Tinting your car windows doesn’t just look good. It can protect your upholstery, prevent harmful UV rays from reaching your skin, and keep the inside temperature cool.
But if you aren’t careful, your window tinting can turn into a big problem, too. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the legal window tinting regulations in your state.
So let’s get started!
Research the Laws for Your State
If you want to tint your car windows, you need to spend some time researching the window tinting laws in your state.
This is important.
Every state has different laws when it comes to window tinting. In some states, it’s illegal to tint your windows at all—no matter what type of tint you use.
Because of this, you have to make sure the window tinting guides you’re reading and the product you buy is compliant with your state. Otherwise, you could end up getting pulled over and fined for your windows.
How Dark Can You Go? VLT Percentages
Again, this all depends on where you live. Some states let you apply dark tint to your windows while others require your windows to stay completely clear.
The darkness of window tint is measured by VLT (or Visible Light Transmission). This percentage refers to the amount of light that can get through the tint. So when you research your state laws, they’ll tell you what VLT percent your tint can have.
Every Window Has It’s Own Rules
Most states have different laws for different windows in your car. Because of this, you can’t buy one type of window tint and apply it to all your windows.
Why?
Window tinting might be able to affect your visibility as a driver. In order to keep your view clear, most states require lighter tint on the windshield and front windows.
Let’s take a look at Florida’s window tint laws as an example.
In this state, a car’s front side windows can be tinted with film that has a VLT of 28%. The back side windows and rear windows, on the other hand, can have film with a VLT of 15%.
The rules change again when it comes to the windshield. Most states won’t allow you to tint your entire windshield, but many states do let you put tinting over at least a section of it.
For example, continuing with the Florida laws, you can tint the windshield only above the as-1 line.
The Limits of Reflectivity
Once you find out the VLT percentage requirements for your state, you also have to think about the reflectivity of the window tint. Many states don’t allow you to use reflective film, so keep this in mind as you’re finding the best window tint for your car.
Your Guide to Legal Window Tinting
Tinting your car windows is a good investment, but you have to do your research first. Make sure the tint you buy complies with the legal window tinting regulations in your state before you apply it.
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