States with Special Conditions for Windshield Tinting in the United States Vehicle window tinting is a popular car upgrade that adds a touch of style and privacy to any vehicle. However, the laws surrounding window tinting can vary widely from state to state. In the United States, each state has its own regulations regarding the amount of tint that is allowed on the front and rear windows of a car.
While most states allow some degree of tinting, some states have special conditions for windshield tinting. For example, in California, the law allows for the use of a clear, colorless, and transparent material on the windshield, but only if it does not extend lower than the AS-1 line or more than 4 inches from the top of the windshield. Similarly, in Tennessee, the law allows for a non-reflective tint on the top 5 inches of the windshield, but only if it does not extend below the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
It is important for car owners to be aware of the laws in their state to avoid any legal issues or fines. This article will provide an overview of the states with special conditions for windshield tinting in the United States, including the specific regulations and restrictions for each state.
Overview of Windshield Tinting Regulations
Windshield tinting regulations in the United States vary from state to state. Some states have strict regulations governing the amount of tint allowed on the windshield, while others have more lenient rules. It is important for drivers to be aware of these regulations to avoid being ticketed or fined.
Legal Tint Limits
Most states have laws that limit the amount of tint that can be applied to the windshield. These laws are usually based on the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage, which refers to the amount of visible light that can pass through the tinted glass. In general, the lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint.
The legal VLT percentage for windshield tinting varies from state to state. For example, in California, the legal VLT percentage for the windshield is 70%, while in Texas, it is 25% for the front windshield and 25% for the back windshield. Drivers should check the tinting laws in their state to ensure they are in compliance.
Medical Exemption Policies
Some states allow drivers to apply for a medical exemption to the windshield tinting laws. These exemptions are typically granted to drivers who have a medical condition that requires them to limit their exposure to sunlight. To qualify for a medical exemption, drivers must provide documentation from a medical professional.
States that have medical exemption policies for windshield tinting include Arizona, Florida, and Michigan. Drivers who have a medical condition that requires them to limit their exposure to sunlight should check the tinting laws in their state to see if they qualify for a medical exemption.
State-Specific Tint Reflection and Color Rules
In addition to VLT percentage limits, some states have regulations governing the color and reflectivity of windshield tinting. For example, in New York, the windshield tinting must be non-reflective and the color cannot be red or amber. In Alaska, the windshield tinting can be any color, but it must have a reflectivity of no more than 20%.
Drivers should check the tinting laws in their state to ensure they are in compliance with any color and reflectivity regulations. It is important to note that the regulations for windshield tinting can change over time, so it is important to stay up-to-date on any changes in the law.
States with Special Conditions for Windshield Tinting in the United States
| State | Special Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Medical exemptions permitted for drivers/passengers requiring frequent travel. | Requires annual renewal by licensed physician. |
| California | Only a 5% non-reflective brow tint allowed above the AS-1 line. | AS-1 line is a mark on the windshield indicating the maximum allowable tint height. |
| Connecticut | Medical exemptions allowed for certain conditions (porphyria, lupus, etc.). | Requires documentation from a physician and approval from DMV. |
| Delaware | No special conditions, tint allowed on entire windshield as long as VLT meets state requirements. | VLT (Visible Light Transmission) is the percentage of light allowed to pass through the tint. |
| Florida | Non-reflective tint allowed above the AS-1 line with specific VLT requirements depending on window position. | Medical exemptions available for specific conditions. |
| Georgia | Non-reflective tint allowed to a maximum of 6 inches above the AS-1 line. | Medical exemptions possible for certain conditions. |
| Hawaii | No specific inch requirement for windshield tint, but overall VLT needs to be 70%. | Medical exemptions allowed for specific conditions. |
| Idaho | Medical exemptions permitted for conditions requiring light sensitivity protection. | Requires documentation from a physician and approval from DMV. |
| Illinois | General tint ban on front and side windows, exceptions possible for medical reasons with physician certification. | Specific conditions not listed, physician discretion involved. |
| Indiana | Medical exemptions allowed for specific conditions like albinism and lupus. | Requires physician documentation and DMV approval. |
| Iowa | No special conditions, tint allowed on entire windshield as long as VLT meets state requirements. | VLT requirements vary depending on window position. |
| Kansas | Medical exemptions possible for certain conditions impacting light sensitivity. | Requires documentation from a physician and DMV approval. |
| Kentucky | Medical exemptions allowed for specific conditions impacting light sensitivity. | Requires documentation from a physician and DMV approval. |
| Louisiana | Medical exemptions available for specific conditions impacting light sensitivity. | Requires documentation from a physician and DMV approval. |
| Maine | Medical exemptions allowed for specific conditions impacting light sensitivity. | Requires documentation from a physician and DMV approval. |
| Maryland | Medical exemptions possible for certain conditions impacting light sensitivity. | Requires documentation from a physician and DMV approval. |
| Massachusetts | Medical exemptions allowed for specific conditions impacting light sensitivity. | Requires documentation from a physician and DMV approval. |
| Michigan | No special conditions, tint allowed on entire windshield as long as VLT meets state requirements. | VLT requirements vary depending on window position. |
| Minnesota | Medical exemptions allowed for specific conditions impacting light sensitivity. | Requires documentation from a physician and DMV approval. |
Detailed State-by-State Analysis
California
California has some of the strictest laws regarding windshield tinting in the United States. The state prohibits any tinting on the front windshield, except for medical exemptions. However, the state allows tinting of up to 70% on the front side windows and the back side windows. Additionally, California allows for a tinted strip on the top of the front windshield, which cannot extend lower than five inches below the top of the windshield or below the AS-1 line, whichever is longer.
Texas
Texas allows for a tint of up to 25% on the front side windows. However, the state prohibits any tinting on the front windshield, except for medical exemptions. Texas allows tinting of up to 25% on the back side windows and the rear windshield. The state also allows for a tinted strip on the top of the front windshield, which cannot extend lower than five inches below the top of the windshield or below the AS-1 line, whichever is longer.
Florida
Florida allows for a tint of up to 28% on the front side windows. However, the state prohibits any tinting on the front windshield, except for medical exemptions. Florida allows tinting of up to 15% on the back side windows and the rear windshield. The state also allows for a tinted strip on the top of the front windshield, which cannot extend lower than six inches below the top of the windshield or below the AS-1 line, whichever is longer.
New York
New York prohibits any tinting on the front windshield, except for medical exemptions. The state allows tinting of up to 70% on the front side windows and the back side windows. New York also allows for a tinted strip on the top of the front windshield, which cannot extend lower than six inches below the top of the windshield or below the AS-1 line, whichever is longer.
Illinois
Illinois prohibits any tinting on the front windshield, except for medical exemptions. The state allows tinting of up to 35% on the front side windows and up to 15% on the back side windows and the rear windshield. Illinois also allows for a tinted strip on the top of the front windshield, which cannot extend lower than six inches below the top of the windshield or below the AS-1 line, whichever is longer.
It is important to note that these laws are subject to change, and it is recommended to check with the local authorities before tinting your vehicle’s windows.
About The Author
Hassan Zaka
I am an expert in accounting and have diverse experience in technical writing. I have written for various industries on finance, business, and technology. My writing style is clear and simple, and I use infographics and diagrams to make my writing engaging. I can benefit any organization needing technical writing services.
Follow Us:LinkedinTwitter