Don’t be left in the dark: Do you know your state’s window tint laws?
Window tint does more than add style to your car. It also provides practical benefits that improve your driving experience. For example, tinted windows help block harmful UV rays. They also keep your car’s interior cooler on hot days. However, it is important to follow the law. Every state sets specific rules on how dark your window tint can be. Crossing the legal limit turns a stylish upgrade into a traffic violation.
This issue can be confusing, especially if you are thinking about getting your windows tinted or already have darkened glass. Failing to follow tint laws can lead to fines and tickets. In some cases, you may even need to remove the tint completely. Even worse, overly dark window tint can reduce your visibility. As a result, it becomes a serious safety risk while driving.
So, before you crank up the cool factor, follow along as CheapInsurance.com breaks down why it’s important to understand window tint laws and how they can impact you, or even your vehicle insurance.
Key Takeaways:
- Know Your State’s Tint Laws: Limits vary, so check your DMV website for legal darkness levels.
- Safety First: Don’t compromise visibility with overly dark tint.
- Tint Offers Benefits: Blocks UV rays, reduces heat, and enhances privacy (within legal limits).
- Insurance Usually Unaffected: Legal tint shouldn’t raise rates, but tickets for violations might.
- Consult Both DMV & your Insurance Company: Ensure legal compliance and adequate auto insurance protection for your tinted windows.
State by State Shade: How Dark Can Your Window Tint Be?
Sunburnt arms and a scorching interior can ruin any road trip. Fortunately, window tint provides a practical solution for drivers. However, the level of tint you can apply depends on the state where you live. So buckle up, because we are diving into the world of state by state window tint laws.
Window tint darkness uses a measurement called Visible Light Transmission, or VLT, which varies across different regions. Next, we will look at how dark you can tint your front side windows, back side windows, and rear window. These laws often change over time. To stay current, always check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles website for the latest information.
Behind the Smoke Show: Pros and Cons of Car Window Tint
Tinted windows might look sharp, but is there more to the story? This section explores the good, the bad, and the smoky side of car window tinting.
On the plus side
Sun Protection: First, window tint blocks UV rays. This can help prevent sunburn and also protect your car’s interior from fading.
Cooler Cabin: Additionally, tinted windows reduce heat from sunlight. This helps keep your car cooler and makes summer drives more comfortable.
Enhanced Privacy: Tinted windows also make it harder for others to see inside your vehicle. This provides more privacy and protects valuables.
Safety Benefits: In some cases, window tint can help keep shattered glass in place after a crash. This may reduce injury risk. However, it does not replace proper installation or certified safety measures.
But there’s another side to the story
Reduced Visibility: On the downside, very dark tint can impair your vision. This is especially true at night or in bad weather.
Legal Issues: You also need to follow local tinting laws. If you do not, you could face fines or be forced to remove the tint.
Potential Insurance Impact: Finally, some insurance providers may view heavy tint as a vehicle modification. This could possibly affect your insurance rates.
How Dark Is Too Dark?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA stipulates:
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205, Glazing Materials (49 CFR 571.205), which has been in effect since 1968, imposes a minimum level of light transmittance of 70 percent in all areas requisite for driving visibility (which includes all windows on passenger cars). The purpose of this requirement is to ensure adequate visibility through the windows, thereby reducing the risk of a motor vehicle crash.
Although Federal motor vehicle safety standards apply directly only to new vehicles and equipment, Federal law also imposes limits on the addition of tinting materials to motor vehicle glazing after vehicles have been purchased by consumers. Pursuant to section 108(a)(2) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 15 U.S.C. 1397(a)(2), manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or motor vehicle repair businesses may not “render inoperative” any equipment or element of design installed in compliance with a Federal safety standard. Thus, those businesses may not install tinting that reduces the light transmittance of windows covered by Standard 205 to a level below the Federal requirement of 70 percent, since that would make the windows “inoperative” within the meaning of Standard 205.
The “render inoperative” provision of Federal law does not apply to actions by individual vehicle owners. Therefore, each State may regulate the extent to which after market tinting may be applied by vehicle owners to their own vehicles.However, no state has the authority to grant any exemptions from the “render inoperative” prohibition of Federal law that applies to commercial entities. Hence, regardless of any provisions of state law, no manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or motor vehicle repair business may legally install window tinting film on a vehicle, unless the vehicle continues to comply with the Federal light transmittance requirements.
So, is window tint right for you? Weighing the pros and cons will help you make an informed decision. Remember, safety should always be your top priority.
5 State Examples
From reflectivity to window tint colors – here’s a few state restrictions and oddities
1 New Jersey’s Rainbow Restriction
New Jersey has a unique law that prohibits any tint that has a reflective or colored sheen. This means that those cool, mirrored tints or any tint with a blue or purple hue are a no-no in the Garden State.
- Car window tinting laws in New Jersey were enacted in 2003.
- Restricted Colors: No colors of tint are explicitly banned by New Jersey law.
- Certificates: Film manufacturers don’t need to certify the film they sell in New Jersey.
- Medical Exceptions: New Jersey allows medical exemptions for special tint. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult New Jersey law.
- Penalties: Maximum $1,000 fine for first offense, and $5,000 for second or subsequent offenses (NJ Statutes 39:3-75.3)
2 Vermont’s Medical Exemption
The Green Mountain State offers a medical exemption for window tint restrictions. Drivers with a documented medical condition that necessitates protection from sunlight can apply for a waiver to exceed the legal tint limits.
- Car window tinting laws in Vermont were enacted in 1984.
- Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required in this state if back window is tinted.
- Restricted Colors: Vermont does not prohibit usage of any tint colors.
- Certificates: Film manufacturers don’t need to certify the film.
- Medical Exceptions: Vermont tinting law permits medical exemptions and allows the use of darker tint.
3 South Carolina’s Windshield Car Window Tint Ban
While many states allow a light tint on the top portion of the windshield, South Carolina bans any tint on the windshield altogether. This can be a challenge for drivers with certain medical conditions sensitive to sunlight.
- Car window tinting laws in South Carolina were enacted in 1992.
- Restricted Colors: Tint colors red, amber and yellow are not permitted by law.
- Certificates: Film manufacturers need to certify the film they sell in South Carolina.
- Medical Exceptions: South Carolina allows medical exemptions for special tint. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult South Carolina’s state law.
- Penalties: Misdemeanor with minimum $200 fine or 30 days in prison for each offense.
4 Oklahoma’s Reflective Car Window Tint Restrictions
Similar to New Jersey, Oklahoma restricts any tint that has a reflective property. This eliminates mirrored tints and any tints that may appear reflective in certain lighting conditions.
- Car window tinting laws in Oklahoma were enacted in 2005.
- Restricted Colors: No color-altering materials are permitted.
- Certificates: Film manufacturers need to certify the film they sell in the state.
- Medical Exceptions: Oklahoma allows medical exemptions for special tint.
5 California’s Red Tint Prohibition
The Golden State takes a strong stance against red window tint. Any tint that appears red, regardless of the darkness level, is illegal in California. This extends to medical visors with a red tint that may be used for certain eye conditions.
- California window tint law restricts windshield tint on top 4 inches.
- Front side windows must have 70% light transmission or more. Back side windows and rear window may have any tint darkness.
- Car window tinting laws in California were enacted in 1999.
- Restricted Colors: California tint laws do not permit using red, amber or blue tint colors. Side windows must be colorless.
- Certificates: Manufacturers of film must certify the film they sell in the state and the driver is required to have the certificate in their possession.
- Medical Exceptions: California law allows medical exemptions for lower tint on all windows.
Tinted Windows, Tinted Rates? Does Car Window Tint Affect Insurance?
Window tint offers a stylish and functional upgrade, but can it impact your auto insurance rates? This section will shed light on the relationship between window tint and your insurance policy.
Generally, legal window tinting shouldn’t directly affect your insurance premium. Insurance companies primarily consider factors like your driving record, the car’s make and model, and your location when determining rates. However, there are a few scenarios where window tint could come into play, potentially leading to an indirect impact:
- Traffic Violations: If you get pulled over for having illegally dark tint, the ticket itself could raise your rates because it indicates a higher risk of future violations. In some cases, multiple tickets within a short period could result in points on your driving record, or even lead to your insurance company canceling or non-renewing your auto insurance coverage.
- Uncovered Damage: Most vehicle insurance policies exclude coverage for aftermarket modifications unless you specifically add them. This means that if your illegally tinted windows get damaged in an accident, a theft, or even vandalism, your car insurance might not cover the cost of replacing them. This could leave you facing a significant financial burden.
- Potential for Increased Scrutiny: While not guaranteed, some insurance companies may ask about window tint during the application process. This often happens if you live in a state with strict tint laws. In addition, if your windows have a dark tint, even when legal, the insurer may view it as a risk factor. As a result, the company might request more details or slightly increase your rates. Still, this type of rate change happens rarely.
Here’s the takeaway:
Following your state’s window tint laws is crucial. Not only does it avoid fines and hassles with the police, but it also ensures your insurance covers your car properly. If you’re unsure about the legality of your tint or its impact on your insurance, it’s best to consult your insurance company and your state’s DMV website. Proactive communication with your insurer can help avoid any surprises down the road.
Remember: Even if legal tint doesn’t directly affect your base premium, maintaining a clean driving record and adhering to all traffic laws remains the best way to keep your insurance rates low.
