | Reflectivity must be below 35%. |
| Kentucky | 35% | 18% | 18% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| Louisiana | 40% | 25% | 12% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| Maine | 35% | 35% | 35% | Tint on front windshield must be non-reflective. |
| Maryland | 35% | 35% | 35% | Reflectivity must be below 35%. |
| Massachusetts | 35% | 35% | 35% | Reflectivity must be below 35%. |
| Michigan | Any non-factory | Any | Any | Non-factory tint is allowed on back and rear windows. |
| Minnesota | 50% | 30% | 30% | No reflective tint. |
| Mississippi | 28% | 28% | 28% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| Missouri | 35% | 35% | 35% | Reflectivity must be below 35%. |
| Montana | 24% | 14% | 14% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| Nebraska | 35% | 20% | 20% | Reflectivity must be below 35%. |
| Nevada | 35% | 35% | Any | Windshield tint must be above AS-1 line. |
| New Hampshire | 70% | 35% | 35% | Reflectivity must be below 35%. |
| New Jersey | No tint | Any | Any | Tint on front side windows is illegal. |
| New Mexico | 20% | 20% | 20% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| New York | 70% | 70% | 70% | All side and rear windows must allow 70% VLT. |
| North Carolina | 35% | 35% | 35% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| North Dakota | 50% | 5% | 5% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| Ohio | 50% | Any | Any | Tint must be non-reflective. |
| Oklahoma | 25% | 25% | 25% | Reflectivity must be below 25%. |
| Oregon | 35% | 35% | 35% | Reflectivity must be below 13%. |
| Pennsylvania | No tint | No tint | No tint | Tint on front side and rear windows is illegal. |
| Rhode Island | 70% | 40% | 40% | Reflectivity must be below 13%. |
| South Carolina | 27% | 27% | 27% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| South Dakota | 35% | 20% | 20% | Reflectivity must be below 35%. |
| Tennessee | 35% | 35% | 35% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| Texas | 25% | Any | Any | Reflectivity must be below 25%. |
| Utah | 43% | Any | Any | Windshield tint limited to AS-1 line. |
| Vermont | 35% | 35% | 35% | Tint must not be reflective. |
| Virginia | 50% | 35% | 35% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| Washington | 24% | 24% | 24% | Reflectivity must be below 35%. |
| West Virginia | 35% | 35% | 35% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| Wisconsin | 50% | 35% | 35% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
| Wyoming | 28% | 28% | 28% | Reflectivity must be below 20%. |
Please Note: These are general guidelines. Some states may have additional regulations regarding medical exemptions, specific tint colors, and sticker requirements. Always consult with a local professional.
What About Medical Exemptions?
If you have a medical condition that makes you particularly sensitive to sunlight (like Lupus or extreme photosensitivity), many states allow for a medical exemption to their standard tinting laws. To get a legal waiver for darker tint, you will typically need to:
- Obtain a Doctor's Note: A licensed physician must provide a signed statement confirming your medical condition and the necessity for darker tint.
- Submit an Application: You'll need to submit this medical documentation to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a similar authority.
- Receive a Sticker or Certificate: If approved, you will receive a special sticker for your vehicle or a certificate to keep in your car as proof of the exemption.
This process ensures that a medical need for darker tint is officially recognized, protecting you from potential tickets.
What Happens If You Get a Ticket for Illegal Tint?
The penalties for illegal car window tinting vary significantly by state. For a first-time offense, you'll likely receive a citation or a "fix-it ticket." This means you'll be given a period of time to have the illegal tint removed and prove that you have complied with the law, sometimes with a small fine.
However, repeated violations can lead to higher fines, and in some states, law enforcement can even issue a citation that requires you to immediately remove the illegal tint on the side of the road. It's a risk that can easily be avoided by simply ensuring your tint is within the legal tint limits by state before you get it installed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the darkest legal tint you can get?
A: The darkest legal tint for a front side window in the USA is typically around 20-25% VLT in states like Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. However, some states, like Arizona and Florida, have no limit on back side and rear windows, allowing you to use a very dark "limo tint" (5% VLT) on those windows.
Q: Is 35% tint legal?
A: A 35% VLT tint is legal in many states, including Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania (with exceptions), and Tennessee. However, it is too dark for the front windows in states with stricter laws, like California and Iowa, which require a minimum of 70% VLT.
Q: What is the VLT of factory tint?
A: Most factory-tinted glass on SUVs, trucks, and vans has a VLT of around 15-25%. However, this is typically on the rear windows only and is an integral part of the glass, not a film. The front windows on most new vehicles are around 70-80% VLT.
Q: Can I get my car inspected with illegal tint?
A: Most states that require a vehicle safety inspection will fail a car if the tint is found to be illegal. Inspectors will use a tint meter to measure the VLT of the windows.
Q: What is the AS-1 line on my windshield?
A: The AS-1 line is a manufacturer's mark that indicates the area where tint film is allowed on the top of the windshield. It typically runs horizontally across the top of the windshield, approximately 4-6 inches down.
Read Also: What is Auto Window Tinting? A Beginner's Guide
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