Window Tint Percentages Explained
Window tint percentages refer to how much light is allowed to pass through the tinted film on your vehicle windows. When shopping for tint, you may hear terms like 20 percent, 35 percent, or 50 percent from tint retailers and installers. The percentage is calculated by using a spectrophotometer that shines a beam of light through a small circle and records how much light passes through the tinted window. If you have a 20 percent tint applied, it allows 20 percent of the light to pass through, making it fairly dark. California tint laws refer primarily to this type of tint , although some manufacturers also produce tinted windows that contain 22 percent tint built directly into the glass itself. This means that the tinted glass lets through 22 percent of the available light, in much the same way that tinted film does.
If you use a light meter to measure the amount of light allowed through your windows, but you are following California tint laws, the reading should be fairly close to what you but the tint at the shop. However, different kinds and types of tint can affect the readings that you get, so be sure to check with local tint shops about the windows you are considering. Most reputable shops will be happy to run their light meter over the tinted windows to give you an idea of whether they will comply with the law.
The Legal Tint on a Car in California
California has specific legal limits on the tint of both front and windows. Any window tint darker than the legal limit is illegal.
California Window Tint Darkness Laws
Front Windshield
The front windshield film on a vehicle must have a non-reflective tint above the Manufacturer’s AS-1 line or the manufacturer’s tint line.
Front Side Windows
The tint on the front side windows of a vehicle must also allow more than 70% of light in.
Back Side Windows
The tint on the back side windows of a California-registered vehicle must also allow more than 70% of light in.
Rear Window
The tint on the rear windows of a California-registered vehicle must allow more than 70% of light in.
Windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or the top five inches of the windshield, whichever is higher.
Side Windows
Back side windows and the rear window may have any darkness.
Some Vehicles
Some sedans and SUVs may have tinted windows. In these cases, these vehicles may have the tint allowing only 35% of light through the tint.
Other Vehicles
For vans and vans, the tint allows only 35% of light through it.
No Chromaticity Requirements
There are no specific chromaticity requirements in California.
Exemptions and Special Requirements
In addition to the regular exemptions discussed above, the state of California has certain exceptions and special provisions that apply under specific circumstances. For instance, individuals who suffer from particular medical conditions may be eligible for an exemption from the tinting law, allowing them to have film that goes beyond the legal limits on their vehicles.
The state grants medical exemptions to a fairly limited number of conditions. This exemption is typically reserved for specific skin conditions or other circumstances in which high exposure to sunlight can lead to serious negative health effects. If you think you qualify for an exemption, you can get the process started by obtaining a California Department of Health Examination form signed by your physician. This form must be submitted to the Exemption Certification Program, working in conjunction with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Once this application has been verified and is deemed valid, and the tinting put on your vehicle is in accordance with the certification, your vehicle will then be exempt from the tinting laws as described in this article.
Because most tinted windows are very dark and provide ample heat and UV protection, law enforcement officers will likely not stop you when you have tinted windows. While some might assume that having tinted windows would make it more difficult to identify you, officers generally will not look into your car windows to see who you are. Thus, if you are following the tinting regulations as described above, and you meet the requirements for a medical exemption, you generally have no need to worry about having tinted windows and passing police officers, as long as you are following these general regulations and the ensuing exceptions.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with California’s window tint laws can result in a range of legal and financial consequences. Vehicle owners who are found to be in violation of the tint regulations may be cited by law enforcement officials and required to pay fines. For example, a first-time violation can result in a minimum fine of $250, while repeat offenders may face fines of $500 or more.
In addition to monetary penalties, vehicle owners may also be required to remove or modify non-compliant window tints. This may involve removing the tint entirely and replacing it with a compliant alternative, or simply modifying the tint to meet the legal limits in terms of VLT percentage and reflectivity . Failure to take corrective action can result in further fines and penalties.
Penalties for violating California window tint laws may also include points being added to a vehicle owner’s driving record, which could lead to increased insurance premiums or other legal consequences. In certain cases, a vehicle may be impounded until compliance is achieved, further compounding the costs associated with the violation.
Ultimately, the penalties for violating California’s window tint laws emphasize the importance of selecting compliant tints for your vehicle. It is advisable to seek the guidance of a qualified installer who is familiar with the state’s tint regulations.
Finding a Legal Tint and Installer You Can Trust
When selecting a legal window tint in California, there are a few important factors to consider. First and foremost, you want to ensure that the tint you choose meets California’s specific tint laws for reflectivity and darkness. It is also advisable to select a high-quality ceramic film that offers the best heat rejection properties and UV protection, while being as close to clear as possible so that you and law enforcement can see out of them. Keep in mind that unlike other states, ceramic tinted windows in California are not subject to the two-inch overlay rule, meaning all windows are eligible for the darker tint regardless of their size. Once you have a good idea of the shade and other qualities you want your new tint to have, it’s time to find a reputable installer who can meet all your needs. As stated above, it’s critical that you choose a technician who understands and knows how to install films that comply with California’s tint laws. They should be able to tell you exactly which of the window tinting shades they offer will be the best legal fit for your car. A good installer will also be well-versed in research and development in this industry so that they can give you advice on what types of films might work best for your needs. In short, the person you select to install your new window tint should be as much of an expert in their field as you are when you drive off their lot.
The Most Recent Changes in the Tint Law
Over the years, California Code 26708 has undergone a series of changes. These are focused on prohibiting darker, heat-trapping tints in the front windows while changing the regulations for rear and rear side windows from time to time. Most significant is that the maximum allowable tint darkness has progressively become lighter over time. Newer models are expected to have a darker tint, which leaves many owners having to change to a lighter tint to be compliant with current laws. Darker window tint is ultimately becoming limited to trucks and buses. Law enforcement agencies have also struggled to keep up with the changes in the law. Since different counties and city policies can vary, enforcement has been inconsistent. At times , officers have confiscated window film, but most traffic stops for tinted windows quickly become dismissible as an infraction. As window film technology has improved significantly, glass manufacturers have changed the way tint is applied to car windows. While windows that are tinted at the time of manufacturing are often called "factory tint," they are far more effective than products that can be applied later. Therefore, with recent upgrades in window film technology, California has implemented slight changes to reflect updates with window film application. Overall, there have been an exponential number of changes that come into play. Those who are uncertain should simply ask a window tint professional for guidance.