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California Window Tinting Laws - What's Legal?

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Jude
California Window Tinting Laws - What's Legal?

Just like in other states, California Window Tinting Laws dictate what type of window tint is legal and allowed. If you don't follow the requirements, you might get pulled over by the police for an illegal window tint.

For this violation, the officer can do one of two things:

1) for first-time violators, the officer can issue you a fix-it-ticket to have your window tint removed from your car then file an affidavit with proper proof that shows the tint has already been removed; or

2) for a second violation, the officer may issue a regular ticket that requires you to go to court and explain your reason to a judge why you have violated California Window Tinting Laws.

Now, many are wondering why there are legal requirements when it comes to car tints. Apparently, it is believed that having a dark window tint lessens visibility thus making it harder for drivers to see oncoming traffic and pedestrians. This is backed by statistics stating that drivers with dark tinted windows or windshields are more likely to miss seeing vehicles or pedestrians in front of their vehicle and are more likely to be involved in traffic collisions.

That is why in California, they regulate the VLT percentage that you can use on your windows. VLT refers to Visible Light Transmission wherein the higher the percentage, the more light is allowed to pass through the window tint film.

Here are the legal tint limit for passenger vehicles in California:

Front Windshield - Only use non-reflective tint on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
Front-seat side windows - You can use up to 88% tint darkness allowed with aftermarket film – up to 70% tint darkness allowed if combined with factory-tinted windows.
Back seat side windows - You can use any tint darkness
Rear window - You can use any tint darkness

When it comes to multi-purpose vehicles, here are the requirements:

Front Windshield - Only use non-reflective tint on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
Front-seat side windows - You can use up to 88% tint darkness allowed with aftermarket film – up to 70% tint darkness allowed if combined with factory-tinted windows.
Back seat side windows - You can use any tint darkness
Rear window - You can use any tint darkness

If you are still unsure, check with your local California DMV office to ensure your vehicle complies with California’s window tinting law.

 

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