California Legal Tint Explained
When it comes to window tinting, the state of California doesn’t have too many laws that you need to worry about to stay on the right side of the law. Of course, you don’t want to use window tint that is so dark that you cannot see out of your windows, but it is also perfectly legal to tint your windows if you understand the laws. According to state law , windshields must have a visible light transmission (VLT) ratio of at least 70 percent (meaning that only 30 percent of the visible spectrum of light is being darkened). Front side and rear side windows should have a VLT of at least 70 percent as well. Passenger cars can have a VLT of 50 percent for front side windows, and 35 percent for rear side and back side windows, according to state law. In terms of reflectivity, this is to be no more than 35 percent on all vehicles. Also, colors that are not typically to be found in nature, such as red, amber and yellow, are also illegal in the state of California.
Purpose of Tint Laws in California
California’s regulations on window tinting address several concerns for residents and the state. One of the primary reasons why California stringently regulates window tinting is due to safety concerns. When windows are tinted too dark, they can significantly reduce visibility for both the driver and other vehicles on the road. This can lead to an increased risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, heavily tinted windows make it harder for law enforcement officials to view inside vehicles, which can complicate matters during traffic stops or other interactions with the police. These concerns are particularly relevant given California’s high population density and the number of vehicles on the road at any given time.
Another important consideration is the impact of window tinting on the environment. Excessively dark or reflective window films can lead to an increase in energy consumption, as drivers are forced to use their air conditioning systems at higher levels to compensate for the reduced visibility caused by such films. Furthermore, dark tinting can lead to increased reliance on artificial lighting at night, as drivers are unable to see clearly out of their windows. This, in turn, can contribute to light pollution, an ever-growing environmental concern.
Regulating window tinting also helps to prevent the use of tints and films that are designed for illegal purposes, such as concealing criminal activity or transporting illegal goods. By establishing clear guidelines, the California government can more effectively prevent the use of window tinting as a means of disguising illegal activities.
In short, California window tinting laws are not arbitrary or capricious. They are designed to promote safer roads, protect the environment, and prevent criminal activity. Types of window film, such as ceramic film, help to combat these issues.
Penalties for Illegal Window Tint in California
California law prescribes fines and penalties for complying with the state’s window tint laws.
By and large, the state of California does not have a dedicated set of enforcement personnel that patrols the state specifically seeking out cars with defective tint. Rather, they are enforced under existing laws and ordinances controlling window tint and the "normal" stop of traffic. When a law enforcement official stops a vehicle, due to a traffic infraction, they may notice that the tint on the windows is in violation of these laws.
In this case, they do have the ability to write an additional citation for the window tint violation. If the fine is given through a traffic stop, it will go on your traffic ticket. If it is enforced through a private complaint, the law enforcement officer may write you a separate ticket for the window tint violation. In other cases, the window tint may be noticed at a vehicle check point or some safety program, where you fail to pass muster under the requirements of the California window tint law.
Even under these circumstances, they will issue you a fine for violating the window tint law. This is a catch 22. Because a lot of the time the private citizen tickets are issued for very wide infractions due to a misfunction of the tint meter. These measuring devices are not very reliable from car to car or within the same vehicle.
That said, California law requires that all tinted windows meet the minimum tint limits for the state of California. This can result in fines ranging from $25 dollars, all the way up to as high as $200. The vast majority of the fines issued reflect the lower end of the spectrum as opposed to the higher end. This is due to the fact that these windows are modified after the place of purchase and the tint is adjustable. Because of this, a lot of law enforcement officers will issue a fix-it ticket that results in a minimal fine of $25 per violation. This is not the case in all cities.
As noted above, these fines are generally issued through a private citizen complaint, as opposed to an actual "sting" operation conducted by the police department specifically targeting window tint. Many of the violations take place when a private citizen contacts the police department "out of courtesy" to inform them that the location of the tint is in need of attention. In this case, the private person can be a HOA, a neighborhood association, complex manager or corporate headquarters for an apartment community. These are some of the most common sources of private citizen complaints.
Car Window Tint Medical Exemptions and Exceptions
Although there are strict rules about how tinted car windows can be, there are some exceptions to the tint laws in California. For example, drivers with special medical conditions may be able to get special permission to keep even darker tint on their windows. With a written letter from a doctor and an exemption sticker, these drivers may be able to keep dark window tint to help protect themselves from the sun.
There are also exemptions that apply to vehicles that have windows tinted before January 1st of 2017. Vehicles that have window tint that is darker than allowed by law may continue to have this tint as long as it was applied before this date. All vehicles , however, are subject to the tint requirements if they have new front windows at any time after January 1st, 2017.
Some other exemptions exist for commercial use vehicles. Cars, trucks, and vans owned by rental car companies, manufacturers, dealers, and transporter companies are exempt from some windshield tinting restrictions. Certain design and construction exemptions apply to police and law enforcement vehicles if those exemptions were obtained as part of a state-approved program. These cars, trucks, and vans may still be subject to restrictions for tinting of the non-windshield, non-driver, non-passenger window area.
Measuring Window Tint
For California vehicle owners looking to ensure their window tint complies with state law, measuring the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) can be done successfully at home or by purchasing a specialized VLT meter. While some manufacturers may provide VLT meters with their products, often these tools are sold separately. Despite technological differences, VLT meters work in theory by shining a laser beam on sections of window tint located in the vehicle’s A-pillar and analyzing how much light passes through the film or tint applied. If the VLT meter shows no light transmission, then the window tint likely fails to comply with the law. Soft autos forotomobiles, inks, inks, bangers, paint jobs and spinners tend to have a mass of variables like those found in blown glass that can allow some light through but provide an orange peel or orange color, sometimes called "coloring". The tool will not provide VLT readings under a light and will require follow-up since some assessed areas of the tint will exceed the legal limit and others will not. In addition to the tint itself, the amount of film or tint placed on the window will be analyzed, including any frame that the tint is installed on or beyond. Multi-piece tint that includes lettering, obscured glass, or a tinted band on the windshield, or small dots that run under the tint will be taken into account. If the tint passes inspection, there will be a copy of the VLT reading provided to the owner. This copy will help with any issued citations that do not have that information.
Choosing the Right Window Tint for Your Vehicle
When it comes to choosing the appropriate tint level for your car or truck, it is of great significance to select a shade that obeys state limits while also suiting your needs. This is particularly true if you plan to have tint applied to additional windows beyond the front two and rear windshield, such as on a hatchback or SUV.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the proper window shade levels, following regulations is necessary. California statutes specify that tinting cannot completely blackout any of the vehicle’s windows. Not only would this make it impossible for you to see other vehicles on the road, but it could also obscure law enforcement officers’ clear view of your car . Even tinted security and safety glass still allow some light in. Trying to install a darker tint than legally permitted could also leave you open to charges of driving with excessive tinted windows, which comes with heavy fines and other penalties.
When selecting the tint level for your vehicle windows, there are at least a few factors to keep in mind: Applying tint to windows for vehicles is a big responsibility. When applied properly, a good tint can keep you safer, more comfortable and more private. However, always ensure that the tint you choose abides by California window tint laws. When in doubt about the legality of the shade you are considering, consult a legal expert before purchasing and installing window film.