Window tinting entails adding a thin coating of film to the windows to reduce the amount of light and heat that enters your vehicle.
This film is available in many different materials and hues to suit your specific needs and preferences. Reducing glare, protecting your car’s interior from UV damage, and increasing privacy are just a few of the many benefits of window tinting.
Remember that Alabama has strict laws and regulations regarding window tinting. These rules outline the range of allowable tint shades, as well as restrictions on reflectivity and darkness. Violating these regulations might result in costly fines and penalties.
If you live in Alabama and want to tint the windows of your vehicle, you must first familiarize yourself with the state’s window tinting laws. It will help you choose the proper tint for your vehicle and ensure that you are in compliance with the law.
Window Tint Darkness in Alabama
The precise amount of light that can pass through your car’s window tint in Alabama varies based on the type of vehicle.
Visible light transmission (VLT), the quantity of visible light that can pass through the window, is used to calculate this percentage.
For sedans, the rules for window tint darkness are as follows:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 32% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Must allow more than 32% of light in.
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 32% of light in.
For SUVs and vans, the rules are slightly different:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 32% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
Keep in mind that there is a different set of restrictions for commercial vehicles such as buses and limos, as opposed to passenger trucks and cars.
In accordance with Alabama law, you must keep in your vehicle at all times a certificate of compliance issued by the window tint installation. This certificate will serve as your confirmation that your windshield tinting is legal in the Aloha State.
Window Tint Reflection in Alabama
Window tints can reflect incoming light, reducing glare and improving visibility while driving. They also reduce the amount of light and heat that enters your vehicle.
In Alabama, there are, however, stringent rules and statutes regarding window tint reflection.
For sedans and SUVs, the rules for window tint reflection are the same:
- Front Side windows: Should not be more than 20% reflective
- Back Side windows: Should not be more than 20% reflective
Even if your tint conforms with the VLT requirements, it may still be prohibited if it provides a metallic or mirrored look. This is because other motorists’ safety can be compromised by highly reflective colours.
If your back window is tinted, you also need two side mirrors to be legal in Alabama. This guarantees that drivers have adequate rearward and side vision when reversing or changing lanes.
Other Alabama Window Tint Rules and Regulations
There are a variety of laws and regulations pertaining to the level of darkness and reflectivity that apply to window tinting in the state of Alabama.
These regulations are in place to keep drivers safe and stop illegal tinting of windshields.
The precise guidelines for additional Alabama window tint laws and regulations are as follows:
- Side Mirrors: If the back window is tinted, dual side mirrors are required to ensure proper visibility.
- Restricted Colors: There are no specific colors of tint that are banned in Alabama.
- Tint Variance: Tint variance is the difference between the actual VLT of the tint and the VLT allowed by law. In Alabama, the tint variance is 6%.
- Certificates: Film manufacturers are required to certify the film they sell in this state.
- Stickers: The sticker/label of compliance to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on each tinted window.
- Medical Exceptions: Alabama law allows for medical exemptions that would allow the use of special tints.
- Penalties: The maximum penalty is $100 and/or up to 10 days in prison for a first offense. If a second offense occurs within a year, the maximum penalty increases to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail. For third and subsequent offenses within a year, the maximum penalty is $500 and/or up to 3 months in prison. It’s worth noting that local jurisdictions may give a somewhat different interpretation of the law.
Always confirm that window tinting is permitted in your region before having it done by contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles or the police.
These laws are applicable in all counties of Alabama including: Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Blount, Bullock, Butler, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Cleburne, Coffee, Colbert, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Cullman, Dale, Dallas, DeKalb, Elmore, Escambia, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Jefferson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee, Limestone, Lowndes, Macon, Madison, Marengo, Marion, Marshall, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Randolph, Russell, Saint Clair, Shelby, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Washington, Wilcox, and Winston County,
Conclusion
Alabama law is particularly stringent on issues like the reflectivity and darkness of colors. In order to avoid trouble with the law or financial penalties, it is crucial to be aware of and abide by these regulations.
Window tint darkness is measured in terms of visual light transmission (VLT), which varies from vehicle to vehicle. Metallic or mirrored tints may be unlawful, even if they are within the VLT limits, and the standards for vehicles and SUVs are varied.
There are other restrictions on things like sticker placement, certification, and the allowed range of shades of color. Tinted back windows necessitate the use of two mirrors. If you live in Alabama, you should check with the local law enforcement or DMV to make sure that window tinting is permitted there.
It is crucial to be aware of and follow to these rules in order to enjoy the benefits of window tinting without breaching the law. If the installation calls for a certificate of compliance, get one and maintain it in your car at all times.
Click on the states below to see the applicable tinting laws.
References: