How Dark Can You Tint Your Vehicle Windows?




A common question people have when they wish to get the windows on their car tinted is how dark are they allowed to go? The simplest answer to this question is that it depends on what state your car is registered in as it directly affects how dark you can make the windows and remain incompliance with the law.

Window tint darkness in California 
The percent of visible light allowed through your car windows is called VLT: Visible Light Transmission. The percentage of light allowed through your film and glass in California is very specific and different for sedan cars and SUV cars or vans. 
Tint darkness for sedans: Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield. Front Side windows: Aftermarket film must allow more than 88% of light in, or minimum 70% VLT if combined with factory-tinted windows. Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used. Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Tint darkness for SUV and vans: Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield. Front Side windows: Aftermarket film must allow more than 88% of light in, or minimum 70% VLT if combined with factory-tinted windows. Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used. Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
So what do the percentages (%) mean?  The lower the %, the darker the film.  In other words, a low percentage film lets less light through and is much darker in appearance.  The common percentages you will hear when shopping for tint are 38, 35, 20, and 5.  As mentioned, 35-38% are utilized primarily on the driver and front passenger windows and the 20% and 5% are for windows behind the driver.  The 5% is typically referred to as limousine tint.
The best way to determine what tint percentage (darkness) is best for you is to know the legal limits of your state and then seek the knowledge of your installer as to what film will work best for the goals you wish to attain.

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