How to Obey Laws for Window Tint
Nothing makes a car, truck or SUV look sharper than sophisticated window tinting. Safety benefits include 99.9% UV protection, reduced sun and headlight glare and less shattered glass in accidents and break-ins. On the other hand, that cool tint job could mean a run-in with the law. Take a proactive look at federal, state and local regulations when shading your favorite set of wheels.
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Instructions
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Check federal, state and local laws carefully before having window tinting applied to your vehicle. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires a basic 70% visible light transmission (VLT) on windshields and both front windows. This requirement is identified as FMVSS 205 on window tinting law charts and is the typical factory standard on new cars. However, the U.S. government has allowed each state to define their own window tint regulations which often allow darker shading. Some city governments and police departments also enforce their own local standards.
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Investigate compliance issues when purchasing a new vehicle with tinted windows, or when tinting windows as a consumer or installer. While it is possible to tint your own windows, it is far better to have them done professionally by a reputable, legal service center. Discuss state laws, certification and sticker requirements with the installer.
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Look into the laws throughout the 50 states if you intend to be traveling across state lines. State window tint laws vary greatly, and most states enforce their tinting laws with out-of-state drivers. Avoid an unpleasant ticket, an unexpected fine or an expensive fix-it order on your next vacation.
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Understand additional restrictions that may be written into your state window tint law. There may be exclusions on certain colors, restrictions on reflective tinting and a requirement for dual side mirrors on vehicles with darkened rear windows. Guidelines also vary according to vehicle type--passenger car or Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), such as recreation, police or medical vehicles, buses, limousines or hearses.
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Take the time to understand the terminology used on state window tint law charts. Most of these charts have an accompanying glossary that explains the abbreviations used and the proper way to read them. The charts will cover a variety of features, including acceptable tint grades, details for each window type, restrictions and exclusions, fines and implications for out-of-state drivers.
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Apply for a medical exemption with your state's Department of Transportation if you have a physical condition that requires greater protection from the sun's rays. This often requires submitting a notarized affidavit signed by the driver and a physician.
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Resist the temptation to take a risk in window tinting without covering all the bases first. While helpful state window tint law charts can be found on the Internet, it is always best to ask your local or state police if in doubt. In some states police officers are allowed personal discretion in enforcing window tint violations due to risks they take in the line of duty in approaching darkened vehicle windows. Your local DMV and Rules of the Road booklet may also be helpful.
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