Tinting your car’s windows involves putting a thin film to them in order to lessen the amount of sunlight and heat that enter the inside. Depending on your tastes and demands, this film can be created from different materials and come in different colors and hues.
Tinted windows provide a number of advantages, including less glare, security, and protection from UV rays. Window tinting is regulated by statute in California.
These regulations specify the maximum allowable tint darkness, the maximum allowable reflectivity, and the maximum allowable color range. It can be very expensive to deal with the consequences of breaking these rules.
If you’re going to tint the windows of your car in California, you should familiarize yourself with the regulations governing such modifications. In addition to ensuring your legal compliance, this will provide you further information to consider when selecting a tint shade.
Window Tint Darkness in California
The amount of light that can pass through your car’s window tint in California is quite particular and changes from vehicle to vehicle.
The quantity of visible light that can enter a room through a window is known as the visible light transmission (VLT) percentage.
For sedans, the rules for window tint darkness are as follows:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 88% of light in or a minimum of 70% VLT if combined with factory-tinted windows.
- Back Side windows: Any tint darkness
- Rear Window: Any tint Darkness
For SUVs and vans, the rules are slightly different:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 88% of light in or a minimum of 70% VLT if combined with factory-tinted windows.
- Back Side windows: Any tint darkness
- Rear Window: Any tint Darkness.
Keep in mind that there is a separate set of rules for buses and limos than there are for regular cars and trucks. Window tinting in California requires a certificate of conformity produced by the installer and retained in the vehicle at all times. This certification guarantees that your window tint complies with California law.
Window Tint Reflection in California
Tinted windows not only cut down on the heat and brightness inside your vehicle, but they can also reflect some of that light back out, making it easier to see the road.
However, the reflective properties of window tint are governed by stringent statutes in the Golden State.
For sedans and SUVs, the rules for window tint reflection are the same:
- Front Side windows: No metallic or mirrored appearance.
- Back Side windows: No metallic or mirrored appearance.
It’s possible that your tint could be illegal even if it falls within the VLT criteria because of the metallic or reflected effect it produces. This is because other drivers are put in danger by highly reflective tints.
Two side mirrors are required by California law if your vehicle’s back window is tinted. This is done so that when reversing or changing lanes, the driver has a clear view of what’s behind them and to the sides.
Other California Window Tint Rules and Regulations
In California, window tinting is subject to a number of strict restrictions, including those governing the level of darkness and the amount of reflection allowed.
These rules are meant to prevent injury to drivers and prevent people from exploiting window tints.
Here are the specific rules for other California window tint laws and regulations:
- Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if the rear window is tinted.
- Restricted Colors: Red, amber or blue tint colors are prohibited.
- Certificates: Film manufacturers are required to certify the film they sell in this state.
- Stickers: The sticker/label of compliance is required to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on each tinted window.
- Medical Exceptions: California law allows for medical exemptions that would allow the use of low tints.
Before getting your windows tinted, you should always double-check with the DMV or the police to be sure it’s not against the law. California’s Pulaski, Benton, and Washington counties, among others, are all covered by these statutes.
Conclusion
Tints are heavily restricted by California law, both in terms of darkness and reflectivity. It is vital to be aware of and adhere to these principles to avoid legal complications or fines.
Varied types and models of vehicles have varied levels of visible light transmission (VLT), a measure used to quantify the darkness of window tint.
Depending on the type of vehicle you drive (sedan vs. SUV), the laws regarding window tinting can be rather different. If the back window is tinted, you must also have two side mirrors, and there are additional rules about the allowed range of tint, certification, stickers, and penalties.
Make sure your window tinting is within the law in California by checking with the DMV or the local authorities.
In order to enjoy the benefits of window tinting without breaking the law, it is crucial to be aware of and adhere to these restrictions. Keep a copy of the certificate of conformity in your vehicle at all times if the installation calls for one.
Click on the states below to see the applicable tinting laws.
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