Isn't it against the law to tint your car windows on the front driver & passenger sides, and dash?

Question

Lately I've noticed there are a lot, and I do mean A LOT, of cars with their windows tinted on the front drivers and passenger sides as well as the dash. Correct me if I am wrong but I thought that was against the law, that is, except for law enforcement, particularly undercover narcotics, which seems a little silly in it's self, like drug dealers wouldn't notice that. I understand that the officers need to protect their identities but even I notice the tinted windows, not to mention the fancy cars. Has the law changed regaurding tinted windows and the average Joe?

Answer 1

http://www.tintlaws.com/about.html

Each state has their own statutes. What's legal in one state may not be in your own state.

Answer 2

It still against the law 2 tint ur front (dash) window. The 1's on the back & rear window (if the car is a 4 doors) is ok 2 tint them very dark if u like (depending on which State u live) BUT the 1's on the front..they have 2 b 65 to 70% "dark" (NOT limo black) otherwise b advise that u will b stop n harrass by the cops n not 2 mention fined 2...
The law about tinted windows in NYC will change soon due 2 a cop being shot from the rear windows/doors this past Summer.

Answer 3

Depending on where you are from, the answer could be yes or no. In NY it's legal to tint your windows I believe. In NJ it's not. You can tint your rear window and any side windows that are NOT the front windows.

However, little known fact is that at least here in NJ, you are allowed to have tint or vinyl on your front windshield... as long as it's not below factory standard markings... those come on every car.

After you read this, go out and look at your car. On both the passenger and driver side of the front windshield about 4 or 5 inches down from the top, there are little red or black markings. These markings are put there in the factory. Anything above that line in NJ is legal. Anything below it is not.

Bottom of the windshield on the other hand is illegal, it restricts your line of view to the front of the vehicle. God forbid someone runs over a child because the bottom of their window was tinted!!

Answer 4

In California...

You are right. NO tint is allowed on the driver or passenger window. The "light transmittance" argument does no apply. While the CA law says that the film applied to windows has to allow a certain amount of light through, it more clearly states the film must be "clear and colorless". ANY coloring from smoked, silver, red, blue, black, is not "clear" nor "colorless" per the Vehicle Code. The light transmittance has to do with clear UV ray films that can be applied to cars.

The windshield is a bit trickier. While it can't have tint, like the side windows, in most areas, certain areas can be tinted. Their is a hieght where a tint strip can start at the top of the window (a certain distance from the lowest part of the driver's seat while in its lowest and rearmost position... nice, huh?). Other than that, it must be clear.

Any window behind the driver can be painted black so long as their are two mirrors with visibility that is NOT through tint (two outside mirrors). It there is only one mirror, it is a mirror violation, not necessarily a tint violation.

I am not going to look for the vehicle code section to post. I have typed this reply numerous times and hopefully it begins to stick for California.

I refer to the argument that some tint can be applied as the "light transmittance" argument. It is argued that the Vehicle Code says you can have tint that transmits a certain amount of light. The argument is flat wrong. Correct and thorough reading of the California Vehicle Code will reveal, in confusing terms, what I just posted above. I have boiled it down for you.

Be advised, there are exceptions to what I have posted above. The answer is for the general, run of the mill "I want tint on my car" type people looking to have their windows tinted.

Answer 5

It depends on your state laws. In Illinois, for example, it is illegal but right next door in Indiana, it is not. I've had friends who live in Illinois buy cars in Indiana and then have to get the tint removed or reduced to avoid getting tickets.

But in many places it isn't as simple as just being illegal or not. The AMOUNT of tinting allowed on the different windows varies as well.

You should be able to look up the laws in your state online or call your local police or sheriff's dept. A local tint or body shop should know as well.

Answer 6

I believe that anyone can tint their car windows; however there is a minimum amount of light that must be allowed through (so the windows cannot be tinted completely). I think the degree to which the windows can be tinted varies between states. Hope this helps!

Answer 7

im not sure about the side windows, but the front window cant be tinted , where i live. and the reason is the one u stated

Answer 8

IT ALL DEPEND'S ON WHAT STATE YOULIVE IN BUT MAJORITY OF THE TIME MOST OF THOSE PEOPLE GET TICKETS ALL THE TIME OR BY MAIL UNLESS IT'S A SUV OR YOUR A SUPERSATR FORGET ABOUT IT !! (TIP) IF YOU DO DECIDE GO WITH THE LIGHTEST TINT POSSIBLE THAT WAY YOU CAN SAY IT'S FACTORY.

Answer 9

Depends on your state laws dude. Do an Internet search on traffic laws for your state.

Answer 10

what state are you in.
Different state's have different tint laws, can't help you with out more info

Answer 11

Because some criminals can hide that way, and police want to see who is in the car.