Discover the darkest window tint percentages allowed, laws by state, and how to choose the best window tint for your needs.
The popularity of window tinting has really started to boom in recent years: this cool automotive upgrade isn’t just for black Escalades carrying high-value celebrities anymore. Whether you’re on the hunt for a way to protect against the Nevada heat, improve the privacy of your car windows, or just enhance the sleekness of your ride, window tint is a practical and stylish option. But before you go ahead and choose the darkest tint option possible, it’s important to understand that different states have different laws about how dark your window tint can be. In this guide, we’ll dive into the nitty gritty of navigating the legal landscape of window tinting, as well as the various kinds of tint available (and which type is best for your car). Here at Team Acme, we specialize in professional tinting services that keep you on the right side of the law while maximizing your car’s tinting potential.
A window tint percentage is determined by how much visible light transmission (or VLT) is able to pass through your windows with the tint installed. The higher the percentage, the more light can pass through the window. A low window tint percentage indicates that very little light can pass through the window and tint. For context, a limousine generally showcases as low as 5% window tint. While the numbers might seem like a minor detail, understanding window tint percentages is key when it comes to making legal modifications to your car windows.
In the state of Nevada, window tint law defines the following:
When you understand and comply with the legal limits regarding window tint in your state, you ensure that you can enjoy all the benefits of tint without having to stress about risking legal issues because of your window darkness. Remember, we’re all about striking the right balance between UV protection, privacy, and elevated aesthetics.
Unfortunately, window tints aren’t “one size fits all” across states. Each state has its own set of rules and regulations about window tint, and a tint level that is legal in Nevada could get you ticketed in another state. For drivers who frequently cross state lines or spend a lot of time in other states, it’s better to be slightly lighter and legal everywhere than it is to pay fines or be forced to remove tint on your next trip out of town.
This diversity in window tint regulations can make it tricky for car owners to decide which tint to have installed on their vehicle. In an effort to help with this awareness, let’s take a look at some of Nevada’s neighboring states and their regulations:
Keep in mind that there are penalties in each state for failing to comply with window tint laws. The most common penalties are fines (ranging anywhere from $20 to $500 or more depending on the state) and a “fix it ticket,” which allows drivers a chance to remove the tint and bring the car back into compliance to avoid a fine.
Before making a decision about window tint, we highly encourage you to do your research. Consider not only the laws of the state in which you reside, but the laws in any state you travel to frequently. Do you visit Utah for work trips or spend time on California beaches every few months for a stress-free getaway? If so, consider a tint that’s legal in all states relevant to your travel patterns. You can always consult with a professional tinting team to ensure you’re considering all of the important factors when it comes to window tint.
Out of all 50 states in the United States, California has some of the most strict window tinting laws. Known for their stringent enforcement of tint levels, California law enforcement officers won’t hesitate to enforce penalties if your vehicle is not in compliance with their regulations. In order to avoid any legal complications, we think it’s important to understand California’s expectations of window tint.
Here’s an overview of what California regulations allow:
Aside from window tint percentages, it’s also important to be aware of a few other considerations. Metallic tint or any tint with a mirrored appearance is prohibited in the state of CA, as well as any tint that is red, blue, or amber.
Should any of these window tint regulations be broken, consequences can include fix-it tickets, fines of around $200, and even vehicle impoundment for repeat offenders. To avoid these consequences, always check that your installer is aware of state regulations. Compliance to these laws ensures both driving safety and saving money.
Window tinting secures a range of valuable benefits for your vehicle outside of the aesthetic changes, such as improved privacy and security, up to 70% better heat rejection, and increased UV protection (prolonging the lifespan of your interior and the health of your skin if you spend a lot of time driving in the sun). So, many vehicle owners find that those benefits outweigh any costs associated with window tint. But how much should you expect to invest in your vehicle when it comes to window tinting, and is it really worth the cost?
Automotive tinting prices can vary depending on the type of tint, the quality of the installation, the location of the automotive shop, and the type of vehicle receiving the tint. Let’s break it down by the following factors:
It’s ultimately up to you as the car owner to decide if it’s worth it to install window tint on your vehicle. However, when we consider the heat rejection, UV protection, theft deterrent through better privacy, cargo protection for commercial vehicles, decrease in AC usage that can result in reduced fuel costs, and enhanced vehicle appearance, the value of window tint is clear as day to us!
Choosing the very best type of window tint for your car means considering a wide array of factors. Here are a few things we recommend researching and pondering:
Option 1: Precut Tint
Precut window tint is custom-fitted to be a perfect match for your specific car. It requires special machinery or special professional training, and results in an expert-level appearance with precise edges and great longevity. This option is NOT DIY friendly, and we don’t recommend installing precut tint on your car unless you’re a tint professional yourself.
Option 2: Removable Tint
Removable window tint is more DIY-friendly, with flexible application and removal that allows more margin for error (but is still prone to bubbling or lifting at the hands of an inexperienced installer). And remember, removable tint doesn’t last very long, so it’s generally used for short-term applications or to comply with constantly-changing regulations.
Option 1: Dyed Tint
Dyed tint, while the most affordable option, is highly outdated and rarely used now, regardless of the cost savings. This tint type may fade over time, and it offers far lower heat rejection, meaning the interior of your car isn’t protected to its highest potential.
Option 2: Carbon Tint
Carbon tint is one of our preferred tint types here at Team Acme, especially for customers looking to strike a balance between price and quality. FIrst and foremost, carbon tint has great heat rejection. It also offers good UV protection, has a non-reflective finish, and doesn't interfere with electronic signals like GPS or cell service.
Option 3: Ceramic Tint
Out of all of the available tint options, ceramic tint is what we tend to recommend to the majority of our clients. With impressive heat rejection, the best clarity, and the longest-lasting durability, the higher cost in comparison to other tint types is well worth it.
Option 4: IR Graphene-Infused Ceramic Tint
Graphene-infused ceramic tint blocks more infrared heat than other tint options on the market, crowning it the winner of one of the most influential variables in choosing a tint: heat rejection. It’s a premium option due to its level of effectiveness in keeping vehicle interiors cool, thanks to the way graphene dissipates the heat that hits car windows. With its exceptional durability and clarity, IR graphene-infused tint is the perfect option for car owners looking to get the best of the best when it comes to window tint.
Regardless of the tint type you choose, we recommend having the installation done by a professional automotive aesthetics expert. This way, you know you’re getting proper application technique, high-quality materials, compliance with local laws, less risk of bubbles or peeling, and even warranty coverage at some locations.
For more uncommon situations, it can be helpful to be aware of options like Tesla tint (tint specially designed for the curves and features of a Tesla vehicle, with enhanced UV and heat protection), security film (which reinforces windows against break-ins through an added level of physical durability, holding glass fragments in place in the event of an accident), and frosted glass film (a great option for privacy without as much light blocking, and a popular choice for luxury vehicles and commercial storefront locations).
We’ve covered a lot of information in this guide to window tinting, so here are a few important things to remember. When you’re considering which tint to apply to your vehicle and how dark to go, remember to first familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations about window tint (as well as the laws in any state you travel to regularly). Second, consider your needs and the needs of your car when choosing a type of tint. For the best clarity and longevity, consider ceramic tint or IR graphene-infused ceramic tint! Third, to make sure you receive the highest quality result, we recommend you always have your window tint installation done by a professional.
If you’re on the hunt for a professional to install your window tint, contact our experts at Team Acme today for a consultation! We’re equipped to handle any kind of window tinting with precision and professionalism, and we’d love to see your car experience the benefits of window tinting as soon as possible.
Q: What Are the Legal Window Tint Percentages in My State?
A: Window tint laws are different from state to state. To read about the laws in your state, you can visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or consult local law enforcement or local window tint specialists.
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Tint Car Windows Professionally?
A: The cost of window tinting varies based on factors like the tint type, car size, shape of the car windows, geographic location of the vehicle and install, etc. To have a professional install done will cost more than a DIY job, but the results are worth the added up front cost.
Q: Can I Install Removable or Precut Window Tint Myself?
A: Precut removable tint requires high levels of skill and experience to apply successfully, so we don’t classify it as a DIY-friendly option. Removable tint can be installed by beginners, but it doesn’t provide much durability or longevity and all DIY installs are far more prone to lifting, bubbles, and other damage. For the best results, have your tint installed by a professional.
Q: Is Security Film the Same as Standard Window Tint?
A: No, they’re different products. Security film is designed to reinforce windows and hold glass together in case of impact, and is thicker and more durable than standard window tint. Standard window tint primarily serves to reduce heat, protect against UV rays, and darken windows.
Q: What Happens if My Windows Are Tinted Darker Than Allowed?
A: Depending on the state and the severity of your violation, you may receive penalties such as a fix-it ticket (meaning you need to remove your tint to avoid a fine) or a monetary fine. You may even risk having your vehicle impounded if you break regulations multiple times.
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