The North Canada Window Tint Laws

Canada’s Northwest Territories encompass nearly 520,000 square miles of land and thousands of miles of roadway, much of it long, open stretches where you can drive for hours without interruption. Such long drives in often unpopulated areas call for a vehicle in peak working order and that is optimized for driver safety, and part of that optimization means the proper application of window film in Northwest Territories, as window film can help improve driver performance and protect the integrity of the vehicle.

In The North Canada window tinting for cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and other vehicles can help keep your automobile cooler, better protected from interior sun damage, safer against potential break-ins or damage suffered during an accident, and it can make a drive safer and more pleasant. All those benefits aside, many types of car window tint are illegal in Northwest Territories. And the fines and penalties for illegal tint in NT can be quite unpleasant.

As long as you are sure to use legal window film for vehicles in Northwest Territories, you can and should have window film applied on the windows if your car does not have original factory tint in place. In NT, there is not any need to check on the VLT (or visible light transmission) level of tints, because on some windows no tinting is allowed, while on the others the tint’s darkness and transparency is not regulated and any type of privacy tint can be applied.

We will look at each window of the car (and other auto types – all follow the same rules) in turn in order to make clear what window film is legal in Northwest Territories and what tint is illegal.

Windshield Window Tint in Northwest Territories

You are not allowed to apply any windshield tint to the front windshield of a vehicle that is registered in The North. Even the thin strip of tint that is permitted at the top of the windshield in most provinces is illegal in NT, so it’s a good idea to always have sunglasses handy, especially during the long, bright Northwest Territories summers, when sunlight is often angled down toward your eyes for many hours of the day.

Front Side Window Tint In Northwest Territories

Window tinting is completely illegal on the front side windows of any privately owned car, truck, or SUV in The North. That means the windows situated next to the driver and by the shotgun seat must be completely free of window tint. While this is an annoyance for many drivers, there are logical reasons to prohibit tint on these windows, such as the fact that clear windows allow police or other authorities to be able to look into the cabin and ensure their safety during traffic stops or when investigating a parked vehicle.

Though window tinting film is banned on front side windows, you are allowed to apply optically clear UV-blocking window film on the front side windows, so you can still protect the cabin of your car and your own skin and eyes from UV light ray damage.

Back Side Window Tint in Northwest Territories

The windows on the sides of a vehicle located behind the driver’s seat can be tinted down to any darkness, including blackout privacy tint. This is the case for the back row in a sedan or for the multiple seating rows in vans or in larger SUVs. This rear side window tinting is allowed to be so dark it completely blocks the view into the cabin, which can keep occupant identity private and helps the possessions stored in the vehicle to be protected from the sight of any potential thieves who may try to break in while a car is parked.

Rear Window Tint in Northwest Territories

As with the rear side windows of vehicles in NT, the rear window (also called the rear windshield in some cases) of a vehicle in Northwest Territories can be tinted down to any darkness, including blackout privacy from the outside.

Other Northwest Territories Car Tint Laws

The rules are easy to follow when it comes to which windows of vehicles can be tinted in NT, but there are more details to know about car tint law in Northwest Territories.

For example, all reflective window tinting is banned in Northwest Territories, and so multiple colors of window film are therefore prohibited, like metallic or mirror finish window films.

No medical exemptions are permitted for darker tint in NT, so don’t bother seeking a work around note from a doctor OKing darker tint than allowed by the current tint laws in NT. Certificates and stickers that prove window film is legal are not needed in NT.

And unlike in many parts of Canada car window tint laws in NT do not require side view mirrors with rear window tinting, though they are always highly advised.

Illegal Window Tint Penalties in Northwest Territories

If a police officer identifies illegal tint on a car in The North window tint ticket costs and penalties can vary, from an immediate monetary fine to a “fix it ticket” wherein you can avoid a penalty if you remove your illegal tint and prove you did so in a timely manner.

Sticking with legal car window tint in The North in Canada is always cheaper and wiser than risking citations for illegal tint, so take pains to get legal window tint installed in the first place.

British Columbia Canada Window Tint Laws

In British Columbia window tint for cars, trucks, and SUVs can help keep your vehicle cooler, better protected from sun damage, safer against potential break-ins, and it can make your driving experience safer and more pleasant. All that good stuff noted, many types of auto window tint in British Columbia are illegal. And the penalties and fines for illegal tint in BC can be quite severe.

As long as you are careful to get legal window tint for cars in British Columbia, you can and by all means should have window film applied on all legal windows if your car does not already have factory tint in place. In BC, there is no need to worry about the VLT (or visible light transmission) rating of tints, because on some windows no tint is allowed, while on others the tint darkness is not regulated and any darkness of tint can be used.

We will look at each window of vehicles in turn in order to make it clear what tint is legal in British Columbia and what tint is prohibited.

Windshield Window Tint in British Columbia

You are allowed to apply windshield tint to a thin strip at the top of the windshield of a vehicle registered in British Columbia. BC tint laws allow for a 7.5-centimeter strip (three inches) of window film applied onto the glass, and this strip of tinting can help keep the sun out of your eyes as you drive. It is a great safety feature and should by all means be applied, but it’s also readily visible from the exterior of the vehicle, so police will see if you get illegal windshield tinting.

Front Side Window Tint I=in British Columbia

Window tint is completely illegal on the front side windows of all privately owned vehicles in British Columbia. That means the windows beside the driver and shotgun seat must be completely free of window film. While this is a frustration for many vehicle owners, there are logical reasons to ban tint on these windows. First, the clear windows allow police and other authorities to see into the cabin and ensure their own safety during a traffic stop.

And second, because window film greatly reinforces auto glass, tinting can make it hard to break a window and allow easy escape from the vehicle (or allow rescue personnel to get into the automobile) if the doors are damaged during an accident.

That said, you are allowed to install optically clear but UV-blocking window film on these front side windows.

Back Side Window Tint in British Columbia

The windows on the side of a car behind the driver’s row may be tinted to any darkness, including complete blackout privacy tinting. This is true for the back seat row in a sedan or for multiple rows in vans or larger SUVs. This rear side window tint can completely block the view into the vehicle, which can help keep occupants private and keep possessions stored in the vehicle protected from the sight of potential thieves while the car is parked.

Rear Window Tint in British Columbia

As with the rear side windows, the rear window (also known as the rear windshield) of a vehicle in BC may be tinted down to any darkness. Rear windows can be completely dark from the outside, blocking all view into the vehicle.

If any window tint is present on the rear window, even if it is not dark privacy tint, then the vehicle must have exterior rear view windows (AKA side view windows) in place.

Other British Columbia Car Tint Laws

The rules are clear cut when it comes to which windows of cars can be tinted in BC, but there is more to know in terms of details. For example, all reflective tint is banned in British Columbia, and thus many colors of tint are effectively prohibited, like metallic and mirrored window films.

No medical exemptions are allowed for darker tint, so don’t bother seeking work arounds for the tint laws in BC. Certificates and stickers that prove your tint is legal are not required, so at least that common frustration is avoided.

Illegal Window Tint Penalties in British Columbia

If a police officer finds illegal tint on your vehicle in BC you can be issued a ticket for $109. However, you will also be given a warning to have the illegal tint removed and you will only have a few days in which to get the banned tint taken off the car.

Failure to remove illegal window tint in a timely manner can lead to a much larger $595 fine and, in some cases, your vehicle will be impounded and forcibly removed from the road until the illegal tint is taken off, and all of the expenses involved are assessed to you, the vehicle owner.

It’s always a better move to get legal window tint installed in the first place and avoid the threat of penalties that can end up being quite pricey and can lead to larger legal troubles if your car ends up confiscated by the authorities as a result of the illicit window film.

Prairie Provinces Canada Window Tint Laws

The Prairie Provinces of Canada that stretch across the vast middle to west stretch of the nation have some of the longest stretches of highway in all of North America and drivers who spend much time navigating these many miles of roadway owe it to themselves and their vehicles to get proper auto window tint applied. In the Prairie Provinces car window tint can mean the difference between a drive where the glare of the sun causes eye strain, fatigue, and increased danger in the short term and, in the long term, leads to interior fading and discoloring to your vehicle’s upholstery, dashboard, and other surfaces, reducing the appeal of the vehicle for you, its current owner, and diminishing potential resale value later.

Despite their being geographically close to one another and relatively similar in topography, the vehicle window tint laws in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan are all slightly different, so let’s look at each of the tint laws for the provinces of the Prairie Provinces on a case-by-case basis.

Legal Auto Window Film in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba

Vehicle Window Tint Laws in Alberta

In Alberta, no windshield tint is allowed whether it is factory installed or aftermarket window tint. While glazing applied by the original manufacturer is permitted on the windshield and can block some UV light, no tint that darkens the front windshield is permitted at all.

Side front windows are also prohibited from having window tint in Alberta. That is to say the windows beside the driver and front seat passenger must be completely tint-free.

Rear side windows, meaning any row behind the driver’s seat row, be it a single additional row in a car or truck cab or many rows in a van or large SUV, may have any darkness of window tint applied.

The rear window, AKA the rear windshield, of vehicles in Alberta may likewise be tinted down to any darkness, including full privacy tint that blocks all view in from outside. Dual side view mirrors are required if tint is present, though no official tint certifications or identifying stickers need to be in place.

Vehicle Window Tint Laws in Manitoba

In the province of Manitoba you are allowed to have some window tint on the windshield. The tint must extend no more than 12.7 centimeters (or five inches) down the glass from the top of the windshield and must be no less than 25% visible light transmission, meaning it lets in at least 25% of the sun’s visible light. (That is a relatively dark tint, for the record.)

Front side windows in Manitoba may have window tint rated at 50% VLT or lighter, while the rear side windows may be tinted darker, with a maximum low VLT of 35%, which provides ample privacy along with excellent UV and heat rejection. (Though note that even much lighter tint can block up to 99% of UV light anyway.)

The rear window of vehicles in Manitoba may be tinted to any darkness provided exterior side view mirrors are both in place.

Manitoba tint law permits up to 5% variance in window tint darkness and no certificates or stickers are required.

Vehicle Window Tint Laws in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, no windshield tinting is allowed even if it is factory installed, and certainly no aftermarket window tint can be applied to the windshield.

Side front windows of vehicles are not allowed to have window tint in Saskatchewan, with this referring to the windows beside the driver and front seat passenger.

On the other hand, in Saskatchewan vehicle rear side windows, which means any windows behind the driver’s seat row, be it a one additional row in a sedan or truck crew cabin, or be it many rows in a bus, van, or larger SUV, can have any darkness of window tinting applied.

The rear window, also called the rear windshield, of vehicles in Saskatchewan may also be tinted down to any darkness, including full blackout privacy tint that blocks all view into the cabin from the outside. Dual side view mirrors are always required on all modern vehicles in Saskatchewan regardless of whether tint is present. No manufacturer tint certification or driver-applied stickers identifying tint compliance need to be in place on vehicles in Saskatchewan.

Fines for breaking Saskatchewan auto tint laws start at $115 and range up to $150 and multiple fines can be assessed to the same vehicle if the illegal tint is not quickly replaced.

Quebec Canada Window Tint Laws

Auto window tinting laws are different in each of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories, so it’s important that you pay close attention to the specific rules and regulations for vehicle window tint based on where you are getting your car tinted. In the province of Quebec car window tint laws are relatively straightforward and easy to understand, but as penalties for illegal window tint in Quebec can be quite severe, it’s a good idea to read through the rules with care.

First and foremost, you must understand the visible light transmission properties of window film. Visible light transmission, or VLT, is just what it sounds like: it’s how much visible light a window tint allows to pass through, and it correlates to how light or dark, meaning see-through or private, a tinted window is. The higher the VLT rating, the more light a tint lets through and the clearer and more transparent it is, while low VLT number correlate to darker privacy tinting. A tint rated at 95% VLT is almost clear, while a 5% VLT is almost impossible to see through from outside during the daytime.

Note that even window tint with very high VLT ratings and that does not add much privacy to a car, truck, or other vehicle type can still block lots of UV (ultraviolet) and IR (infrared) light, and thus perform the most important job of a tint. Blocking UV light stops interior fading and damage, while blocking IR light keeps cabin temperatures down.

On the other hand, if you want to change the look of your car and add privacy tinting, you can do that with darker tints. But be sure your car window tint is legal in Quebec, because police can check the darkness of tint during any traffic stop using a compact, portable device, so you are always at risk for a hefty illegal tint ticket in Quebec if you have illegal window tinting.

Legal Windshield Tint in Quebec, Canada

In Quebec you are allowed to have window tint applied along the top 15 centimeters of your car’s windshield. (That is a band of tint measuring 5.9 inches, for reference.) The window tint applied to your windshield cannot be reflective. This tint is important as it can block the harsh glare that can impede a driver’s vision, especially in the morning and the evening when the sunlight comes down at an angle.

Front Side Window Tint for Cars in Quebec

Cars, trucks, vans, and other types of vehicles in Quebec all must follow the same rules when it comes to window tint on the front side windows, meaning those windows beside the driver and the shotgun passenger seat. This tint must not be darker than 70% VLT (meaning it can only block 30% of the sunlight) and it must not be reflective in appearance.

Rear Side Window Tint in Quebec

All vehicles registered in Quebec follow the same rules for rear side window tinting, which refers to any windows on the side of the vehicle behind the driver; for sedans this may only be one pair of windows, for SUV’s it may be two, and for vans or recreational vehicles it may be multiple rows of windows. In Quebec, tinting of any darkness may be applied to the side windows behind the driver row, and this tint must not be reflective in appearance.

Rear Window Tint for Vehicles in Quebec

The rear window of a car, truck, or SUV in Quebec may be tinted down to any darkness but must not be reflective in appearance. Note that is the rear window is tinted at all (rear windows are also sometimes called rear windshields, for reference) then the vehicle must have side mirrors on each side of the vehicle that the driver can use to see blind spots and partially behind the vehicle.

Other Auto Tint Laws in Quebec

As noted, in Quebec auto tint cannot be reflective on any window of a vehicle. Thus, certain colors of window film are effectively illegal, such as gold, silver, or copper tint. Beyond that, other colors of window film are legal in the province.

There are no medical exemptions for darker window tint allowed in Quebec, so stick with tint regulations and opt for excellent UV blocking tints if you have a medical condition that merits reduction of sun exposure instead of trying for darker tint on front side windows.

Window tint manufacturers, sellers, and installers in Quebec need not officially certify the tint they offer as meeting province window tint laws, and drivers do not need to use stickers displayed on their vehicles proving their tint is legal, but as police can check tint darkness any time with handheld devices, it’s not worth trying to get away with illegal tint.

Penalties for Illegal Window Tint in Quebec

The fines for illegal window tint on a car in Quebec can be costly, and they are even more expensive on larger, so-called heavy vehicles, like multi-person vans or trucks. An illegal car window tint ticket in Quebec can cost between $154 to $274 in Quebec, while for heavy vehicles the cost can be up to $525 for illicit tinting.

Upon receiving an illegal window tint ticket in Quebec, you are given a fixed period of time in which you must have the illegal tint removed (and replaced with legal tint or simply left off the vehicle) and get the automobile inspected by a certified agent. Failing to take these steps will result in an additional fine which can be even greater, the cost of the penalty ranging from $438 all the way to $865.

Wyoming Window Tint Laws

Wyoming may be known more for mountains plains than it is for its hot, sunny days, but that’s no reason every car, truck, van, or SUV in Wyoming should not have window tinting. The sun can overheat vehicles even on cool days, and UV light is a danger even when the sun seems mild.
Solar energy in the infrared light wavelength can heat up the interior of a parked car beyond 100º degrees even when outside temperatures is only 60º due to a greenhouse effect that takes place inside the vehicle’s cabin when that IR solar heat passes through non-tinted car windows.

And vehicle window tint is absolutely critical for keeping the interior of your vehicle safer for driver and passengers by rejecting dangerous UV light. And it’s that same UV light that causes fading and cracking on the inside of the car, ruining the appearance of leather and fading cloth upholstery, damaging the dash other surfaces, and reducing vehicle value.

Car tint is a wise investment that can pay for itself over a few years thanks to smaller fuel and battery consumption due to less need for AC. And then when you sell the vehicle, it will have a much better re-sale value because of the protected interior. However not all car window film is legal in Wyoming, and window tint violation tickets can be expensive, so you need to make sure you get the best legal window tint in Wyoming to avoid citation.

Below, we will work through all the current window tint laws in Wyoming, which were enacted in the year 1996 and have not been fully revised to match new window tint technologies and product evolutions. To ensure your car tint is legal under Wyoming law, you have to know the visible light transmission (the VLT as it is abbreviated) percent of your tinting. VLT means how much light a tint allows to pass through, essentially referring to how dark and private or clear the film is; the darkest tints may have a VLT of 5%, while clear, see-through tinting may have 905 VLT. Be aware that even lighter, effectively see-through window film can still block harmful UV light and warming IR light, so you do not need dark tint to get many of the benefits of window tinting for cars. Of course for added privacy and the enhanced looks dark window tint gives vehicles, darker tint can be a great choice.

Windshield Tint Rules in Wyoming

As in almost all states in America, some windshield tint is legal in Wyoming. Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans can all have a non-reflective window strip of tint applied to the windshield down to five inches below the top of the windshield glass, an area often marked off by an AS-1 line that is displayed at the sides of the glass.

Car Window Tint Laws in Wyoming

In Wyoming, cars (meaning sedans and coupes, not larger vehicles like SUVs) can have window tint rated at 28% VLT or lighter on all side windows and on the rear windshield. This window tint may be slightly reflective (or mirrored) in appearance, with reflectivity capped at 20%.

Van, Truck, and SUV Window Tint Laws in Wyoming

Wyoming tint laws for MPVs (an abbreviation for multi-purpose vehicles that refers to sport utility vehicles, trucks, vans, RVs, and so forth.) may have 28% or lighter VLT tinting on the front side windows and can have window film of any darkness (including blackout privacy tint), on any rear side windows as well as on the rear window. As with car window tint in Wyoming, tinting for MPVs may be up to but not more than 20% reflective.

Other Window Tint Rules in Wyoming

A number of stipulations beyond VLT rating and reflectivity apply to auto tint in Wyoming, so read through this section closely, as you want to avoid penalties and fines for illegal tint.

Any vehicle that has any window film applied to windows behind the driver seat must have dual side view mirrors installed.

Wyoming auto tint laws prohibit window film that is amber, yellow, or red on the windshield, but there are no rules regarding window tint color for the film applied to side windows and the rear window.

Auto window tint manufacturers, vendors, and installation in Wyoming no not need to officially certify the tint as meeting state law, and stickers identifying legal window tint are not required in the state.

Wyoming tint laws do allow for medical exemptions to some tinting laws, so if you need darker window film on front side windows for a truck, van, or SUV or on the rear windows of a car, talk to a doctor about getting an exemption for darker window film.

Window Tint Violations in Wyoming

Window tint tickets in Wyoming are not a criminal offense, but the costs can add up if you are issued a fine. The minimum cost of an illegal window tint ticket in Wyoming is $110, and you can be cited multiple times if you do not get your illegal tint removed.

That said, police are also allowed to use discretion and can issue warnings for illegal tint that do not come with a penalty. In either case, a warning or an actual citation, it’s a good idea to get illegal tint removed, and it’s an even better idea to get legal auto window tint in Wyoming in the first place.

Darkest legal tint for Sedans in Wyoming

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches.
  • Front Side windows: Must allow more than 28% of light in.
  • Back Side windows: Must allow more than 28% of light in.
  • Rear window: Must allow more than 28% of light in.

 

Darkest legal tint for SUV and Vans in Wyoming

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches.
  • Front Side windows: Must allow more than 28% of light in.
  • Back Side windows: Any darkness window tint can be used
  • Rear window: Any darkness window tint can be used

Wisconsin Window Tint Laws

Wisconsin car window tint laws were originally passed in the year 1996 and, whiles subject to change, are still largely the same today. However, as myriad new window film products have come out since 1996, it’s a good idea to check in on current Wisconsin window tint laws for vehicles any time you are considering getting window tint for a car, truck, van, or SUV that is currently registered in Wisconsin or if you are transferring the title of a tinted vehicle to a Wisconsin registration.
The most aspect of making sure your car tint is legal in Wisconsin is being sure its tinting’s visible light transmission percent, or VLT, meets the laws for the given window of the vehicle. VLT ratings relate to how light or dark (meaning how see-through or opaque) a window is; the lower the number, the darker and more private the window, so for example a 25% VLT window is darker than a 50% VLT window which is darker than 75% VLT tinting.

Vehicle window tint helps keep the interior of your vehicle cooler and for it rejects the damaging UV light that causes fading and cracking damage on the inside of the car, ruining the looks of the upholstery, the dash, and other surfaces and diminishing the re-sale value of the vehicle.

Car tint is a wise investment that can pay for itself over a few years because of reduced energy consumption by the air conditioning system and of course by preserving the re-sale value thanks to the quality of the interior being preserved.

However as illegal auto window tint in Wisconsin can be an expensive violation, you have to make sure you get legal window tint for your automobile or you risk citation.

Below, we will work through all of the current auto window tinting laws in Wisconsin. To be your car’s window film is allowed under current Wisconsin rules, you must know the visible light transmission rating of the tint on each window.

And note that even clearer effectively transparent window film can still block lots of dangerous UV light and hot IR light; you do not need dark privacy tinting to get many of the benefits of window film.

Windshield Tint Rules in Wisconsin

As is true in almost all states, a narrow strip of tint along the top of the windshield glass is legal in Wisconsin. Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans may all have non-reflective window tinting applied above the windshield’s AS-1 line, which is marked in small letters/numbers on the glass, or if that line can’t be found, tint is allowed down to five inches below the top of the glass. This strip of window tint can make driving safer by minimizing sun glare in the driver’s eyes, so if there is not tint pre-installed on your vehicle, you should have the tint it applied even if it’s the only tinting on your car.

Auto Window Tint Laws in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, cars (meaning passenger cars like sedans and coupes) and MPVs (meaning trucks, vans, and SUVs – the acronym is for multi-purpose vehicle) all follow the same window tinting rules, unlike in many states where cars and MPVs have different window tint rules.

Automobiles can have window tint rated at 50% VLT or lighter on the front side windows, which is to say the windows beside the driver and shotgun passenger seat, and can have tinting rated as dark as 35% VLT on rear side windows as well as on the rear windshield.

This window tint on side windows and on the rear window cannot be reflective, which effectively curtails metallic or mirrored tints.

Other Window Tint Rules in Wisconsin

A number of other auto tint rules beyond VLT and reflectivity restrictions apply to car tinting in Wisconsin, so read through the section below carefully.

Window tinting on vehicles in Wisconsin is allowed to have a variance of up to 3%, meaning a car, truck, or SUV with 47% VLT on front side windows or 32% VLT tint on rear windows can usually avoid getting an illegal tint citation and ticket.

Any vehicle that has window tint darker than 60% VLT on the rear window must have both side view mirrors in good working order.

Wisconsin tint law does not specifically prohibit any tint colors, however as noted because of the ban on reflective tint, many colors, like silver, gold, and copper, are effectively prohibited.

Manufacturers, sellers, and installers of window film for cars in Wisconsin do not need to certify the products they sell as meeting state law, and stickers identifying legal window tint are not required in Wisconsin, but do double check that your tint is legal before you have it applied.

Wisconsin window tint laws allow for medical exemptions to the state’s tinting rules, so if you require a darker window tint on the side windows or rear window of your vehicle, talk to a doctor about getting a dispensation that will clear you for a darker window film. Just make sure you maintain documentary proof of the exemption in the vehicle at all times to avoid getting a window tint citations if you are stopped by the police or to prevent a failed vehicle inspection.

Window Tint Violations in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, an illegal car window tint violation can come with a ticket assessed at up to $175, and police can issue ticket after ticket if they stop you for differing reasons. The state does not have so-called “fix it tickets” that are usually tossed out if you remove the illegal tint and prove you have done so, thus it’s best to make sure you get legal tint the first time and avoid fines.

Police can use compact, handheld devices to test window tint VLT during any traffic stop, so you are always at risk of your illegal tint being found out and cited if you have dark window film on a car, truck, van, or SUV in Wisconsin.

Darkest legal tint for Sedans in Wisconsin

  • Windshield: Non-reflective window tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
  • Front Side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
  • Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
  • Rear window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

 

Darkest legal tint for SUV and Vans in Wisconsin

  • Windshield: Non-reflective window tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
  • Front Side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
  • Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
  • Rear window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

West Virginia Window Tint Laws

West Virginia vehicle window tint laws were first enacted in the year 1991 making them some of the oldest in the nation. In the three decades since the window film laws in West Virginia were first passed, there have been myriad developments and changes in the auto window tint products and installation techniques, so it’s important to regularly check and make sure you have legal window tint in West Virginia, as the fines for illegal window tint in the state can reach as high as $200 per infraction and repeated citations can be issued if you don’t get your banned window tint replaced or removed.

That said, window tint for a car in West Virginia is the best way to protect the interior of the car, truck, or SUV against the damage ultraviolet light can cause to the upholstery, dashboard, consoles, and other surfaces. UV damage can reduce the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, making it worth less in resale value and less enjoyable for you, the current owner. And as UV light passing through regular glass can also cause skin damage that can lead to premature signs of aging and even to skin cancers, UV-blocking window tint is also an issue of health and safety.

Car window tint in West Virginia also blocks much of the hot infrared light that heats up the inside of your car, so blocking the IR light can keep the car cooler and more comfortable and make it more cost efficient by reducing the need for fuel and battery draining air conditioning.

And of course adding car tint in West Virginia enhances the looks and style of your car and can add privacy, keeping you, your family, or any other passengers in the vehicle more private and safe from the unwanted views of people in other cars or out walking on the streets.
Given the many benefits of window tinting for cars, it’s a great idea to have window film applied to your vehicle as long as it meets all West Virginia car tint rules. We’ll go through the types of tint allowed and the types banned for each window and each vehicle type to make sure there is no confusion as to what tint is legal in the state.
 
Please note: The accuracy, completeness, adequacy or currency of the content is not warranted or guaranteed. We are not lawyers or a law firm and we do not provide legal advice. We recommend you consult a lawyer or other appropriate professional if you want legal advice.
 

Windshield Tint Rules in West Virginia

All types of private vehicle in West Virginia (meaning cars, SUVs, trucks, vans, etc.) must follow the same rules for front windshield tint. A strip of non-reflective window tint is allowed along the top five inches of the windshield (an area often marked by the letter and number combination AS-1 and called the AS-1 line). This tint cannot be yellow, amber, or red in color.
 

Car Window Tint Laws in West Virginia

In the state of West Virginia, cars (meaning sedans, coupes, and convertibles) may have window tint that let’s in at least 35% of the sun’s visible light on all side windows as well as on the rear window. This means window tinting with what is called a VLT rating, or visible light transmission rating, of 35%. The higher the VLT rating, the less darkly tinted a window is, for reference.

Car window tint in West Virginia can be as much as 20% reflective (mirrored, e.g.) in appearance, so some metallic tint colors are permitted. As with windshields, yellow, red, and amber window tint colors are banned in the state.
 

Window Tint Laws in West Virginia for Trucks, Vans, and SUVs

West Virginia tint laws for vehicles other than cars, such as trucks, sport utility vehicles, vans, and RVs (an abbreviation for vehicles other than cars is MPV, meaning multi-purpose vehicle, for reference) state that these vehicles may have 345 or lighter VLT window tint on the front side windows (those by the driver and the shotgun seat passenger) and can have window tint of any darkness (including blackout limo tint), on all rear side windows and on their rear windshields.

As with car window tint in West Virginia, window film applied to MPVs may be up a maximum of 20% reflective, and the colors yellow, amber, and red are illegal.
 

Other Window Tint Rules in West Virginia

There are several rules beyond window tint visible light transmission, color, and reflectivity restrictions that apply to auto tinting in West Virginia, and many of these regulations have to do with things beyond the physical tint itself. But first note that West Virginia state law does not allow for any variance for window tint darkness such as is allowed in many states, so have to know the exact VLT% of your tint meets the rules – even a tint rated 1% darker than allowed by state law can technically get you a full cost tint ticket.

The first rule to note is common and basic: vehicles with any window film on any window behind the driver’s seat means the vehicle must have twin side view mirrors installed.

Next, note that manufacturers, vendors, and installers of window tint for cars in West Virginia must certify the tint they provide as meeting state rules, so be sure to ask your window tint provider if they are using officially certified tint.

State tint law also mandates stickers identifying legal window tint are applied between the window glass and tint on every window where aftermarket tint is applied.

West Virginia window film rules do allow for medical exemptions to tinting laws, so if you need a darker window film that allowed by current rules in order to protect your eyes or skin, talk to a medical professional about getting an exemption that will clear you to get darker window tint for your vehicle. Just be sure to keep documentation proving you qualify for an exemption in the vehicle at all times.
 

Window Tint Violations in West Virginia

Window tint tickets in West Virginia can be assessed as high as $200 per infraction. Window tint violations are assessed as misdemeanors and can become a rather serious legal issue if you receive multiple citations or if your tint infraction comes while you are facing other legal issues as well.

That said, $200 is the maximum current West Virginia window ticket fine allowed under the state’ s code (CHAPTER 17C. TRAFFIC REGULATIONS AND LAWS OF THE ROAD. ARTICLE 15. EQUIPMENT. §17C-15-36a. Sun-screening devices; penalty) so as long as you quickly have your illegal tint removed, a single violation need not be a major issue.
 

Darkest legal tint for Sedans in West Virginia

  • Windshield: Non-reflective window tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
  • Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
  • Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
  • Rear window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

 

Darkest legal tint for SUV and Vans in West Virginia

  • Windshield: Non-reflective window tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
  • Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
  • Back Side windows: Any darkness window tint can be used
  • Rear window: Any darkness window tint can be used

Washington DC Window Tint Laws

As with many states, in Washington D.C. you may have window tint on the front windshield that is above the AS-1 line, which is a band at the top of the windshield usually demarcated with the letters and number “AS-1.” If no AS-1 line is visible, then you may legally apply windshield window tint down to five inches below the top of the windshield glass.

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Washington Window Tint Laws

Washington vehicle window tint laws were first enacted in the year 2011 and as tint technology is always evolving, tint laws are always subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check in on current Washington window tint rules for cars if you are considering getting window film for a vehicle registered in Washington or if you are transferring the registration of a car with tint to the state.

Most important of all for making sure car tint is legal in Washington is making sure the visible light transmission, or VLT, meets the standards for that vehicle type’s windows. VLT numbers refer to how light or dark (clear or private) the window is; the smaller the number, the darker and more private the window tint, so a 25% VLT is darker than a 50% VLT which is in turn darker than 75% visible light transmission.

Vehicle window tint keeps the interior of the car cool and rejects the damaging UV sunlight that causes faded and cracked upholstery, dashboards, and other surfaces and thereby reduces resale value of the vehicle.

However as illegal car tint in Washington can be a pricey issue, you need to make sure you have legal window tint on your car.

Below, will break down all the current car window tinting laws in the state of Washington. To be sure your car window tint is allowed under current Washington law, you have to know the visible light transmission of the tint. Also know that even lighter, effectively transparent window film can block damaging UV light and hot IR light, so you don’t need dark privacy tinting for the solar energy rejection benefits of window film.

 
Please note: The accuracy, completeness, adequacy or currency of the content is not warranted or guaranteed. We are not lawyers or a law firm and we do not provide legal advice. We recommend you consult a lawyer or other appropriate professional if you want legal advice.
 

Windshield Tint Rules in Washington

As in many states, a band of windshield tint along the top of the glass is legal in Washington. Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans may all have non-reflective window film applied to the top six inches of windshield glass.
 

Car Window Tint Laws in Washington

In Washington, cars (meaning passenger sedans and coupes) can have window tint rated at 24% VLT or clearer on all side windows as well as on the rear windshield.

This window tint can be as much as 35% reflective (or mirrored) in appearance which is more reflection than allowed in many states. Note that reflective tint can provide more effective solar energy rejection and is not merely cosmetic.
 

MPV Window Tint Laws in Washington

Washington tint laws for MPVs (an abbreviation for multi-purpose vehicles used to mean trucks, SUVs vans, RVs and other vehicles) may have 24% or lighter VLT window tint on the two front side windows and can have window film of any darkness (including blackout privacy tint), on the rear side windows and on the rear windshield.

As with car window film in Washington, window tint applied to MPVs may be up to 35% reflective.
 

Other Window Tint Rules in Washington

A number of rules beyond the VLT and reflectivity ratings apply to car tinting in Washington, so read through the below points with care.

Washington state law allows no variance for window tint darkness, so you must be sure you know the proper VLT% of your tint.

A vehicle with any window tinting on the rear window in Washington must have twin side view mirrors that are good working order.

Washington tint laws prohibits tinting colors that are red, amber, or yellow.

Producers, retailers, and installers of window tint for vehicles in Washington must certify the tint they offer meets state law and stickers identifying legal window tinting are required for vehicles in Washington; make sure your tint install shop puts the proper stickers between the tint and glass on the driver’s side window.

Washington window film laws allow for medical exemptions to tinting regulations. If you need a darker window tint to protect your eyes, skin, or for another reason, talk to a doctor about getting an exemption that can clear you for darker window tint for your car.
 

Window Tint Violations in Washington

Window tint tickets in Washington often cost $124, which is not that pricey of a fine if you are only cited once, but you can get a ticket for illegal tint in Washington again and again for the same illegal tint, so it’s better to make sure the window tint you have installed is legal in the first place.

Police officers can use a portable handheld device to check window tint VLT in real time, so any traffic stop may come with the unpleasant added expense of a tint ticket. When in doubt about your window tint, go to a trusted Washington window tint installer and have it tested; better to find out it’s an issue there than while you are stopped by an officer or as illegal tint makes you fail an inspection in Washington State.

Virginia Window Tint Laws

Virginia car window tint laws were first passed in the year 1999 and are always subject to change, especially as new window film products and technologies come out, so it’s a good idea to check in on current Virginia window tint laws for cars any time you are considering getting window tint for a car, truck, van, or SUV that is registered in Virginia or if you are planning to transfer the title of a car with tint to a VA registration.
Most important of all for making sure your vehicle tint is legal in Virginia is making sure its visible light transmission rating, or VLT, meets the rules for the given vehicle type’s window. VLT ratings relate to how light or dark (see-through or opaque) and window is, and the lower the number, the darker and more private the tint, so 25% VLT is darker than 50% VLT which is darker than 75% VLT.

Vehicle window tinting is critical for keeping the interior of your car cooler and for rejecting the damaging UV sunlight that causes fade and cracking damage to the inside of the car, ruining the appearance of upholstery, the dashboard, and other surfaces and reducing the value of the vehicle.

Car tinting is a smart investment that can pay for itself over time because of to reduced energy consumption by the AC system and by preserving the re-sale value thanks to the maintained interior.

However as illegal car window tint in Virginia can be a pricey violation, you need to make sure you only get legal window tint for your vehicle.

Below, we’ll go through all the current car window tinting rules laws in Virginia. To ensure your car window film is allowed under current Virginia law, you must know the visible light transmission of your tint. But note that even lighter, clearer, and effectively transparent window tinting can still block dangerous UV light and warming IR light; you don’t need dark privacy tint to get benefits from window film.

Windshield Tint Rules in Virginia

As in most states, a strip of windshield tint along the top of the glass is legal in Virginia. Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans can all have non-reflective window tint applied above the windshield’s AS-1 line, or if that line can’t be identified, down to five inches below the top of the glass. This strip of window film makes driving safer by reducing sun glare in your eyes, so if there was no tint pre-installed at the factory, you should get it applied.

Car Window Tint Laws in Virginia

In Virginia, cars (meaning passenger cars like sedans and coupes) can have window tint rated at 50% VLT or lighter on the front side windows, meaning those beside the driver and shotgun seat, and can have tint rated as dark as 35% VLT on rear side windows as well as on the rear windshield.

This window tint may be as much as 20% reflective (or mirrored) in appearance, and note that reflective tint does mean somewhat more effective solar energy rejection.

MPV Window Tint Laws in Virginia

Virginia tint laws for MPVs (the abbreviation for multi-purpose vehicles which referrs to trucks, SUVs vans, RVs and so on) may have 50% or lighter VLT tinting on the front side windows and are allowed to have window tint of any darkness (this includes blackout privacy tint), on rear side windows and on the rear windshield.

As with car window tint in Virginia, window film applied to larger vehicles may be up to 20% reflective in appearance.

Other Window Tint Rules in Virginia

A number of rules beyond VLT and reflectivity percent restrictions apply to car tint in Virginia, so read through the below carefully.

Window tint on vehicles in Virginia is allowed a variance of up to 7%, meaning a car with 43% VLT on front side windows or 28% VLT tint on rear windows can usually avoid an illegal tint citation.

Any vehicle that has any window tint on any windows must have dual side view mirrors in good working order.

Virginia tint laws prohibit tint that is red, amber, or yellow in color.

Manufacturers, retailers, and installers of window tint for cars in Virginia do not need to certify the tint they sell meets state law, but stickers identifying legal window tint are required in Virginia, so make sure your tint installer applies the proper stickers showing your tint is legal in the state.

Virginia window tint laws do allow for medical exemptions to the state’s tinting rules, so if you need a darker window film on front side windows for any vehicle or for the rear windows of a car, talk to a doctor about getting an exemption that will clear you for darker window tint that can then be installed if you proffer proof of your a medical tint exemption needed to protect your eyes, skin, or for another reason. Make sure you keep the proof of exemption in the car at all times to avoid window tint citations if you are stopped by the police.

Window Tint Violations in Virginia

In Virginia, your first illegal car window tint violation counts as Class 3 misdemeanor, while you will be hit with a Class 2 misdemeanor for subsequent offenses for illegal tint on the same vehicle. A Class 3 misdemeanor cannot come with jail time but it can come with monetary fines of up to $500.

A Class 2 misdemeanor can be a much more serious offense, with you sentenced to up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1000, or in the most serious cases, both. Illegal window tint is not ever worth such serious penalties, so don’t let yourself get cited for a second window tint violation in Virginia.


Vermont Window Tint Laws

Vermont has some of the oldest window tint laws in America, the state’s car tint laws having been enacted in 1984. Since then, myriad new types of vehicle window tinting have been developed, including nanoceramic window tints originally designed for the aerospace industries.

Modern window tint for cars is a far cry from the types of tints that were available back in the mid 1980s. If you think of car window tint as the stuff that turns purple, bubbles, and cracks, and that window tint for cars is only for adding privacy and changing to looks of the vehicle, then you’ll be pleased to learn how much more window tint can do for a car and how well it lasts without losing its looks or proper function.

In Vermont window tint for cars can reduce interior heat in the summer by blocking hot infrared light and can help keep a car warmer in the winter by adding insulation to the windows. Auto window tint also blocks 99% of the ultraviolet light that can lead to cracked and faded upholstery and discolored dashboards and other surfaces, protecting your cars looks and its resale value. And ceramic window tints will not bubble, crack, or discolor with time, and they do not impact the clarity of cell phone signals, radio waves, or satellite connectivity.

In Vermont, the rules regarding legal window tint for cars are clear cut and simple which makes them easy to follow but also means it’s easy for police or inspectors to spot illegal tint and to issue a window tint violation ticket or to fail you for an inspection.

Legal Windshield Tint in Vermont

The same Vermont auto tint laws for windshield window tint apply the to cars (sedans, e.g.) as to MPVs (meaning multi-purpose vehicles like sport utilities, vans, and trucks) and state that tint on windshields cannot go below the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, which is usually marked on the windshield glass itself. If no AS-1 line is visible, use the top 5 inches of the windshield as your reference.

And note that only non-reflective window tint is legal on windshields in Vermont.

Vehicle Window Tint Laws in Vermont

Understanding the car window tint rules in Vermont is quite simple, especially as you do not even need to know the VLT percent rating (or visible light transmission percent) of the tints you use.

That’s because front side windows, those beside the driver and shotgun seat, cannot have any window tinting that darkens the glass at all, while all windows behind the front row may have any darkness of tint, even blackout privacy tint that completely blocks the view into the car, truck, van, or SUV.

In Vermont, note that no reflective, metallic, or mirrored tints can be used on any windows of any vehicles registered in Vermont, though at present all colors of window tint are legal in the state. (This is relatively rare: many states ban red, yellow, amber, and metallic window tint colors.)

Other Window Tint Rules and Exemptions in VT

Your car is required to have dual side mirrors if your rear windshield is tinted.

Manufacturers, vendors, and installers of car tint in Vermont do not need to certify the window tint they offer as meeting state guidelines, but always double check with your tint seller to ensure you are not risking a tint ticket due to illegal tint.

You are not required to use stickers proving your tint is legal in Vermont, but applying a sticker proving any window tint on your vehicle is legal can help you quickly avoid a window tint ticket, so they are recommended.

Vermont window tint ticket costs vary, but illegal tint will cause you to fail an inspection, which can mean forfeiting your fee, and violation costs can add up quickly into the hundreds of dollars. Vermont window ticket infractions are assessed as non-moving traffic violations and are not criminal matters.

If you need window tint on your front side windows for medical reasons, you can apply for a medical exemption for tinting on the front windows beside the driver and shotgun seat. This tint may be needed to mitigate the effects of a health issue like glaucoma or skin sensitivity, reducing the potential health damage caused by ultraviolet exposure. Check with your doctor and if you do get a document proving you have a medical need for a tint exemption, make sure you keep the document in your car at all times.

In Vermont vehicle window tint is a smart way to protect your car from long term UV damage and to keep the car cooler and more comfortable every day you drive it.

Legal car window film is effective and affordable and it can be installed quickly. And car window tinting lasts for years, it is by no means permanent and can always be replaced or simply removed.

Utah Window Tint Laws

Too often, people think of car window tint in Utah as simply about adding privacy and changing the look of a vehicle. In fact, auto window tint is one of the best ways to protect the interior of a car against damage caused by ultraviolet light, the leading cause of the fading, cracking, and discoloring to upholstery and other surfaces that can ruin a car’s interior looks for its current owner and can reduce its resale value as well. Window film for cars can also reduce the interior heat caused by infrared light during the long, warm summers in Utah. Window tinting cars can reduce fuel and battery drain by reducing the need for AC use, and that saves a driver money along with making the car more comfortable.

However, because some types of window tint are illegal in Utah, tinting car windows can also cause its share of problems if you get illegal window tint. Utah police and inspectors can use handheld, portable devices to check window tint darkness so if you have illegal tint, you will get cited for it eventually. The most important factor when it comes to legal car window tint in Utah is the tint’s VLT percentage, VLT being the standard acronym for visible light transmission. In simpler terms, VLT refers to how much or how little light tint allows to pass through, so a window tint with a very low VLT% is quite dark (5% is often called “limo tint”) while a very high VLT% is quite clear (95% would be almost transparent).

To avoid a window tint ticket in Utah, take careful note of the rules for window tint for vehicles registered in the state.

Windshield Window Tint Rules in Utah

The same rules apply to all types of private vehicle (meaning cars, vans, trucks, etc.) when it comes to windshield tint in Utah: non-reflective window tint is allowed down to the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. The AS-1 line is usually demarcated with small lettering and numerals on the windshield glass itself, but if no AS-1 line is visible, then you may apply window tint in a strip measuring four inches below the top of the windshield.

Side Window Tint Rules in Utah

As with windshields, the same rules apply to all vehicle types when it comes to side window tint in Utah. Front side windows, meaning those beside the driver and shotgun seat passenger, may have a tint as dark as 43% VLT or lighter. This adds plenty of privacy but still allows in a view from close up such as a police officer may need during a stop. For rear side windows, any tint darkness is legal, including full blackout privacy tint that does not allow any view into the car from the outside.

Note that Utah window tint laws mandate that a vehicle have dual side view mirrors if any windows behind the front row have any window tint applied.

Also be aware that reflective tint is not legal in Utah; no window film with a mirrored or metallic effect may be applied to private vehicles registered in the state.

Rear Window Tint Rules for Vehicles in Utah

The rear window, also often called the rear windshield, of any vehicle in Utah may have tint of any darkness, provided that the tint is not reflective. Any rear window tint also applies the rule requiring dual side view mirrors.

Other Car Window Tint Laws in Utah

Utah window tint laws for cars were enacted in the year 2005 and are still relatively current even given recent developments in window tinting technology. At present, all colors of window tint are legal in Utah (many states ban red, amber, and yellow tints) however many car window films may be effectively illegal because of the ban on reflective and mirrored tints, so it’s best to avoid gold, silver, copper, or ither metallic tints.

Window tint manufacturers, sellers, and installers are not required to certify the tint they offer in Utah as meeting state laws and motorists are not required to place stickers or other identifiers proving tint as legal anywhere on the car, but recall that rapid testing can reveal illegal window tint during any inspection or traffic stop, so it’s best to be sure your window tint retailer or vendor is offering window tint legal in Utah.

At present, Utah does not allow any medical exemptions for window tint even for people who feel they need darker tint for skin, eye, or other health reasons.

In Utah window tint tickets are relatively low at just $50 for the average window tint violation, but an illegal window tint ticket can be issued over and over again if you are stopped repeated times, so even the rather low cost per ticket can add up.

Texas Window Tint Laws

Texas automobile window tint laws were passed quite recently compared to car tint laws in most states, having been put on the books only in the year 2009. While rules governing the darkness of window tint and which car windows can be tinted have not changed much since 2009, Texas window tint laws are very specific so it’s a good idea to read through the information below closely if you are getting new car tint in Texas or you plan to register a car with tinted windows in the state.

The primary factor that dictates if car tint is legal or not in Texas is its VLT%, or visible light transmission percentage, which is shortened to VLT. VLT percent ratings concern how much visible light can pass through window tint, and the more light that passes, the clearer the window tint and the higher the number. So a tint rated at 99% VLT is almost completely clear, while a with at 1% VLT looks completely dark from outside the car.

The rules for window tint in Texas are not different for different types of vehicles, which is unusual; most states have different rules for cars as for MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles like trucks and vans and SUVs). So we will use terms like car, auto, and vehicle all interchangeably.

Automibile Windshield Tint in Texas

In Texas, windshield tint can be applied in a band above the vehicle’s AS-1 line, which is marked at the top of the glass. If an AS-1 line is not visible, then the top six inches of the windshield glass may be tinted. This tint may be as dark as 25% VLT and can also be up to 25% reflective. (Note that most states allow less tint darkness and no reflectivity for this windshield tint strip.)

Front Side Window Tint for Vehicles in Texas

Under Texas state law front side windows of vehicles, meaning those by the driver and shotgun seat, may be tinted down to a darkness of 25% VLT, which offers ample tinting for privacy and added style for a vehicle but still lets people nearby see in, as a police officer needs to do during a traffic stop. (Note that you can enjoy most of the benefits of window tinting, including blocked UV light and reduced IR light, without using of dark window tint at all – many clear tints stop fading and reduce heat and don’t change the look of the car). Front side window tint can be up to 25% reflective

Rear Side Window Tint for Automobiles in Texas

The rear side windows of a car in Texas may be tinted down to any darkness, including complete blackout privacy tint such as you associate with a limousine or livery car. This is true for any side windows behind the front row. These side windows can be tinted up to 25% reflectivity.

Rear Windshield Tint for Cars in Texas

Vehicles in Texas can tint their rear windows down to any darkness, including blackout privacy tint, provided the vehicle has dual side view mirrors. If these mirrors are not present, then rear window tint can only be a maximum darkness of 25% VLT.

Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in Texas

If you feel you have a medical condition that may warrant the use of darker window film than allowed by Texas state law, you can get a medical exemption allowing for darker window tint. Consult a doctor (usually a dermatologist or ophthalmologist) and ask about getting a document that will prove you need a darker tint.

Other Texas Car Window Tint Laws to Know

Under 2021 Texas tint regulations, there are no banned colors of window tint on the side windows or rear window of vehicles, but you cannot use blue, red, or amber window tint on the front windshield.

Window tint manufacturers are required to certify the window tint they sell in Texas meets state rules, and drivers are required to get a sticker installed between the tint and glass of the front driver’s side window that proves the tint is legitimate.

Texas Window Tint Violations

Police often have with them a tool that can test window tint VLT on the spot, so you are at risk for a car tint ticket in Texas at all times.

Fortunately the first window tint ticket cost in Texas is usually quite low and is a so-called “fix it ticket” that may cost as little as $20 and comes with the requirement to have illegal tint removed and replaced. But subsequent window tint tickets can cost well over $200 if the authorities find that you did not remove illegal tint.

To avoid getting cited for a window tint violation in Texas, you can bring your vehicle to a car tint shop and have your window tint darkness VLT and reflectivity tested for compliance. If it does not meet the law, you should have it replaced.

Tennessee Window Tint Laws

Car window tint laws in Tennessee were first passed in the year 1990. In the time between that year and the present, many new types of window tints for vehicles have been developed. Back then, 30-plus years ago, when most people thought of car window tint it was of lower quality tint that often turned purple with age as dyes broke down and would tend to bubble, peel, and crack over time.

Today the best window tint for cars will last for as long as the vehicle itself. Nanoceramic window tints are made using sheets of highly durable polyester that are infused with tens of thousands of microscopic bits of ceramic materials that can reject UV and IR solar energy while still allowing in visible light and without any signal interference as you can get with metal-based tints. Ceramic window tint was developed for the aerospace industry and is now available commercially for vehicles of all types.

To make sure that the latest and best window tint for cars still follows Tennessee auto window tint laws passed many years back, you need to know the visible light transmission (VLT) rating of the window tint you are considering for your vehicle (or that is already applied to a car you want to register in Tennessee) and you need to know the specifics of Tennessee car tint laws to be sure you are in compliance, because in Tennessee window tint violations can lead to tickets costing over $200, so after just a couple citations you may pay more in window tint tickets costs than you did for the window tint installation in the first place.

Tennessee Windshield Tint Laws

All vehicles in Tennessee may have any darkness of window tint down to the windshield’s AS-1 line, which can usually be seen marked off near the top of the glass. If you can’t see the AS-1 marks, then use 5 inches as a guide. Below the AS-1 line, Tennessee tint law allows for a tint of 70% VLT (meaning 70% of more of sun’s visible light can pass through) on front windshields.

No windshield tint in Tennessee can be reflective.

Auto Window Tint Rules in Tennessee

All types of vehicles in Tennessee must follow the same window tint rules, so cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, RVs, and other automobiles can all use these guidelines. Side and rear windows (meaning the rear windshield) may all have tint as dark as 35% VLT. This is dark enough to add plenty of privacy from the view of other motorists or passersby, but does not completely obscure the view in so a law enforcement officer (or anyone else) approaching near the vehicle will be able to see inside.

Note that no reflective tint of any type is allowed on side or rear windows of vehicles registered in Tennessee.

Other Tennessee Window Tint Rules

All colors of window tint are technically legal in Tennessee but because reflective tint is banned, you may be limited from using certain metallic finishes of window film for cars, like silver, gold, or copper window tint.

Tennessee car tint law makes no provision regarding side view mirrors when tint is present, which is unlike rules in most states.

Window tint manufacturers and retailers in Tennessee are not required to officially certify the tints they offer in Tennessee as meeting state tint laws, but vehicle owners are required to have a sticker in between the tint and window glass on the driver’s side window that clearly shows the tint as legal. This sticker must display the name and contact information of the tint installer and have the words “complies with Tennessee Code Annotated, § 55-9-107” clearly visible.

Tennessee tint law does allow for medical exemptions for darker tint than permitted by regulations, so if your health is adversely threatened by UV light, you can get a doctor’s note clearing you for darker tint than the 35% VLT allowed. Keep this document in the glovebox at all times to avoid getting ticketed for dark tint when you are stopped.

Tennessee Window Tint Violations

If you are stopped for any reason by a police officer while you are driving in Tennessee your illegal window tint may lead to a ticket issued right then and there. Police can use portable digital devices to test window tint VLT (how light or dark the tint is, in other words) on the scene, so you can’t hope to get away with illegal tint.

Window tint violations in Tennessee can cost anywhere from $100 up to $230 or more for a single ticket, and you will get charged more money and potentially charged with a more serious violation for repeated illegal window tint offenses.

As window tint costs anywhere from $100 to $800 or so depending on the type of car, the type of tint, and other factors, the risks and costs associated with illegal window tint are not worth it when simply getting illegal tint removed and replaced is an affordable process.

South Dakota Window Tint Laws

South Dakota first enacted window tint laws for cars more than 30 years back in the year 1989, making the state one of the earliest in the nation to do so. This means that lots tint laws on the books in South Dakota were created before lots of modern window tint products were even imagined, so the tint laws governing the state may pose a problem if you are using a window tint that was not conceived of when the rules were passed.

Below, we break down current SD car tint laws in as much detail as possible, but make sure to consult with your tint retailer or installer to be sure the car tint you have is legal in South Dakota. That often means determining then exact VLT (or visible light transmission, meaning how clear or how dark the tint is) percent and making sure it meets VLT% rules of the state.

Car window film is a smart upgrade for those concerned both about short-term function and style of a vehicle and long-term re-sale value of the automobile. In South Dakota car tint adds privacy and style the same day is installed and it reduces interior cabin heat even during long, hot summer days, keeping the car cooler and comfortable and reducing battery use and increasing fuel savings through less AC usage.

Over the years, window tint blocks 99% of the UV light that causes interior bleaching, discolor, and cracking of upholstery and dash surfaces so a vehicle keeps its interior look and its value.

Legal Windshield Window Tint in South Dakota

As you find in almost all states in America, the regulations regarding windshield window tint in South Dakota are easy to follow: you can apply non-reflective window tint down to the auto manufacturer’s AS-1 line, which is an area about inches below where glass meets roofline. (If you can’t find the specific AS-1 line, use five inches as your guide for the thickness of the tint strip.) The same windshield tint laws apply to all vehicle types in South Dakota.

Auto Window Tint Laws in South Dakota

All types of vehicle in South Dakota are held to the same tint rules; there are not different regulations for cars as for SUVs and other larger vehicles as is common in many states.

The front side windows, meaning those by the driver and shotgun seat, may have tint not darker than 35% VLT, meaning at least 35% of visible light must pass through. This is dark enough tint to add some privacy but will not obscure the view into the vehicle from up close.

Back side windows, meaning any side window by seating behind the front row as well as by cargo areas, may be tinted down to 20% VLT, meaning you are allowed to have tint dark enough to add significant privacy. This same rule, the 20% VLT tint, applies to the rear window (AKA rear windshield) of automobiles registered in South Dakota as well.

Other Car Tint Rules in South Dakota

Unlike you find in almost all states, there are no laws pertaining to dual side view mirrors and rear window tint in South Dakota. Likewise unusual is the fact that no colors of window tint are banned in the state, so even red, amber, and yellow tints are legal under SD law as written.

South Dakota permits broad variance in window tint VLT, allowing a variance of up to 9% without penalty. So even if your car had window tint that tested to be just 26% VLT rated on its front side windows, in most cases that would not result in a citation for illegal tint.

Manufacturers and sellers of auto window tint in South Dakota are legally required to certify the tint they offer as meeting state rules, so be sure you check with your retailer or tint installer to make sure that your car’s window film is legal in SD.

Also note that you must apply stickers identifying window tint as legal on every tinted window of your vehicle. These tint ID stickers are a good way to efficiently avoid tint issues during a traffic stop or an inspection, beside the fact that they are the law.

South Dakota tint laws do not allow for medical exemptions for darker window tinting, so even if you have health issues like photosensitivity, skin sensitivity, or other medical conditions that may merit darker tint, you need to stay within the confines of the law.

Window Tint Law Violations in South Dakota

In South Dakota illegal window tint tickets can cost you several hundred dollars if you get hit with multiple fines. Window tint violations in South Dakota are assessed as Class 2 misdemeanors, which stay on your record for 10 years, so they are really best avoided. Police can test window tint VLT in real time with handheld devices, so any traffic stop for any reason may become much more costly if you have illegal window tint in South Dakota.

South Carolina Window Tint Laws

South Carolina first enacted its window tint laws for vehicles nearly 30 years ago back in 1992, making it one of the earliest states to do so. This also means that many tint laws in SC were created long before many modern window film products were developed, so know that tint laws on the books may require lots of care to follow given their age and given all the new tint technologies developed in recent years.

To make sure your car (or larger vehicle) meets current South Carolina window tint law it’s a good idea to know the exact VLT percent (or visible light transmission percent, meaning how light and clear or dark and private the tint is) and to make sure it meets VLT% rules for each window of your auto type.

Car window tinting is a good investment for anyone concerned about both short-term function and looks of a vehicle as well as long-term re-sale value of the vehicle. In often warm, sunny South Carolina car tint adds privacy and style the first day it’s applied and it lowers cabin heat even during long, hot southern summer days, making the car cooler, more comfortable, and more cost effective based on reduced battery use and fuel savings through less AC use.

In the long term, window tint blocks 99% of the UV rays that cause interior fading, discolor, and cracking to upholstery and hard surfaces so a car will keeps its interior appearance and value.

Car window tint is a smart investment, but because illegal window tint in South Carolina can come with hefty fines and even jail time, you need to be sure your vehicle car tint meets with SC window tint laws.

Legal Windshield Window Film in South Carolina

As you get in most states, the rules regarding windshield window tint in South Carolina are easy to follow: you may apply a non-reflective window tint down to the vehicle manufacturer’s AS-1 line, which is a strip about inches below where the glass meets the roof. If you can’t tell the location of the AS-1 line, then use five inches as your guide for thickness of the tint strip. The same windshield tinting rules apply to all vehicle types in South Carolina.

Note most cars, trucks, and SUVs come with factory tint pre-installed on the windshield, so there is often no need to get this window film applied after market. (If your car does not have factory tint, you should get a = nonreflective window film applied, as this tint cuts sun glare, lowering eye strain and making driving safer.)

Car Window Tint Laws in South Carolina

In South Carolina, cars (meaning sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks) have different window tint laws than larger vehicles (like trucks, SUVs, and vans, collectively called MPVs, short for multi-purpose vehicles), so we are breaking down the rules by vehicle type separately.

Cars in South Carolina can have a window tint on side windows and rear windshield that allows at least 27% or more of the sun’s visible light into the car. This is more than a dark enough tinting to add privacy and to block sun glare, but 27% VLT tint also still allows some view into the car from up close, important for police officers doing traffic stops.

This 27% VLT window tint must not be reflective.

Auto Window Tint Rules in South Carolina for MPVs

The front side windows of vans, SUVs, and trucks in South Carolina must use the same standards as cars, with window tint no darker than 27% VLT. Rear side windows of MPVs can have any darkness of window film provided it does not go all the way to the top of the glass. Even blackout privacy tint that does not afford any view into the interior of the automobile is legal provided there is that clear strip at the top.

Rear windows (AKA the back windshields) may be tinted to any darkness under South Carolina rules without any upper strip needed. MPV tint cannot be reflective either.

Other Car Tint Rules in South Carolina

If the rear windshield of your vehicle is tinted South Carolina the rules stipulate that the vehicle must have dual side view mirrors in good working order.

As in many states, the window tint colors yellow, amber, and red are banned under South Carolina law, and as reflective tint is illegal, some metallic finish tints are also de facto illegal as they create a mirrored look.

No variance is allowed for tint darkness; the stated 27% minimum VLT is the rule.

Manufacturers and vendors of window tint in South Carolina are required to certify the film they sell as meeting state rules, so check with your vendor or installer to make sure your window tint is legal in SC.

Also, vehicle owners need to put stickers identifying tint as legal on every tinted window of the car. These stickers are not only required, but are a way to quickly deal with tint issue during a traffic stop or an inspection.

South Carolina tint rules do allow for some medical exemptions for darker window tinting, so if you have feel you have health issues like photosensitivity, skin disorders, or other medical conditions that merit darker window tint than that allowed by SC law, talk to a doctor and then to a tinting expert.

Window Tint Law Violations in South Carolina

Police assess window tint violations in South Carolina as misdemeanors, and the costs can be expensive. SC Window tint tickets cost a minimum of $200 and window tint violations can be much more expensive.

In extreme cases, authorities can also sentence window tint violators in South Carolina to up to 30 days of incarceration.

Rhode Island Window Tint Laws

In the state of Rhode Island car window tint laws have in place since then year 2000. Thus they are on the older side for state tint laws, as many states have tint regulations dating back to the 1990s, while most were passed or updated later into the 21st century. Overall, save for some recent updates to Rhode Island tint rules, however, most window tint products in use today, such as nano-ceramic based window film, are still covered by the original Rhode Island tint laws.

Still, the state’s window tint laws are subject to updated and changing at any time, so it’s a good idea for you to stay current with your following tint laws for cars in Rhode Island, as window tint violations in the state add up to hundreds of dollars in costs.

The key thing to check for is your tint darkness, which is tracked in terms of visible light transmission, or VLT for short.

The higher the VLT number, the more transparent the window; the lower the number, the darker and more private the tint. So a window tint rated at 70% VLT adds a bit of tint and privacy, while a 5% tint adds total blackout privacy, for example.

Police and inspectors can check VLT darkness on the scene during a stop with handheld devices, so it’s hard to avoid window tint tickets if you have illegal tint, there’s really no safe way to press your luck with extra dark tint.

Windshield Window Tint Law in Rhode Island

As in most states, in Rhode Island cars and bigger vehicles (like vans, trucks, and SUVs, e.g., often called collectively by the abbreviation MPVs) are subject to the same rules for windshield tint laws. The rules allow windshield tinting down to the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, which is shown in small letters and numbers right on the glass itself – if you cannot find an AS-1 line, then the tint should be a strip not larger than five inches, and no windshield tint can be reflective.

Many cars come with windshield tint applied at the factory; if your vehicle did not, you should by all means get this tinting as it reduces glare while you drive, especially at sunrise and sunset when the sun is at a sharp angle. As for the other window film on your car, it’s about reducing sun glare to be sure, but also about adding privacy and style, lowering interior heat, and protecting the cabin against ultraviolet light damage.

Window Tint for Cars in Rhode Island

Cars in Rhode Island can have window tinting that’s rated at 70% VLT or lighter on all side windows and on the rear window (meaning the rear windshield, in other words). This 70% VLT tint is not subject to specific reflectivity rules.

While this 70% tint is plenty of added darkness and reflectivity to make a car more private and to change the look of the car, keep in mind you do not need darkening tint to get all benefits of window tint beyond that the added privacy. Even much lighter, optically clear window tint can reject 99% of the sun’s UV light that leads to interior fading and cracking to upholstery and dash surfaces, reduces how much IR heat gets into the car, and reduces the glare that causes eye strain and makes driving dangerous. Never think that darker window tint is the best window tint in Rhode Island.

Window Tint for MPVs in Rhode Island

Vans, trucks, and SUVs in Rhode Island may have front side windows tinted to the same 70% VLT rating as is permitted for all windows of cars. As for rear windows, meaning side windows behind the driver row and cargo areas, and on the rear windshield, the glass may be tinted to any darkness, including full privacy tint that fully blocks view into the vehicle.

As with cars, the tint on larger vehicles can be rated at any reflectivity, which is rare as most states limit window reflection.

Other Window Tint Laws in Rhode Island

There are several rules you must follow to meet Rhode Island tint laws and also some more flexible allowances than other states that are refreshing.

Unlike in most states, there are no dual side view mirror rules related to window tint.

There are also no bans on any color of window tinting, so even red, amber, yellow, and metallic tints are legal in the state.

You do not need to apply stickers that identify legal window tint to your vehicle, and window tint manufacturers and vendors do not need to certify the tint they sell in Rhode Island as cleared for sale in the state.

Rhode Island does allow medical exemptions for window tint darker than allowed by state law for people with conditions such as extreme photosensitivity (light sensitivity) or skin issues that may be exacerbated by excess light exposure. Talk to a doctor or official from the Rhode Island DMV to discuss your window tint medical exemption options.

Window Tint Violation Ticket Cost in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island window tint tickets are misdemeanors and are not criminal offenses, but each Rhode Island window tint ticket can cost up to $250, so you can be hit with steep penalties especially if the authorities choose to issue you several violations during one stop or if you get repeated citations without getting your illegal window tint replaced or removed.

Pennsylvania Window Tint Laws

Pennsylvania has long, hot summers and long, cold winters, the reality of being an eastern mid-Atlantic state. That means cars that are sweltering and hard to cool in summer and frost and slow to warm in winter. With window film for cars in Pennsylvania, you can enjoy rejected solar heat in summer, which keeps your car cooler, and better insulation in winter, which keeps warm air pumped in from the vents inside the car. And of course auto tint also adds privacy and style.

In PA, window tint is a wise investment that pays for itself over the years in reduced fuel consumption due to less use of AC and heat, and pays off big when you go to re-sell the car and enjoy a much better value thanks to the new looking interior.

However not all car window tint is legal in Pennsylvania, so benefits aside, you need to be careful what tint you get for your car.

Below, we will look through all the current window rules laws in Pennsylvania, which were enacted in 1999 and get periodically updated to meet new window tint product offerings. To be sure your car’s tint is allowed under Pennsylvania law, you need to know the visible light transmission (or VLT) percent of the tint.

VLT refers to how much visible light a window tint allows to pass through the glass, meaning how dark and private or how light and clear the tint is; very dark tint may rate a VLT of 5%, while light and see-through tint may rate a 90% VLT. Note that even clear, transparent window films can still block plenty of damaging UV light and reject lots of hot IR light; you don’t need dark privacy tint to enjoy the benefits of window tinting for cars.

That said, if you want more privacy and you like the looks of dark privacy window tinting on a vehicle, Pennsylvania does allow for very dark tint on most windows of most vehicles, but you can’t apply dark tinting on cars unless you get an exemption, so be careful not to get illegal window tint in PA.

Windshield Tint Rules in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is among those few states where you can have window tint on the whole of the front windshield of your vehicle. Cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs alike may all have nonreflective window tint rated at 70% VLT or higher on the whole of the front glass, and can have tint of any darkness on the top three inches of the windshield.

Car Window Tint Laws in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, cars (meaning sedans and coupes, not larger vehicles) can have window tint rated at 70% VLT or lighter on all side windows of the car and on the rear windshield. This window tint cannot be reflective or mirrored in appearance.

70% VLT is much lighter than is allowed in many states, so if you feel you want or need darker tint, you can seek a window tint law exemption.

MPV Window Tint Laws in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania tint laws for MPVs (which refers to multi-purpose vehicles like a sport utility vehicle, truck, passenger van, motor coach, and so on) may have 70% of lighter VLT on the front side windows beside the driver and shotgun seat and are allowed window tint of any darkness, including full privacy blackout tint, on the rear side windows and on the rear windshield of the vehicle. As with car window film in Pennsylvania, tinting for larger vehicles cannot be metallic or reflective in appearance.

Other Window Tint Rules in Pennsylvania

A number of stipulations beyond VLT ratings and reflectivity limits dictate window tint regulations in Pennsylvania, so go through this section carefully, as window tint tickets in Pennsylvania can add up quickly.

Any automobile, regardless of type, that has side or rear window tint is required to use dual side view mirrors that are fully functional≥

Pennsylvania tint laws do not expressly ban any color of window tinting, but as metallic and mirrored tints are banned, you may be de facto prohibited from using gold, silver, copper, or other metallic finish tints.

Manufacturers, retailers, and installers of window tint film in Pennsylvania are not required to officially certify their tint products as meeting state law, but stickers identifying legal window tint are required to be pasted visibly on cars with window tint. Thus it is on you, the vehicle owner, rather than the tint shop, to make sure your car complies with PA tint laws. Talk to your installer about getting window tint stickers that will help you avoid an illegal tint ticket.

Pennsylvania tint law allows for window film medical exemptions for some rules, so if you feel you need darker tint on front side windows of any vehicle or for any windows of a car, talk to a medical professional about getting a dispensation for dark window tint that suits your medical needs.

Window Tint Violations in Pennsylvania

Window tint tickets in Pennsylvania are not thar serious matter legally speaking, but the cost of tickets can add up, especially if you are cited multiple times for the same illegal tint without getting your offending tint removed. A window tint ticket in Pennsylvania costs up to $110 for a single offense, though a judge or other court official may have grounds to issue even larger fines for certain tint offenses or for repeated breaches of PA tint law.

Oregon Window Tint Laws

Oregon is not known for having hundreds of hot, sunny days every year, but that’s no reason every car, truck, van, or SUV in Oregon should not have window tint. Solar energy in the form of infrared light can heat the interior of a parked car pass 100º even when outside air temperatures are only 60º thanks to a mini greenhouse effect that takes place in the vehicle when solar heat passes unchecked through non-tinted windows.

Vehicle window tint critical for keeping the interior of your car cooler and safer for you and your passengers and for rejecting the damaging UV light that causes fading and cracking damage to the inside of the cabin, ruining the appearance of leather or cloth upholstery, fading the dashboard, and damaging other surfaces.

Car tint is a great investment that pays for itself over time thanks to reduced fuel consumption what with less need for AC cooling and when you go to sell the vehicle and find it has a much better re-sale value thanks to the protected interior. However as not all car window tint is legal in Oregon, and as a window tint ticket can be quite expensive, you have to make sure you get the best legal window tint for your car.

Below, we’ll go through all the current window rules laws in Oregon, which were enacted in the year 2003 and have been periodically revised to suit new window tint technology and product developments. To ensure your car tint is allowed under Oregon law, you must know the visible light transmission (or VLT) percentage of your tint. VLT refers to how much light a tint lets pass through and essentially refers to how dark and private or light and see-through the film is; dark tint might have a VLT of 5%, while light and see-through tint may have 90% VLT.

Note that even lighter, effectively transparent window tint can still block damaging UV light and hot IR light; you don’t need dark tinting to get most of the benefits of window film. On the other hand, for added privacy and the stylish look of dark window tint on cars, Oregon is a good state in which to register a car, as it allows for darker tinting than permitted in many states.

Windshield Tint Rules in Oregon

As in most states, some windshield tint is legal in Oregon. Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans can have non-reflective window tint applied to the windshield down to six inches below the top of the windshield glass. This strip of tinting can make driving much safer by reducing solar glare in the driver’s eyes.

Car Window Tint Laws in Oregon

In Oregon, cars (meaning sedans and coupes, not larger vehicles) can have window tint rated at 35% VLT or lighter on all side windows and on the rear windshield. This window tint may be slightly reflective (or mirrored) in appearance.

(You may be able to legally get darker car window tint with a medical window film exemption – see below for more information.)

MPV Window Tint Laws in Oregon

Oregon tint laws for MPVs (abbreviation for multi-purpose vehicles and referring to sport utility vehicles, trucks, vans, etc.) may have 35% or lighter VLT tinting on the front side windows and can have window tint of any darkness (including full blackout privacy tint), on rear side windows as well as on the back windshield. As with car window tint in Oregon, tinting for larger vehicles may only be slightly reflective in appearance.

Other Window Tint Rules in Oregon

A number of rules beyond simple VLT percent apply to tint in Oregon, so read through this section with care, as any breach can result in the same penalties as you pay for illegal dark tint itself.

Window tint reflectivity in Oregon must not be more than 13%.

Any auto that has any window tinting on windows behind the driver’s row must have dual side view mirrors in proper working order.

Oregon tint laws prohibit tint that is gold, amber, yellow, black, or red in color.

Manufacturers, sellers, and installers of window film for cars in Oregon must film officially certify the tint as meeting state law, so talk to your tint seller or installer professionals and make sure the tint they offer is certified.

Stickers identifying legal window tint are not required in Oregon.

Oregon tint laws allow for medical exemptions to some tinting rules, so if you need a darker window tint on front side windows for an MPV or on the rear windows of a car, talk to your doctor about getting a dispensation for darker window film that can then be installed once you establish you qualify for a medical tint exemption to protect your eyes, skin, or for any other reason.

Window Tint Violations in Oregon

Window tint tickets in Oregon are not a criminal matter and are usually considered a class B traffic violation, but the costs of Oregon window tint tickets can add up especially if you are cited multiple times without replacing your illegal tint.

And as even a single window tint violation can come with a $360 fine, even a single offence can be an unpleasantly expensive issue with your penalty in fact costing more than you would likely spend to get an illegally tinted window retrofitted with acceptable tint.