Window tinting is the process of applying a thin layer of film to your car windows to reduce the amount of light and heat that enters the vehicle. This film can be made from a variety of materials and can come in a range of colors and shades, depending on your preferences and needs.
The benefits of window tinting are numerous, including reducing glare, protecting the interior of your car from UV damage, and increasing privacy. Illinois has enacted laws that govern how window tinting should be done.
These laws dictate how dark your tint can be, how reflective it can be, and what colors are allowed. Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines and penalties, which can be quite costly. Knowing the window tinting laws in Illinois is essential if you are planning on getting your car windows tinted.
Not only will it ensure that you are in compliance with the law, but it will also help you make an informed decision about what type of tint to use.
Window Tint Darkness in Illinois
In Illinois, the percentage of light allowed through your car’s window tint is very specific and varies depending on the type of vehicle.
This percentage is measured by visible light transmission (VLT), which is the amount of visible light that can pass through the window.
For sedans, the rules for window tint darkness are as follows:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 6 inches.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Must allow 35 % of light in.
- Rear Window: Must allow 35% light in.
For SUVs and vans, the rules are slightly different:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 6 inches.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used
Additional rules:
- You can install 35% VLT on all windows.
- All windows behind the driver can legally have any tint percent, but only if the front side windows are not tinted.
- Front side windows may have 50% light transmission, but only if no window behind the driver is tinted under 30% VLT.
- On vehicles with factory-installed window tint of any darkness on any back window, front side windows must have over 50% VLT.
Take note that commercial vehicles like buses and limos are subject to a different set of regulations than passenger automobiles and trucks.
A certificate of compliance, issued by the window tint installer and kept in the vehicle at all times as per Illinois law, is also necessary. This certificate is your assurance that your window tint is legal in Illinois State.
Window Tint Reflection in Illinois
Window tints not only reduce the amount of light and heat that enters your car, but they can also reflect incoming light, reducing glare and making it easier to see while driving.
However, there are strict laws and regulations regarding window tint reflection in Illinois.
For sedans and SUVs, the rules for window tint reflection are the same:
- Front Side windows: Must be non-reflective
- Back Side windows: Must be non-reflective
It’s possible that even if your tint is under the VLT guidelines, it could still be prohibited if it has a metallic or reflected effect. This is due to the fact that highly reflecting tints present a hazard to other motorists.
Also, if your rear window is tinted, you’ll need two side mirrors to comply with Illinois regulations.
This is done to guarantee that drivers have adequate rearward and sideward views when reversing or switching lanes.
Other Illinois Window Tint Rules and Regulations
There are various significant laws and regulations surrounding window tinting in Illinois, including those pertaining to darkness and reflection.
The purpose of these regulations is to protect motorists from harm and to stop people from abusing window tints.
Here are the specific rules for other Illinois window tint laws and regulations:
- Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.
- Restricted Colors: No specified colors are prohibited.
- Certificates: Film manufacturers are not 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: Illinois law allows for medical exemptions that would allow the use of special tint (75% on windshield and 20% on other windows).
- Penalties: Petty offense with $50-$500 fine. Second or subsequent violations are class C misdemeanors with $100 – $500 fines.
Always check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or law enforcement to make sure that window tinting is legal in your area before having it done. These laws are applicable in all counties of Illinois including Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, McHenry, Winnebago, St. Clair, Madison, Champaign, Sangamon, Peoria, McLean, Rock Island, Tazewell, Kendall, LaSalle, Kankakee, Macon, DeKalb, Vermilion and Adams.
Conclusion
The darkness and reflectivity of tints, as well as other key norms and regulations, are strictly regulated by Illinois law. To prevent issues with the law or fines, it is crucial to be aware of and follow these guidelines. Visible light transmission (VLT) is a standard by which window tint darkness is quantified, and it varies with different makes and models of vehicles.
Any tint that has a metallic or reflected effect may be unlawful, even if it is within the VLT restrictions, and the laws vary for sedans and SUVs. Additional regulations include restrictions on tint variation, certificates, stickers, and penalties, as well as a requirement for twin side mirrors if the rear window is tinted.
Always check with the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles or the police to be sure that your window tinting practices are legal in the state.
It’s important to be aware of and follow these regulations so that you can reap the benefits of window tinting without running afoul of the law. If the installation requires a certificate of compliance, be sure to get one and keep it in your car at all times.
Click on the states below to see the applicable tinting laws.
References:
Section 291-21.5: Regulation of motor vehicle sun-screening devices