Sunning ourselves on the beach, driving down the pacific, glassing at the seagulls, is all associated with glorious California weather. The sunshine and blue clear skies, and just the shine of the California, bright sun is all associated with beautiful sunshine, beach activities, a classic California; warm sun is a prized possession, but the powerful California sun can transform your car to a sauna. Not to forget the interior that can be overcooked and faded. A darkened window can offer some relief, offering a cool interior and a simple smoke tint, along with UV and privacy windows.
Have you noticed the cars with windows so dark that they seem to be evaporating, and others with just a hint of gloss? This discontinuity is not just about looks, it is about law. Don’t be confused to think all cars with smoke windows is about legal tint in california or California window tint laws, it is much more than that. From my experience, I would like to say that getting a fix-it ticket is easy, however, the other expenses you would have to pay at the end are a lot.
I have seen in my years of automotive work, simple tint jobs can cost you a lot of money if you are caught not keeping up with the laws. I would like to say I have created this guide so it can be the only book you have to refer to. I am breaking down very complex pieces of information so you can make a simple decision around your car.
Learning the Lingo – What is VLT?
What comes next is crucial to the relationships discussed later: What is the forehead number in the context of window tints? What about VLT? VLT is described as the percentage of VISIBLE LIGHT that “passes” through the glass of a window as well as the film affixed to it.
In simpler terms, a window that has 0% VLT is a window that is fully black, thereby not letting through ANY light. In contrast, a window that has 100% VLT is fully transparent, therefore letting in ALL the light that strikes it. Hence, the lower the VLT%, the darker the tint. This “calculation” is the basis of the window tinting laws set in California, and it is the first start step in the understanding process.
California window tinting laws are a bit more sophisticated. These laws are laid out in the California Vehicle Code under sections 26708 and 26708.5. In light of the legal jargon, we’ve opted to summarize the legislation pertaining to every portion of a car.
California Windshield Tint Regulations
Most cars have a windshield because they are the main components of the drive visibility of a vehicle. Therefore, the California Law does not allow any form of tint to be placed on the entire windshield. However, there is a provision for a non-reflective tint to be added at the very top of the windshield.
This ‘strip’ is referred to by the law as an AS-1 line, which are markings located on the top corners of the windshield. If your car is lacking an AS-1 line, the law then stipulates that the tint may then be allowed for the top 4 inches of the windshield.
The functionality of that strip is to reduce the glare of the sun without obstructing your line of sight. Therefore, an entire windshield tint is illegal but this strip of tint at the top is legal in California.
Front windows: The an area that gives most confusing
This is the area that most California drivers get in trouble in. The front side windows, which are the driver’s side and the front passenger, are required to have a VLT of no less than 70 percent. This means that the window glass and any film that has been added to it must allow at least 70 percent of light to come through.
Most people don’t understand that the windows on a car are not completely clear. Almost all windows that come straight from the factory have a very slight tint that measures from 88% to 96% VLT. When a light aftermarket tint is applied to a window, that 70% threshold is reached very quickly. This is what causes a tint that is almost clear to still be illegal. For safety, any window film applied is very limited. Window tint professionals who thoroughly understand the California window tint law use VLT meters to make sure the end result is compliant.
Rear Side Windows along with the Back Windows: Places where You have More Freedom
For the windows behind the driver, which include the rear passenger windows, as well as the back windshield, the California Window Tint Law is much more relaxed. For these windows, any level of tint can be legally applied. This is why it is common to see SUVs and sedans with very dark back windows, as well as the high level of window privacy and security they provide.
While tints are allowed to an extent, functional driver’s side and passenger side mirrors must be present to allow proper viewing outside the vehicle, especially in the case where a person can’t see behind them, considering the nearness of the rear tints. Most vehicles nowadays have dual outside mirrors, and hence this is an issue that is seldom encountered, but legally one must not forget this stipulation.
Diffracted Color and Reflection
Besides the obfuscation of the window color, the California Window Tint Law focuses not only on the depth of the tints but also on the reflectivity and color of the tints.
Reflectivity:
The reflectiveness of vehicle windows is not allowed to be more than the reflectiveness of un-tinted windows. This means that these “limo tints” that are markedly chrome-like or have a metallic, mirrored surface are outlawed. The intention is to curb the phenomena of window glare where the windows reflect sunlight or headlights and thereby dangerously blind other drivers.
Window Tinting Regulations:
When it comes to window tints, you cannot use red, amber, or blue tints. These colors are meant to signal emergency vehicles, and using them on your windows could create significant danger on the road. Acceptable window tints include shades of black, charcoal, and gray.
Window Tinting for Medical Purposes:
Laws acknowledging window tints for medical purposes argue that some medical conditions, such as lupus, sun allergies, and other medical conditions, which require additional protection from UV rays are valid. In such cases, you can apply to the law for a medical exemption for window tints, which becomes valid for your use.
Window tints in other states can easily be obtained, but not in California. In this state, you are required to acquire a letter signed by a physician, an optometrist, or a qualified optometrist which states that the medical necessity for you is. Such documents can be always accessible in the vehicles.
Alongside the signed letter, you are not completely exempt from state restrictions. The law typically allows for a maximum of 35% VLT on front windows, which is borderline blacked out. It is equally important that you know the limitations to the extent of the add-on that you will be claiming, so you will not be held responsible under the state laws.
What Are the Fines for Illegal Window Tinting
When a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer or local police considers a vehicle’s tint to be too dark, they will likely issue what is commonly known as a “fix-it ticket”. Formally, it is referred to as a Certificate of Correction.
This Certificate of Correction ticket is the first step where the violator is supposed to remove the illegal tint from the vehicle. Once the illegal tint is removed, the person has to get the ticket signed by a police officer to state that the violation has indeed been fixed.
After this, a court appointment is required where the person has to pay a dismissal fee of around $25 or go through the docketing. Though $25 may seem a negligible amount, it is how much one will spend to get the tint removed by a professional, that is considered a much larger issue.
If professional reinstallation, or in the worst, a replacement is required, it is simply jaw-dropping. If the ticket is not fixed, the fines may rise out of proportion. The constant anxiety of ‘being pulled over’ for such a minor issue is not an enjoyable feeling.
Selecting the finest Legal Tint for Your Vehicle in California
There is no restriction when it comes to the advantages of getting a window tint. New technology makes it possible to tint the window in much lighter shades while still blocking out excessive heat and harmful UV rays.
Ceramic Tint:
This is the most advanced film on the market. It employs the use of ceramic nanotechnology to block incredible amounts of heat along with 99% of UV rays without the need to be dark. A 70% VLT ceramic film will be superior to a dark, low quality dyed film in every aspect. It is the best option for a legal tint in California.
Carbon Tint:
One step down from ceramic, carbon film provides decent heat rejection and will not fade, unlike the cheaper dyed films.
Dyed Film:
This is the cheapest option available. However, it provides the least amount of heat rejection and may fade to a purple hue with time.
You don’t only gain aesthetic appeal, comfort, and UV protection, but also the protection and longevity of your car. This all comes with a properly installed quality film from a dependable tinting company.
Your Guide to Staying Legal and Looking Cool on the Roads in California
In terms of the California window tint law, the regulations become quite simple to follow once clarified. With the windshield, the top four inches can have a strip that is non-reflective or above the AS-1 line. For the front side windows, you have to keep a minimum of 70% VLT. The rear side windows and back windows can be as dark as you want, as long as you have dual side mirrors. Lastly, no red, amber or blue color is allowed and no reflective finishes.
By following these standards, you can have window tint which means you’re cooler on the inside, your skin and car upholstery is UV protected, glare is reduced as well, and you won’t have to worry about the laws. The best suggestion that I can offer is to speak to a well known tint shop. They know the law and have the proper equipment to make sure that your vehicle is fully compliant and you have the proper piece of mind during those sunny California drives.
California Trims Tinted Window FAQs
Is it illegal to put 5% VLT tints on the rear windows in California?
Sure. There are no restrictions on rear passenger windows or the back windshield in the California window tint law. You may apply a 5% “limo” tint or any other legal darkness to any of those windows. Just remember that your car needs to have working side mirrors on both the driver’s and passenger’s sides to provide adequate rear visibility.
What can I do if I get a ticket for the tint on my windows?
If you are issued one of those “correctable violations” for your tint, or “fix-it ticket,” you will first have to illegally ornate the film. This is usually best done by a professional so you don’t damage your windows. After the film is removed, you will have to get a law enforcement officer to check your car and sign the ticket to declare it is corrected. You will then have to give that proof to the court and pay a dismissal fee to get the ticket resolved. You may ignore the ticket, but that would likely result in much higher fines and possibly problems with your driver’s license.
I have a note from a medical professional, does that allow me to have any tint I desire?
If the doctor’s note is a legal medical document that states a certain condition that would be worsened with unscreened sunlight, then yes, there are certain boundaries to it. The exemption that is provided still permits a darker tint than normally legal, but there are still limits set. As a rule of thumb, a medical exemption allows you to have the front side windows tinted to a maximum legal limit of 35% VLT. Permission to place a full opaque or excessively tinted visors or windows is never granted, as it could be a safety risk. The letter of the doctor needs to be presented upon request with the individual’s car wherever it is while the driving takes place.
Can police officers measure how dark my tint is right then and there?
Yes, many police officers, particularly members of the California Highway Patrol, do have VLT. These are small, portable devices that, when used, measure VLT percentages instantly and with precision. It eliminates the guesswork when enforcing window tint laws, and if your tint is a fraction darker than the legal limit for your front windows, the device will capture it and you will be ticketed.
I just arrived in California and my tint was done legally in my previous state. Do I need to change my tint?
Unfortunately, yes. Main laws pertaining to window tinting California Vehicle codes state that Vehicle and Animal regulations set the most pertinent standards. This holds even if you lived in a state where the regulations clearly state otherwise. It is highly encouraged that you do not, for your own sake in legal punishments, possess front windows that do not contain California legal tints.
