Which car windows can you legally tint? – Jalopnik

Car window tinting is a popular aftermarket upgrade. It is an affordable modification that changes the appearance of a vehicle while offering several practical benefits. Tints block glare, reduce heat, aid in privacy and protect the skin and internal components from harmful UV rays. But the core problem with third-party window tinting is compliance with state law; Illegal dyeing can lead to fines. However, avoiding a ticket involves two crucial elements: using the correct level of tint darkness and knowing which windows can be tinted.

It is not a problem if you keep the factory tint. Federal law determines where window tint can be applied and sets tint darkness levels for cars coming off the assembly line. Don’t make any tint changes to a standard vehicle and you won’t have to worry about getting pulled over – at least when it comes to window tinting.

The regulation of aftermarket coloring is a different matter as each state handles this individually. The result is that there is a patchwork of rules instead of one national standard. In any case, you can tint the rear side windows and rear window without any problems. The challenge lies with the front side windows and the windshield, but also with the place where the car is registered.

While we’re focusing on where you can legally apply window tint, it’s worth mentioning that you should be aware of your state’s standards for tint darkness. This is usually called visible light transmission (VLT), the percentage of visible light that passes through a car window. A higher percentage of VLT shade is barely noticeable to the human eye, while a lower percentage is quite dark. Each state determines what VLT power is allowed, which may vary by window location. There are even several states where a 5% tint is legal on at least one glass surface. Before adding window tint, check the VLT requirements for your state.

Every state (and Washington, DC) allows rear window tint. However, there may be additional requirements, such as having door mirrors on both sides (for example in New York). States also generally allow tinting of the rear side windows (the glass between the C and D pillars in SUVs, minivans and wagons). Meanwhile, a few states restrict the tint of front side windows.

Most states approve some form of windshield tint, but typically only the upper portion of the windshield is tinted. The coverage area usually extends from four to six inches from the top of the glass, but some jurisdictions rely on the horizontal AS-1 line as a measurement reference (which has a similar range). AS marks are government-mandated indicators that are placed on the windshield by the manufacturer. A few states (such as Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee) allow full windshield tint, but only at a VLT rating of 70% or higher.

While the majority of states take a similar approach to window tint regulations (where rear and side window tinting is okay and windshield tinting is allowed within certain limits), some jurisdictions are an exception. Notably, New Jersey and Vermont ban aftermarket tint on the front side windows.

Michigan is unique in that it only allows a four-inch horizontal tint band on the front side windows. In fact, this reflects what is allowed on the windshield. As a result, the most tinted color a Michigan-registered vehicle can have on the front half is a four-inch band that starts at the B-pillar on one side, runs along the top edge of the windshield, and ends at the B-pillar on the other side. Meanwhile, Minnesota, New Hampshire and New Jersey are the only states to ban any third-party tint on the windshield, leaving the factory blue tint at the top of the windshield as the only option for some cars.

Many states offer medical exemptions from window tint regulations, allowing car owners with eye or skin conditions to receive additional sun protection. The process usually involves a medical professional filling out a form, and that form being submitted to the DMV.