When it comes to aftermarket car tinting, one of the most commonly asked questions is how dark should I go? The answer, unfortunately, is not a simple one. There are a number of factors you need to take into account before making your decision, and the right choice for you will vary depending on your needs and preferences. In this window tinting guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision about the darkness of your window tint.
The Benefits of Window Tinting
The two main things your window tint must accomplish are protection and reduction of glare. Not only does darker tint protect your car’s interior from damage due to UV rays, but it also protects the people inside the car by blocking at least some of the UV radiation from shining in. The sun’s UV rays can damage your eyes and skin, so it makes sense that they can do the same to your car’s interior, especially when you consider how long cars spend out in the sun on a daily basis. As for the reduction of glare, this is simply a matter of comfort and safety while driving: most drivers find it harder to see at night with tinted windows, and for those who have trouble seeing in general, dark window tinting is a helpful option.
Surely There Are Drawbacks Too?
Honestly, the main drawback of having a darker car window tint is that most people just don’t like how it looks on their cars. It changes the appearance of the car, and not always in a good way. Also, some cars come with pretty limited window tint options, to begin with (many don’t even offer it at all), and if you go too dark with your aftermarket tinting this can limit your ability to customize the look of your car as desired.
There is also an inconvenience factor associated with a darker tint. It’s harder to see out of your windows at night, especially if you’re driving in an area that doesn’t have great street lighting. For this reason, most state place limits on how dark your window tint can be at night; this is why many consider laws about darkness by the hour rather than by the percentage of tinting.
Finally, and perhaps most obviously, darker tinted windows pose a greater risk in the event of an accident because they can potentially block your field of view as you drive. This is why many countries require window tinting to be lighter at the front and rear windshields than it is elsewhere on the car. The thinking here is that the driver and passengers should be able to see as much as possible in any direction, and if the window tint is too dark they risk being unable to clearly see what’s going on outside of the car during an accident.
Know Your Window Tint Laws!
Most states have laws that limit the darkness of window tint. Some are black and white, with no tolerance at all for darker tinting, while others give you a little more leeway in terms of how dark your windows can be. Knowing these laws is important for choosing appropriate darkness. You don’t want to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on tinting for your car and then end up with a ticket.
Also, it’s worth noting that laws can vary by county and city as well as state, so be sure to do some research about the specific laws in your area. If you’re looking for an exemption from these rules, such as for medical reasons (a condition that limits your eyesight), most states offer an application process you can go through to be approved for this.
State Requirements
Each state has specific laws about how dark your window tint can be, but because the state requirements are typically in line with federal standards for aftermarket window tinting, you don’t need to worry too much about this. The following is a list of the current federally safe legal limits for window tint darkness at the time of writing:
- Front side windows: 70% VLT (visible light transmission)
- Backside windows: 50% VLT
- Rear window: 60% VLT
These standards were set in place by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and they’re pretty much across the board for all states and their counties and cities. Most commonly, you’ll see these rules applied through state laws that say something along the lines of “Non-reflective tinting is not allowed past X%” or “Window tint must have a minimum VLT of X%.”
In Utah, where we operate, these limits are as follows:
- Front side windows: Non-reflective tint is not allowed past 25% VLT.
- Backside windows: Non-reflective tint is not allowed past 30% VLT.
- Rear window: Non-reflective tint is not allowed past 35% VLT.
It’s not very common to have any of these limits go over the federally mandated amount but keep in mind that oftentimes local laws are stricter than state or federal ones.
Medical Necessity Exemptions
In most states, you’re allowed to apply for a medical exemption that allows your windows to be darker than the federally mandated amount.
Generally speaking, this process involves filling out an application and providing evidence to support your need for a medical exemption so you can get approval from law enforcement. If you don’t have this exemption and are pulled over with windows that are too dark, you could face a pretty expensive ticket.
Keep in mind as well that this exemption does not apply everywhere – there are some areas that will only grant this type of approval to those who can provide medical documents from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. So if you plan on getting your windows tinted darker make sure you check your local laws first!
Super Dark Tints Can Hinder Police or Rescue Operations
If you drive a car with excessively dark window tint, it can make it more difficult for law enforcement or paramedics to see what’s going on inside your vehicle. This obviously presents some safety concerns – if the guys wearing safety gear are struggling to see inside your car, there’s a chance they might not be able to do their jobs effectively. So to promote public safety, certain states have laws in place that restrict super dark tinting.
Car Tint Percentage Options: What You Need to Know
When you’re considering getting your car tinted, it’s important to know that not all window films are created equal. This means you can’t just go with the cheapest option or brand that comes along – instead, be sure to take a look at what kind of VLT each film offers before making a decision.
That being said, there’s a wide range of VLT’s available, and not every window tint is going to fall under one specific category. For example, if you purchase a legal film with 10% VLT for your back windows and 60% VLT for your front windshield, the results will be different than if you purchased a 70% VLT film for both.
Twenty Percent Tint
Twenty percent window tint is typically dark enough to meet most state laws, so if you’re unsure about which type of film you need it’s a good place to start. Some states have 20% as their minimum limit for both front-side windows and back-side windows.
Thirty Percent Tint
If your state has a 30% VLT requirement, you can achieve this with most aftermarket window films on the market.
Fifty Percent Tint
If your state requires 50% VLT for both front-side windows and backside windows, keep in mind that window tint is not available in every shade of darkness – some types only go up to 40% or 45% VLT.
Five Percent Tint
If you’re looking for a legal tint that’s as dark as possible, look into 5% VLT window films. There aren’t many out there and they tend to be pricier than other types. Keep in mind that the lighter the shade of tint is, the more visible it will become when on your windows – if you want optimal darkness, be prepared to dig a little deeper into your pockets.
Considering Your Needs
Because you can find tint limits for your car windows at almost every level of government, the only factor left up to you is which darkness will help you meet your needs. If you’re a frequent traveler you might want to go with something on the lighter side so it’s easier on law enforcement and paramedics – but if your job requires lots of nighttime driving, a darker tint is going to be a safer option.
Excessive Window Tints Can Increase Your Insurance Rates
Another thing you’ll need to consider before going under the window tinting gun is how dark your windows will be. In some states, it’s an illegal condition for both front-side windows and backside windows, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a lighter shade on your windshield.
In fact, drivers who have darker overall car tints are at a higher risk of having their insurance rates increased. Of course, it’s not the tint itself that causes this – rather, owners of darker tints are considered high-risk because they’re more likely to be ticketed or involved in an accident.
Tips For Choosing The Best Tint Percentage
If you’re looking to get your windows tinted, you’ll want to do a thorough amount of research before choosing an installer. In addition to asking for VLT percentages on window films, ask them what the total cost will be if you buy multiple layers or have film applied to more than one car. For example, some shops only apply the VLT percentage for two back-side windows if you get front windshield film.
Be sure to ask how long it’ll take, too – some car window tinting shops have very fast turn-around times while others are more on the slow side. Ask about their experience level with different types of tint, especially high VLT films!
Opting For The Cheap Option
Sometimes it’s worth it to pay the extra money for a higher quality tint that’s less likely to fade or bubble, but you have to consider your needs. If you’re using window tinting as a protective barrier between yourself and the sun, opting for cheap aftermarket film might be best – especially if you balance this with sunscreen or reflective window film.
Remember, too, that the more layers of window tint you buy and have added to your car’s windows (front windshield included) the longer it’ll take for your car to cool down. If you’re taking a long road trip or live somewhere with scorching sunlight even during nighttime hours, this advice is especially important!
Conclusion
Overall, it’s safe to say that the majority of owners in the United States will be fine with between 30% and 50% VLT on their backside windows. Again, this is dependent on your state so make sure you research its laws before bringing your car to a local installer!
It’s always best to ask a professional to talk about your needs and help you figure out what’s best for your situation. Give us a call today!