Yes, it is legal to have a nuance of up to five percent, but there are some restrictions. In California, the law states that any type of tint on a vehicle must be done in a manner that complies with federal safety regulations. According to California`s dyeing law, you can only use 5% shade on the rear and rear windows of your car. Reflectivity is just one problem. California law states that you cannot use film that changes the “natural” color of the window. No amber, tinted, red, silver or other color-changing film can be legally applied to a window of a motor vehicle in California. 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. First, a definition. What is window tint? For the purposes of this Article, window tint is a film or treatment of vehicle windows intended to reduce the transmission of visible light, or VLT. The common percentages of rear window colour are 50, 35, 20 and 5%. The lower the VLT, the darker the shade, with 5% being the darkest window shade on the market and used to “darken” windows for privacy or security reasons.
50 VLT is common for the everyday luxury car owner who wants to reduce sunlight and improve the appearance of their high-end vehicles. The process of obtaining a California exemption form is relatively simple. All you have to do is fill out a form and submit it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must meet certain requirements to qualify for an exemption. First of all, your car must be used for professional purposes. Secondly, all the windows in your car should be uniformly tinted. There are conflicting reports about the possibility of obtaining a medical exemption for California`s window tint laws, passed in 2022. It`s best to get an official letter from your primary care physician explaining the specific medical need for an exemption, and then request a formal exemption from the California State Department of Motor Vehicles. Several sources report that starting in 2022, drivers who need the exemption will have to install clear, colorless treatments instead, but it`s a good idea to apply for the exemption in any case. Since California enacted its car window tint laws in 1999, there has been some confusion about what legal dye is. Check with your local DMV office in California to see if your vehicle complies with the rules and regulations of the California Window Tint Act 2021.
The percentage of visible light allowed through your car`s windows is called VLT: Visible Light Transmission. The percentage of light that your film and glass passes through in California is very specific and is different for sedans and SUVs or vans. 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. This hue doesn`t need to be reflective under California laws passed in 2022. The front side windows must be certified to at least 70% VLT, but there may be stricter rules for the front side windows depending on the type of tint (factory installed or aftermarket). The rear and rear windows can be tinted until dark, there is no legal limit. The tint of the rear window may require the installation of side mirrors, as mentioned elsewhere in this article. The reflectivity of the window hue could be an issue.
California state law isn`t the only guideline — city or county laws may also further restrict window tint. The tint of windows can reflect incident light and reduce glare and heat. California`s window tint law allows for some window reflection when using a tint, so pay attention to that as well. California takes road safety very seriously and heavily regulates how car windows can be tinted. As you explore California`s streets, you`ll want to make sure you have a legal tint to avoid clashes with local law enforcement. Any legitimate color store will keep up with changing regulations and ensure that the car window tinting job you`re paying for is legal. To help you better understand California`s auto window tint laws, join us as we break them down into simple terms. What is the darkest legal window shade allowed in California? If you want high-quality window-tinted films for your car, home or business, contact Rayno Window Film. We have dealer stores all over California. We offer our customers access to our affordable Rayno MonoCarbon tinted film, Rayno AIR7090 windshield film, Rayno Phantom series premium automotive window film products made using nanocarbon-ceramic film technology and our Rayno Platinum residential window tint film. 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. Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield. Keep in mind that state law isn`t the only enforcement issue you need to worry about. District and municipal regulations that go beyond state law are also possible. In addition, according to the law, there is no distinction according to the types of vehicles; Window tint laws apply whether you drive a car, truck, SUV, van, 18-wheeler, etc. To avoid a California windshield tint ticket, state car owners who choose to tint the windshield after purchasing the vehicle for medical or other reasons must ensure that the aftermarket film meets the requirements of the percentages set by California for window tint. The state of California requires that replacement tinted films installed on the front side windows allow more than 88% of the light to penetrate. When aftermarket tint is combined with factory-tinted windows, it must have a visible light transmission of at least 70%. Vehicle code 26708 governs window tint in California, and there are specific requirements that must be met to stay within the law. 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. When you visit Jet Black Tint, our window tint specialists will help you decide which VLT best suits your needs and your vehicle. We certify the colour of your windshield and can ensure that your tinted vehicle remains legal on the road. In California, the law states that any type of tint on a vehicle must be done in a manner that complies with federal safety regulations. Under California Staining Law, 88% darkness is tinted with spare film and up to 70% darkness when combined with factory-tinted windows. In summary, it`s important to be aware of California`s tinting laws when you let your car`s windows dye. The law is in place to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers, so follow it. If you have any questions about the law or want your windows to be tinted, consult a professional. California state law allows vehicle owners to obtain medical window tint exemptions.
To apply for a medical exemption in California, you will need a letter stating the medical need for darker blinds signed by a licensed physician. If your doctor determines that it is in your best interest to be exempted from California`s window tinting laws for diseases and disorders, you can file an exemption. Here are the rules of a medical exemption for tinted windows in California. It allows California drivers to apply to the state for medical exemptions from dye film regulations. Some people are allowed to use tinted devices and other devices to provide sunscreen on their front side windows. However, it is illegal to use the devices at night. Changes to California`s windshield tint regulations require people with health conditions that require protection from the sun`s UV rays to install clear, colorless, and transparent material on their car windows. If the rear window of your car is tinted, you should have two side mirrors on your vehicle. California law allows medical exemptions for lower blinds on all windows. California has a specific law that allows medical exemptions from the window tint requirement. The law states that medical exceptions are allowed for those who have a diagnosed medical condition that affects their ability to see clearly while driving.
Certain requirements must be met to qualify for a medical exemption, including filing an application and completing a form from your doctor stating your diagnosis and ability to see clearly while driving. If you meet the requirements, you will receive a medical exemption card, which exempts you from the requirement to tint the windows. 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. Many states allow different percentages of window tint due to certain medical conditions. Assembly Bill 1303 (source) was approved in September 2017, allowing California drivers to apply for medical exemptions for film dyeing. VLT window tint ratings don`t matter to passenger-side rear windows, and while the rear window can also have any VLT rating, if your rear windows are tinted, you may need to install side mirrors on the vehicle to comply with California laws.
