Can You Tint The Car's Windows Legally?
Whether or not tinting your car's windows is legal depends on the state you live in. In certain states, tinting windows is illegal, while in other states, it's completely legal. Let's examine the laws that apply and their exclusions. Below are the most frequently used exemptions. You may be surprised to learn that you're able tint the windows of your car without violating the law! This guide is for you!
Non-reflective tinting can be used on the front of the windows.
Tinting is allowed on rear and front side windows in the USA. However, it is not allowed for the windshield. For the windows on the side facing you, you can tint any area of the window so long as it is not greater than 5 inches away from the top of the windshield. It must not reflect light and have less than 20 percent light transmission. All windows, except the back window need to be constructed from two-way glass.
The state's laws regarding tinting differ, but the majority are clear and simple to understand. Some states, for instance, employ ambiguous terms such as non-reflective and "excessive," which may not mean the same to everyone. If you are looking to obtain legally tinted in the USA You must ensure that it isn't too dark. You should also consider the amount of light transmission obstruction before you add tint. A good general rule of thumb is 70 to 80% light transmission blockage.
Reflective tinting is forbidden on the rear windshield
A car's rear windshield cannot be tinted by reflective films. The upper four inches of the windshield are permitted to have tinting that is non-reflective. If the film is used in a single layer, it can't exceed 88% of the windshield's VLT. The windows on the side and rear can have any level of darkness as long as they do not have tinting. Window tinting is used for the purpose of reducing heat and glare. Depending on the level of tinting, some states permit a certain amount of reflection in the window.
In accordance with California State law, window tints should provide at 70 percent Visible Light Transmission (VLT). If this percentage is exceeded the tint is deemed illegal. The same applies to sedans and SUVs. This means that you can't use a dark tint on your rear windshield. However, front windows are also covered by the same rules. The law is only applicable to the windshield. The rest of the vehicle's windows are unrestricted.
Visible light transmittance (VLT) is regulated
The Visible Light Transmittance test (VLT), is used to regulate automobile window tints in the USA. VLT refers to the percentage of visible light that goes through a window or film. The lower the VLT, the darker the tint. The classification of vehicles is based on their front-side tint level, which is usually higher than the rear window tint level. The tint level on the front side allows drivers and passengers to view the vehicle from the front.
After-factory sunscreening devices that are installed on vehicles should have a certification that states the percentage of light that is able to pass through it. The certificate must contain the name of the person who installed the device as well as the date that the device was installed. These rules only apply to pickup trucks. They are not applicable to recreational vehicles, buses or multi-purpose passenger vehicles. You must obtain a certificate from your physician stating that you are unable to expose yourself to sunlight for extended periods of time because of a medical condition.
Medical exemptions to the legal tinting law
In the USA, medical exemptions for window tinting are offered in many states. People with certain medical conditions, such as photosensitivity or dermatitis, are eligible for these exemptions. In many instances the doctor's note suffices. For future reference, however it is crucial to keep the exemption letter in your vehicle. In some cases, a state's medical exemption may not be valid. It is possible to seek help from a car tinting company in such instances.
Texas is a prime example of a state where medical exemptions are not granted for tinting windows. Medical exemptions are available in Rhode Island to the vehicle owner or legal guardian for those who are sun-sensitive. To get an exemption for medical reasons motorists have to submit an affidavit that is signed by a certified physician or ophthalmologist. Applicants must renew the affidavit every two years, so be certain to renew it.
States that permit legal tinting
If you are considering applying a tint to your car, you could be wondering if it's legal. Every state has its own laws and regulations pertaining to tinting. However, most states will allow certain tint percentages to your windows. New York's tinting law provides, for instance, the amount of light that has to pass through it. In 1991, the law was changed to raise the required amount of light transmittance to 70 percent. This law is also shared by California as well as Pennsylvania.
Although several states have laws regarding tinting, there are a few which are more strict than other states. They are known for having a requirement of 70 percent VLT on both the front and rear windows. However, some states allow lower than 70 percent VLT. These states include California, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Illinois, and Washington, D.C. Although these laws are not as strict as others, it is still worth researching all of them to ensure that you're adhering to the law in your state.
Address: 1122 US-130, Robbinsville Twp, NJ 08691, United States
Phone: +1 609-208-3901