16 Apr How Dark Is Too Dark? Did You Know There Are Laws Regarding Window Tints on Vehicles?
Here in the sunshine state, we love the Sun. We especially love the sun when we’ve been trapped in inside the past few days due to cold, dreary weather. Sunshine is best experienced with fresh air, and walking along the beach. Of course, there are other peacefully scenarios where the Sun’s rays make the moment all the better. Let’s face the facts, Californians love their sunshine.
Well, most of the time. There are some occasions when we don’t appreciate the Sun. When the Sun shines right into the window of your car as you are driving in the morning or evening, seeing the road can become difficult. When this happens, your ability to drive safely is drastically decreased. The other time the Sun isn’t appreciated is when it’s baking you as you sit in traffic on a summer afternoon.
If you have a love/hate relationship with the Sun, as most of us do, you may be considering getting your windows tinted. Window tint is a great way to reduce the amount of sunlight inside your car. However, before you go and get your windows tinted, there are some rules you need to be aware of. According to Tinting Laws, California has had laws regarding window tinting since 1999. The laws are mainly about how dark and how reflective your window tint can be. The following are in regards to window tint for cars:
• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
• Front Side windows: Aftermarket film must allow more than 88% of light in, or minimum 70% VLT if combined with factory-tinted windows.
• Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
• Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
California does have several other important laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to window tinting. They include the following:
• Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if the rear window is tinted.
• Restricted Colors: California tint laws do not permit using red, amber or blue tint colors. Side windows must be colorless.
• Certificates: Manufacturers of film must certify the film they sell in the state and the driver is required to have the certificate in his/her possession.
• Stickers: State law does require a certificate or a sticker from the installing company and the manufacturer’s name and address.
• Medical Exceptions: California law allows medical exemptions for lower tint on all windows since September 2017.
Window tinting is a great way to still enjoy the sunshine and keep your vehicle cool. However, there are laws stating how much tinting is allowed. Being able to control the amount of sunshine that is let into your car is a good way to prevent yourself from baking in traffic. Have fun enjoying the sunshine from the safety of your tinted window vehicle.