How to Obey Laws for Window Tint
Well done window tinting makes a car, truck or SUV look great. Benefits include 99.9 percent UV protection, reduced sun and headlight glare, and less shattered glass in accidents. However, the "cool" tint job can mean problems with the law. That’s why it’s essential to take a look at federal, state and local regulations.
- Research federal, state and local laws before having window tint applied. The U.S. Department of Transportation states that you need a basic 70 percent visible light transmission (VLT) on windshields and both front windows. This is identified as FMVSS 205 on window tinting law charts and is the regular factory standard on new cars. The U.S. government has allowed every state to determine their own window tint regulations, which will allow darker shading. Many city governments and police departments can also enforce their own local standards.
- Look into compliance issues when buying a new vehicle with tinted windows, or when installing tinted windows as a consumer. Discuss state laws, certification and sticker requirements with the installer.
- Check into the laws in all of the 50 states if you plan on traveling across state lines. State tint laws differ, and most states enforce their laws with out-of-state drivers.
- Additional restrictions can be written into state window tint law. There can be exclusions on certain colors, restrictions on reflective tinting, and a law for dual side mirrors on vehicles with tinted rear windows.
- Make sure you apply for a medical exemption with your state's Department of Transportation if you happen to have a physical condition that needs greater protection from the sun's rays. This usually will require submitting a notarized affidavit that is signed by the driver and a doctor.
- You are taking a risk by tinting your car windows before covering all the bases first. It is always good to ask the local or state police if you aren’t sure.