Introduction to Your Tint Strip
Windshield tint strips are precisely what they sound like: tinted films that are applied to the uppermost part of a vehicle’s windshield. Because of the size of the windshield and the location of the tint strip, typically the only portion of the windshield that tint cannot be applied to is the view directly in front of the driver. Many people prefer to use tint strips rather than tint the entire windshield, as it allows them to darken the majority of the windshield without obstructing their view while driving at night or in the rain. Strip tint comes in a variety of hues. However, the laws pertaining to windshield tint only refer to the color and darkness of the tint that can be applied to the windshield, not the tint strip . As a result, many states allow tint strips on windshields to be as dark as the driver wishes.
Further, most states do not refer to tint strips when specifically referencing what is allowed on windshields in the law. States such as California do have specific restrictions on when tint strips with adhesive content can be used, but legal professionals who specialize in window tinting usually consider tint strips to be the same as a tinted visor on a car or SUV. In other words, they are not darker than the top five inches, and do not impede the driver’s view of the road while driving at any time.
General Tint Strip Requirements
Most jurisdictions have a few common legal requirements for windshield tint strips, with the specifics ranging from state to state or municipality to municipality. The general requirements are generally as follows:
General visibility. Light transmittance standards are among the most common visibility rules. The law is not solely concerned with how much light can get through the windshield at its most tinted point but any part of the strip. In the majority of cases, this means a basic measure of the tint at the top edge of the windshield with no discernible vision issues being shown along that entire strip. Light transmittance requirements. Alongside the basic general visibility guidelines, most jurisdictions mandate a minimum visible light transmittance percentage. In most states, there is a range for the tint percentage, with variations depending on factors like the time of day. In some cases, the tint strip may have a minimum percentage, meaning that you cannot purchase a tint strip that is dominated by a dark shade. This is most common in states that require special label certifications on the tint strip. Typically, these certifications need to be completed by a passing mechanic and carried in the vehicle at all times. UV rays and heat. Auto glass tinting is often measured by its ability to block UV rays and heat. The laws, however, deal primarily with the main area of the vehicle’s windows, rather than those of the windshield. Countless UV and heat shields are virtually clear but provide the utmost protection. Unfortunately, these can give the driver too much visibility. While these protective features are not part of the magnetic definition of an acceptable front window tint, there is still a specification that these features be considered.
Tint Strip Laws by State
Every state has its own windshield tint strip law, some more stringent than others. Here are a few examples:
Arizona
Arizona requires at least a 35% VLT for the non-reflective portion of the windshield from the manufacturer’s film at all times. The shaded or tinted area on the windshield must not extend downward beyond the AS-1 line (possibly marked by the manufacturer) or the top of the driver’s side sun visor, whichever is longer.
California
California tint laws apply to the strip on the windshield and states that the non-reflective portion of the top of the windshield cannot exceed more than 4 inches or the AS-1 line, whichever is longer. California also allows darker tint on the side windows as long as it meets the minimum 70% VLT requirements. However, just because it is allowed doesn’t mean it is a good idea. It’s always best to check with an expert about what might be allowed, but may not pass inspection.
Florida
The Florida tint laws state that the tint strip on the windshield must have a 25% VLT or more. This means that 25% of the light must not be able to penetrate the tint. This tint however can be used in the one-inch strip at the very top of the windshield, but can extend downward towards the passenger seat.
North Carolina
The North Carolina tint laws require the top strip to be at least 35% VLT or tighter so that 35% can get through. North Carolina also allows dark tint on the sides, rear, and windshield as long as there is an allowance for the bottom 3 inches of the window which can be tinted at darker levels.
Texas
Texas also requires the top strip to have at least 25% VLT and extend no further than 5 inches down from the top of the windshield. For the sides, the windows can be only tinted at a 25 percent or higher rate. The rear windows can be up to 5 percent tinted.
Penalties for Violations
Failing to adhere to windshield tint strip laws, as can be expected, can carry some stiff penalties. Just about every state will issue you a fine and a citation and send you on your way. Fix it and go back to the police station and get a signed-off fix-it ticket and keep them both. They will then get added to your driving record. If you get pulled over for any reason and the police note that you have "illegal" tint or a strip, they will issue you the fine and a citation for the tint, even if it is legal on all other windows. Although they should not be jailed for this, you could get arrested if you persist on being disrespectful to the police and cite your "constitutional right" to have an illegal windshield tint strip. If you are stopped and cited, the police will want you to remove or replace the strip as soon as possible. They will look over the rest of the windows and ask that you remove entire pieces of tint if it is not up to state standards on every window. Do not argue with the police officer; just remove whatever is required.
How to Test Your Windshield Tint
To determine if a vehicle’s windshield tint strip is in compliance with the law, there are easy tests that vehicle owners can perform themselves. One of the most straightforward ways to check the level of tint is to use a 3M™ Digital Precision Light Meter, which is specifically designed for automotive window tinting and measures the amount of light transmission that occurs through the tinted area of the glass. Vehicle owners can purchase these meters at an affordable price at most hardware stores or automotive shops.
There are four different types of tint meters: 2 point, 5 point, 7 point, and laser. The 2 point meter is the least expensive, but also the least accurate since it only measures the tint in one area of the window and has two different probes that are used to confirm the tint in that same location. The 5 point meter is more expensive, but allows for a more accurate reading, with five different probes that can be used in different areas around the window . The most accurate tint meters are the 7 point and laser meters, but these are also the most expensive and difficult to use, which means they are not recommended for the average vehicle owner.
When taking a reading, it is important to only measure non-factory tint (i.e. the tint placed by the manufacturer on the upper windshield) to determine if the tint strip is in legal compliance. When taking this measurement, take several readings at different points in the tint strip and average the results to see if the tint level complies with current standards.
If a vehicle owner is unsure about whether they have the necessary tools to measure their windshield tint strip for legal compliance, many professional inspection services also offer services to religiously measure the tint of the vehicle before someone is pulled over.
Advice on Choosing Tint Strips
When it comes to choosing legal tint strips for your windshield, there are a few essential factors to consider. First and foremost, you should always purchase from a reputable brand that is known for producing high-quality products. This can help ensure that the tint strip will be durable and long-lasting, and won’t peel or bubble over time.
Additionally, you’ll want to think about the type of product you want. For example, some drivers prefer a tint strip that has a uniform color throughout, while others may choose a strip that has a gradient effect, with the darkest portion being closest to the rearview mirror. Keep in mind that each state has rules about where tint strips can be placed, so be sure to check the regulations before making your final decision.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that any tint strip you’re considering is legal in your state. While most states allow for a small tint strip to be placed at the top of the windshield, the size of the strip may vary. Additionally, some states only allow for a limit amount of light to be let through, while others do not require any light to be let through at all. By doing a bit of research ahead of time, you can ensure that you choose a legal tint strip for your windshield.
Legal Information and Guidance
Vehicle owners can find guidance on windshield tint strip laws through a variety of legitimate resources. Transparency into what is legally permitted can be crucial to avoiding the potential legal penalties that can be involved in the use of an illegal strip across the top portion of a windshield.
One of the best places to get information is from the state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The Official State websites can give immediate access to accurate information. However, even when using official State websites, it is essential to be aware that there may be information that is out of date or otherwise incorrect. Therefore, questions should be addressed to legal professionals to avoid issues.
Another avenue of research is window tint manufacturers themselves . These companies must have basic familiarity with the laws in the States where their products are offered, and while their knowledge may not necessarily be comprehensive, they may have more than enough information to help vehicle owners get a clear idea of what is permissible for vehicles on the roadways.
Tinting companies also must have a good working knowledge of the law, at least within their own particular markets. If a tinting company specializes in only certain types of window tint films, it may not have the most up-to-date tint strip law information. However, a quality tint company should have enough knowledge to at least refer customers to a legitimate legal authority if they cannot answer a question.
There are also some private-sector programs that offer basic legal advice specifically for drivers who are trying to remain in compliance with automotive tinting laws. Many charge a small fee for this type of advice, but often have a strong amount of information to offer even via a simple telephone call.
Leave a Reply