Whether you`re looking for more privacy or just trying to reduce the amount of sunshine it makes in your car, you`re probably looking for maximum darkness for your car windows. California law states that only the first four inches of the windshield of a sedan, SUV or van can be tinted. The aftermarket tint of the front window must let 88% of the light through itself or allow 70% of the light through the window when the tint is combined with factory-tinted vehicle windows. For the rear and rear windows, any window tint can be used dark, but requires two side mirrors. California has several other important laws, rules, and regulations regarding window tint. These include: California law enforcement officers (LEOs) are equipped with a light transmission meter and are allowed to stop vehicles that appear to violate hue laws and test the VLT from the front side windows and windshields. For first-time offenders, LEO issues a “Fix-it” warning that gives the driver the opportunity to make the necessary changes. For a second stop, the driver is asked to have the tint removed and issue a $25 ticket. Subsequent checks may be legally charged and result in a $197 fine. To avoid penalties, find a Jet Black Tint location near you and let our tint specialists install a high-quality window shade that looks great and complies with all California laws. You need to be careful, though, as many states have restrictions on how far you can go when you stain your windows — and for anyone who lives in the Golden State, here`s a look at California`s glass tint law. In addition, the driver of a car with tinted windows must be able to present this certificate if stopped by the police.
This means that the lower the number, the darker the shade. A window with 5% would be extremely dark, as only 5% of the light could pass through. If you have a tinted rear window, dual mirrors are required by law to allow the driver to see the road behind the vehicle. California`s window tint law limits the windshield tint to 4 inches. The front side windows must have a light transmission of 70% or more. The rear side windows and rear window may be dark. According to the exemption law, the driver of a car with dark tinted windows must be able to present the document presented by the tinted window installer, as well as a medical certificate from a dermatologist specifying the special requirements. The tint of the windows comes in a variety of qualities when it comes to VLT. Not all windows in your vehicle have the same VLT guidelines, as we`ll see below.
You are required to have the physical-medical exemption with you in your vehicle at all times if you have a tint of windows on the side windows on the front seat or on the windshield. California`s car window tint laws were enacted in 1999. We have provided all the necessary information about the tint of your car`s windows, including the degree of darkness or reflection allowed in your condition. There are also additional rules and regulations for tinting car windows in California, so be sure to read all below. Some tint films can reflect incident light, further reducing glare and heat. California does not allow the use of tinted films that have more reflection than a standard window. This means that by combining factory-tinted windows and spare film, you can have darker windshields than if you only applied one film. This is especially true at night, as tinted windows would not let in the light from other cars` headlights or taillights, making them much harder to see. This, of course, can significantly increase the likelihood of collisions. The tint of the windows can be applied to all the windows of a vehicle, but the front windshield must have only a tint of four inches. Additional rules apply, including no stickers or other visual obstructions on forward-facing windows. This becomes relevant here, because if the tint of the front or side windows is not properly installed and/or begins to bubble or warp with age, visibility can be obstructed for the driver, which could lead to a roadside check.
The State of California passed regulations for tinting car windows in 1999. Since then, the laws have changed, but essentially, drivers must use a window tint that matches a certain color, darkness and positioning, depending on the window and other factors.
