Automotive Window Tint Laws

It is lawful to tint your car in most states. New cars have negligible factory window tint incorporated into the glass which does little to block heat or negative UV rays. G-Star films are rated so that they are within window tint regulations when applied to the factory tinted glass. If requested you can obtain a certificate of compliance with local window tint regulations along with your warranty card and care instructions.

Many authorities have guidelines that specify and may limit what legal tint can be applied to the windows of personal use vehicles. The following provides general information and a summary of the window tint guidelines in the United States and Canada. For information on relevant window tint guidelines in other countries contact the International Window Film Association (IWFA).

Explanation of the State Window Tint Regulations Chart

This summary chart of state aftermarket tint regulation information is not a legal document. It is the result of independent research, using several sources of public state documents. Window tint regulations vary from state to state and province to province. Before applying any window tinting materials, installers should thoroughly review the appropriate state window tint regulations as well as local enforcement policies to insure compliance with all applicable standards.

Type:
Film——-VLT% refers to the film itself
Net——–VLT% refers to the combined film & glass
Vague—–The language of the law is unclear, legislative intent is unclear, or interpretation is uncertain.

Windshield: Presumably, NR tinting is permitted above the AS-1 line. If the law specifies only the AS-1 line, AS-1 appears. If AS-1 or specified inches appears, the AS-1 is assumed and only the number of inches down appears. (Note: NR is used in lieu of “No, Any, or a specific percentage” when the law permits unspecified “non-obstructive” or “Transparent” tinting materials. In these cases, window tint regulations inevitably depend upon each officer’s discretion.

Front Sides: No film or the actual percentage of VLT permitted. (Note: Because they may vary from state to state, manufacturer’s tolerances (i.e. + / – 3% VLT) are not listed on this chart, nor are they included in these VLT numbers).

MPV: Multi Purpose Vehicle, a vehicle with motive power, except a trailer, designed to carry ten people or less that is constructed either on a truck chassis or has special features for occasional off-road operation.

Back Sides: No film or the actual percentage of VLT permitted.

Rear: No film or the actual percentage of VLT permitted.

% of Reflectivity:
NR——–No metallic or mirrored appearance
NE———Not excessive (not specific)
MNIR—–Must not increase reflectivity
MBNR—-Must be non-reflective (not specific)
NMMA—-No metallic or mirrored appearance
NONE—–No reference to reflectivity in the current law

Restricted Colors: R (Red), A (Amber), Y (Yellow), B (Blue), G (Gold), BK (Black), N/S (Not specified)

Mirrors: YES or NO. (Note: Usually, a (YES means that dual outside mirrors are required if the back window is to be tinted.)

Certification Required: YES or NO. (Note: This refers to a requirement for manufacturers to certify the films they plan to sell before shipping them into the state.)

Stckr/Loc (Sticker Location): NO (No sticker is required) RECOMMEND (Sticker is recommended; can assist officers in identifying legal tint more easily.)

Specific Locations: The State requires unique language & design, which may entail precise wording and sizing.

DRIVER: The sticker is required between the film & glass on the driver’s side window.

DOOR: The sticker is required on the inside of the driver’s side doorjamb.

ALL: The sticker should be put between the film & glass on each tinted window.

Medical Exemption: YES or NO. (Note: For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult the law.)