How Dark Should I Tint My Windows: A Complete Guide!

One of the finest choices you can make is to get your windows tinted. In addition to enhancing the visual appeal of your automobiles, they may help you maintain privacy while driving. Window tints are even better since they assist to manage the temperature inside your vehicle, saving you money on cooling costs in the summer.

Read More: Best Car Window Tint for Heat Reduction: Complete Review with Buying Guide!

You may lower your risk of developing skin cancer from excessive exposure to UV radiation by tinting your windows. The amount of darkness you chose for your window tints might have an impact on how successful they are. There are rules and factors to keep in mind if you wish to use overly dark window tinting.

To learn how dark your window tinting should be, continue reading.

Read More: How To Clean Jeep Soft Top Windows

Amazon Recommended Window Tint!

The Right Window Tint: In-Depth Guide

If you’re considering window tinting, it’s important to know the legislation in your region. Each window has its own set of unique needs. Your windows might remain completely black if your tint doesn’t exceed the minimum required level.

Your driving will be significantly affected by one of four conventional window tinting percentages.

Tint with 50% of the original color

Only half of the light entering your car’s interior is blocked by a 50% tint. It helps reduce eye strain and glare for a safer driving experience by filtering heat and UV light.

Thirty-five shades of blue

A car with a 35% tint is ideal for drivers who want a sleek and attractive appearance. Even though it’s a deeper hue, drivers can easily see through it.

Two-Twenty Tint

If you’re seeking some privacy while driving, a 20% tint is a great option. Up close, a 20% tinted window can be seen through, but it’s challenging. Most of the time, it is enough to scare away would-be crooks.

Most automobiles are pre-installed with a tint between 15% and 20%.

Intensity: Five Percent Tint

The deepest window tint is a 5% tint. Most states prohibit it, yet it is prevalent on the back windows of limos since it allows for just 5% of the available light.

Do We Need A Lighter Tint?

Window tinting is designed to protect you from harmful UV rays and protect your eyes from sun glare, but in rare cases, dark tinted windows can be dangerous since they obscure the view. Consider the reasons why you might prefer a lighter tint before you go ahead and install a dark one.

Don’t Attract Unwanted Attention

A dark window tint provides some privacy and protection, but it may also draw greater attention from passersby if the tint is too dark. While spectators and law enforcement officers may be drawn to your vehicle’s dark color, burglars searching for concealed goods may also be drawn to it.

Insurance premiums have gone up. Insurance premiums may not go up as long as your window tinting is in compliance with state rules. But if your tints are excessively dark, they might raise your premiums since the risk that an accident will occur as a result of reduced eyesight increases. The more the insurance premiums, the more unlawful it gets, and the deeper the shade.

The Basics of Tint Law

Tint rules vary from state to state. Some states may enable drivers to have a VLT rating of 70% or higher, which means that all cars must have visibility of 70% or more. You are breaking the law if your VLT is less than 70%. Although other states have more liberal rules, it all comes down to the meteorological conditions in that state.

It’s very uncommon for VLTs to be higher in Alaska than in Florida because of the low visibility on the roads there. If you live in an area with a lot of sunshine, you don’t have to worry about dark window tints. However, even in places with beautiful weather, a minimum VLT % is required to enable police officers sufficient sight inside your car, particularly in the front seats..

Window Location Varies The LAW

You must pay attention to varied levels of tint darkness based on where the windows are located. California, for example, has very severe rules on how dark the tint on a car’s windows may be. Front-side windows can have a minimum VLT of 70%, which means that 70% of the available light will be let through while only 30% will be blocked by tint rules. Darkness is permissible on the vehicle’s back windows, including the back seat and the rear windows. Whereas in Arizona, the minimum VLT for the front and back windows is 25 percent, and the minimum VLT for the rear window is 10 percent.

The majority of state regulations mandate little to no window tinting for windshields. Depending on the state, there may be restrictions on how many stickers or decals may be placed on the windshield, as well as where exactly they can go. Most states forbid the use of mirrored, one-way glass, or other opaque tinting materials. This is due to the fact that these products are so easy to hide.

Exemptions for medically necessary care

There are exceptions to several of the state’s anti-tint regulations. Individuals with certain medical disorders, such as skin cancer, should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. There are a variety of disorders that are exempt in various states. The following are some of the medical conditions:

Melanoma, Lupus erythematosus systemic is an autoimmune disease, Bloom’s affliction, Ascophyllum planiactinum, Folliculitis Actinica, Psoriasis, Dermatomyositis, Pellagra, Hydroa Vacciniforme, Dermatitis of the Sun

If you are exempt from these regulations, you must present the proper documents whenever you drive your vehicle. The documentation should show that you have been diagnosed with a medical condition that is aggravated by excessive sunlight exposure. There should be a licensed medical expert involved in the process of diagnosing.

Additionally, the medical condition’s needs and the amount of time you should restrict your exposure to UV radiation should be included in the documentation. You should also be able to provide proof that the exemption is only applicable to the vehicle in question. If you’re unsure if your car complies with the tint law, you may always get it checked.

---

The Pros and Cons of Dark Tint

Clearly, you’ve reached the stage where you’d like to give your vehicle some personality. With that in mind, you want it to stand out and represent your personal style without being too dominating. Window tints come in a variety of hues, from translucent to opaque, so you’ve undoubtedly seen them all. Does window tinting pose a risk to the health of the occupants?

While the obvious response is “Yes,” there are a number of instances in which motorists, pedestrians, and even other drivers are at risk. Too dark of a tint might be a problem if you use it on your car’s windows. If you go overboard, you might find yourself in problems with the police and in danger on the road.

As far as we’re aware, tints have a slew of advantages and provide the ideal appearance for personalizing your bike. Tints may filter UV rays, give seclusion, decrease glare, and do a variety of other things. The risks of dark window tints become more obvious when they are installed at lower percentages than permitted.

What You Should Know About Tint Percentages

New automobiles typically come equipped with tinted windows that offer some protection from the sun’s rays. However, many automobile enthusiasts choose to put deeper tints to their vehicles after they’ve driven them off the manufacturing line. It’s referred to as “aftermarket tinting,” and it’s up to the expert or DIY installation to know the numerous tint levels that may be used.

It is possible to add tints to the side and rear windows of your vehicle to block out some light. Windshield tinting is also an option, although there are more restrictions. Keeping your windows in compliance with state laws might be a challenge. The lower proportion signifies a darker tint, which is not necessarily as great as it seems when it comes to customizing your sports car or truck.

It is the percentage of light traveling through the glass of your windows that is called visible light transmittance. The deeper the shade, the lower the proportion of VLT. While a 100 percent shade lets all the light through, a 70 percent shade blocks just 30% of the light.

In the next section, you will discover why a dark tint might be problematic, and how tint percentages function. The darker you go, the cooler your ride may appear, but it’s also necessary to take into account any possible negative consequences.

So You’re Interested in Having Your Windows Blacked Out?

When it comes to tinting your automobile, whether for the advantages or just for the look, there is a risk that you may overdo it. Imagine if you went beyond in the effort to make your vehicle stand out. Yes, you can do that.

As a result of applying window tint films that are excessively dark, you may be hindered in your ability to see, obstructing rescue operations, increasing your insurance premiums and maybe being in violation of the law. There is, however, a sweet spot that may be achieved by tinting. To get the look you want without interfering with yourself or others, you can use window films.

If you’re considering adding darker window tints instead of lighter ones, here are some things to keep in mind.

As a driver, dark tints obstruct your vision.

On a gloomy, wet, or snowy day, tinted windows might obstruct your vision, even if they’re designed to protect your eyes from dangerous UV rays. Using a hue that is too dark may make it more difficult for you to see in low-light situations.

High-tinted car driving at night might be hazardous as well. It is possible to have a severe lack of visibility when a dark night is paired with dark window films. If you live in a place where the weather is more overcast and wet, you may want to avoid darker shades of paint.

With the use of dark window films, you will be unable to be spotted by anybody passing by.

Eye contact with other drivers is critical to a safe crossing of an intersection.. Because drivers are focused on their eventual objective, intersections are difficult and congested. Eye contact is essential to make a safe maneuver, whether you are yielding to turn left, turning right on red, or waiting for a pedestrian to cross the sidewalk.

Having heavy tinting on your car’s windows might lead to misunderstandings between you, other drivers, and the general public. If your windows are excessively dark, you may not be noticed by others when crossing a street or another route. Accidents can be avoided if adequate eye contact and hand gestures are used. There is a lot of confusion when someone can’t see you signaling them to move ahead of you. When you’re playing the “you go,” “no, you go” game, eye contact helps you communicate your goal.

When crossing or making a turn, eye contact and nonverbal communication are vital. Only if you have the right tint level may it be as successful as utilizing turn signals.

How Too Dark Tints Can Affect Police or Rescue Work

An automobile collision necessitates that rescue and medical workers examine your vehicle in order to determine your condition. However, if your windows are too dark, they may not be able to see inside your home. Rescuers use your injuries and the severity of your injuries to identify the best way to transport you, whether you have minor scratches and bruises or fractured bones.

It is possible for the police to be taken off guard if they come upon your car while searching for a suspect. If they can’t see through the dark tinting and your car matches the description they’re looking for, police officers may verify your ID and ask questions about your background. While window tints help prevent shattered glass in the event of an accident or impact, a tint that is too dark might put lives in danger or create discomfort.

What You Don’t Want Is for Your Car to Draw Attention to Itself

Extremely dark tints might draw in more bystanders than lighter tints, even if they shield you from prying eyes from gazing into your automobile. It is possible that the tinting on your car will grab the notice of interested spectators or law enforcement officers. When you overtint, the film does the exact opposite of what you want to happen. Even criminals may be drawn to your vehicle since it appears to be concealing more valuables.

There is something exciting in knowing that you can’t see something, isn’t there? That’s something to keep in mind while choosing the correct tint for your vehicle.

Increased Insurance Costs Due to Excessive Window Tinting

It’s generally a good idea to notify your insurance carrier of any alterations you make to your vehicle. When considering window tints, it is a good idea to give the company a call first to check what kind of standards they have. Your insurance premiums may not rise if your window tint films are in compliance with local and state norms and legislation.

But if your tints are excessively dark, they might raise your premiums since insurance firms regard it as a deterrent to safe driving. Your fees will rise in direct proportion to the level of darkness and illegality of the tint. The degree of tint is a factor in pricing at times. Avoid extremely dark window tinting to save money over time.

The Legality of Dark Tints and State Requirements

It’s always important to check your state’s rules and regulations before making any changes to the tint on your car’s windows. Window tinting laws vary from state to state. You might be fined if police officers can’t see through your windows. There are a lot of rules that revolve around the VLT, so if you don’t follow them, you’ll receive a ticket.

For correct results, you must get your car checked by a certified expert or government inspector because each state has its own standards. VLT requirements also apply to the vehicle’s side, front, and rear windows. The rules for your state may be found here.

Emergency vehicles, lorries, recreational vehicles (RVs), and multipurpose passenger cars are frequently exempt from tinting regulations. For example, their windows might be as dark as 24%. In most areas, you are only allowed to tint the top six inches of your car’s windshield. If you tint the glass of your car, you will have a harder time driving safely since you won’t be able to see.

The tinted window rules in New York state state that you cannot apply films to your windshield or front side windows that are more than 30 percent tinted, for example. 70% of light must be able to flow through, as shown by the percentage. The New York DMV website has further information about the state’s rules and regulations.

Always double-check your state’s regulations and schedule an appointment with your local DMV to see what you’re eligible for. Be aware that the rules in one state may be different from those in another; keep track of these variances if you relocate.

Why Using a Lighter Tint Is a Good Idea

The fact that dark window tints aren’t always the best choice for our automobiles doesn’t mean that all shades of tint are inherently unsafe. As a result, when you apply the right amount of film to your windows, the benefits will much surpass the visual appeal.

The glare from the sun and other cars can be reduced by tints that comply with your state’s requirements. With the tint, there’s no need for you to put your hands over your eyes or use any other methods to shield yourself from the brightness of the sun. The modification can also help keep your car cool on hot days by preventing the sun’s rays from entering. You’ll also notice a big change in the temperature of your car throughout the winter months, thanks to the automobile’s ability to retain the heat in.

UV rays are also protected by the right amount of tint. With less sunlight into the interior of your home, tints can help decrease the deterioration of your upholstery. Window films, on the other hand, may prevent nearly all UVB and UVA radiation. Tints, of course, protect your belongings, such as laptops, phones, and clothing, from being stolen. Extra privacy and security are provided by securing your belongings out of sight.

You may use tints to protect yourself from UV radiation, heat, and glare, but the appropriate level won’t compromise visibility. For medical reasons, as well as to safeguard your windows from shattering in the event of an accident, you can also apply films. Adhesive characteristics in the tint hold the glass together when it breaks, preventing it from flying and sharding across the vehicle.

Lighter and legal window tints can add to the look of your sports car, truck, or historic vehicle. It may transform a run-of-the-mill vehicle into something more upscale. It’s best to tint your vehicle when you’re looking for a change of scenery and additional perks.

Rvinyl is the place to go for the right tint level

Rvinyl has the right tint for all of your windows, front, side, and back. If you’re looking to add some flair and usefulness to your vehicle without breaking the bank, we’ve got you covered. Our precise window tints are suitable for DIY installations at a fraction of the expense of tint detailers.

Shop at Rvinyl and you may customize the outside of your vehicle to your heart’s content. You may pick from a variety of tint levels to achieve the look you want. When renting or leasing a vehicle, you may want to remove our items at any time. In DIY applications, you may take pleasure in your work because your finished product reflects your efforts, unlike a professional installation. Three years of guarantee protection against peeling, cracking, and fading are included with each order of precut window film from Avery Dennison.

What is it about ceramic tins that make them so effective?

As ceramic tints include non-conductive particles, they are a perfect choice. This might help you save money on your energy bill by adjusting the amount of heat in your car. Additionally, the tint doesn’t fade away like other less-than-stellar tint alternatives. In addition, it doesn’t interfere with the electronic signals in your automobile.

The correct amount of darkness for your car’s window tint should enhance your privacy, provide adequate comfort, and shield you from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. However, tint laws should be taken into consideration before making a purchase.