Window Tinting Laws - What to Know Before You Tint Your Vehicle

Window tinting in the United States has grown to become a popular trend for drivers. For some with certain skin and vision impairments, it is a necessity. But for the vast majority, window tinting is an option to add style and personality to a vehicle. It also helps to protect interiors and dashboards from fading, cracking, and showing signs of premature deterioration, as well as assisting in reducing the sun's glare.

There are so many options to choose from when deciding to tint your windows. Window tint film is offered in a variety of types, colors and patterns. Film is typically installed at auto custom and detailing shops, or can be found on the shelves of auto parts stores for the do-it-yourselfer.

Most states have limits on the darkness of tint allowed. The darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%). This typically means the amount of visible light allowed into the vehicle through the film. The lower VLT%, the less you can see through it. For example, a window film of 18% VLT would be darker than a film of 50% VLT.

Some films contain metallic elements to reflect incoming light, as well as help reduce the amount of glare and UV rays allowed through the tint. This is usually found in higher end films. These metallic elements increase the reflective properties of the film. These elements are not always noticeable to the naked eye unless you are using a "chrome", "platinum", "gold" or "mirror" type tint, but can be found in traditional films such as bronze and charcoal as well.

When choosing your window tint, it is best to make sure the color, VLT%, reflective properties and location of the film meet local ordinances. Some states have limits and special requirements on tinting for residents and/or visitors. Before altering your vehicle with window tint film, it is always best to check local and state laws to prevent unwanted citations, tickets, and in some areas- failed inspections.

Police officers around the country are cracking down on drivers with what is considered illegal window tinting. In some areas, the officers are equipped with light meters that gauge the VLT% of your tint on the spot. This is not only for residents of that particular state. For drivers that like to travel, I would advise to check the laws of states you may be passing through or visiting. Some laws allow for law enforcement agents to issue tickets and citations to travelers in their state with window tinting that violates the laws of their locality. Most window tinting locations are aware of the local laws and should advise customers accordingly.

A source with Dirty South Custom Sound and Wheels in Charlotte, North Carolina, had this to say about their local tint laws:

"It is always best to inform the customer beforehand of the tint law in North and South Carolina. We have a tint chart here displaying different shades and colors of the window film we offer. Explaining the differences in the darkness of the film prevents an agitated customer from returning if he gets a ticket for the tint being too dark or reflective."

Safety issues do come into play with window tint film for law enforcement officers. Window tinting, if the VLT% is too low, can impair a driver's vision at night or even in the daytime. Another issue raised is that of the officer's ability to see inside the vehicle, possibly threatening the officer's safety. For that reason alone in a lot of areas, "chrome" or "mirror" tint is a guaranteed ticket because it is virtually impossible to see inside a vehicle with that type of film.

Once you have decided to have window tint film applied to your vehicle, research your local and state laws to avoid possible future headaches.