In all the states in the country, vehicle window tinting laws are largely strict in the state of California. These laws are factual and provide reasonable explanations to protect the motorists, the relevance of the road or area and the officers who need to have a proper view inside the car when need be. If you are a vehicle owner or planning to install any window graphics in California, it would be wise to learn the legal limitations and guidance as well.
This blog helps in allowing you to appreciate and understand the different window film laws in California towards 2024 including all the changes if any. We will delve into the specifics of how dark each window may be tinted, what the legal exceptions are, and common queries posed with regard to California car tinting laws.
What is Window Tinting?
Window tinting is a word used to mean putting a film on the glass of a car in any of the windows with the intention of darkening the windows. The reasons for tinting may include making the room cooler and more comfortable and increasing privacy and the looks of the room. However, states like California have restrictions up to a certain level on what tints to put on windows mainly for safety and law enforcement issues.
Overview of California Tinting Laws
The legal requirements relating to window tinting in California are provided under the California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 26708, which describes the amount of window tinting that is over. California laws vary according to the vehicle class, classification of windows, and even the VLT percentage which refers to the amount of light allowed through the window.
Insight on terminology
Visible Light Transmission (VLT): This is associated with the amount of light that is allowed to pass through the window film/glass. The larger the percentage of VT, the lighter the film.
Reflectivity: It is the characteristic of how much light is reflected by the surface of the window glass. There are refractive windows in this state but in no case is it legal for any tint to exceed a standard window in reflecting.
Professional Window Tinting Requirements in California
California Front Windshield Tint Law
Allowed Tint: Tint is allowed only on the top 4 inches of the windshield and is a non-reflective tint.
Reason: This rule has been put in order to ensure that they do not block the view of the windscreen while allowing some degree of tint at the front top to cut glare.
Front Side Windows
Allowed Tint: Requires that light transmission levels be above 70% (70% VLT or higher) in order for such tint to be placed on the front side windows.
Reason: Law enforcement personnel must be able to view inside the vehicle and therefore this amount of transparency does provide some measure of protection against direct sunlight while making provision to see through it.
Back Side Windows
Allowed Tint: There are no restrictions determined concerning the degree of darkness that can be applied on back-side windows.
Reason: On the contrary, the rear windows are far less of a visibility concern and simpler law and greater back side windows’ improvement is more strived to give privacy to the back passengers.
Rear Window
Allowed Tint: Like the back side windows, there are no precise restrictions on the degree of window tinting allowed on the rear window so long as the vehicle has two side mirrors.
Reason: Windows can be tinted fully with a black surface as long as the use of the mirrors by the driver is more than enough to provide visibility.
California Windshield Tint Law
Allowed Tint: The tint has to be on a windshield but only and specifically on the uppermost section which measures 4 inches top and must be a nonreflecting one.
Regulation on Use of Reflective Tint in California
There are also restrictions on the use of reflective tints in California:
Front and Back Window Tint: Anyone applying tint on any side windows including the front windscreen or front side windows must not be more reflective than a standard window. As such, excessive reflectivity can result in hazardous glare to other motorists using the road.
Window Tinting Laws For Sedans, SUVs, and Vans Available In California
The same window tinting Laws in California must also have complied with sedans, SUVs, and vans but with some minor differences:
Sedans: In this situation, there is a must of compliance with the 70 % VLT rule on the two front-side windows.
SUVs and Vans: Back side windows and rear windows are not subject to any tinting rule provided that the vehicle is fitted with side mirrors and other criteria.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in California
Some medical conditions can permit one to be exempted from any of California window tint laws. Such individuals with light-sensitive conditions would be able to apply for a medical exemption that grants them permission to have darker tints on their front side windows.
Requirements for Relief:
- Lupus.
- Albinism.
- Drug-related or other medical photosensitivity.
In order to seek an exemption, one has to produce a letter from a qualified medical doctor or optometrist detailing the condition and the reason for its aggravation, which, in this case, is worsening cataracts hence the use of a darker tint. Always carry the exemption along with you in the vehicle.
Penalties for Violating Tinting Regulations in California
You will be fined or forced to take off the tint which does not comply with the law in California in case your window tint is in violation of the state’s law. Law enforcement authorities may give what is referred to as a “fix-it ticket” whereby the owner is expected to remedy the situation and follow up for the cancellation of the ticket after the problem has been resolved. In some cases, actual violations may cause multiplied fines and citations for that particular violation.
First Offense: In most cases, this leads to a ‘fix-it’ ticket where the owner is required to remove the offending tint and the vehicle is brought in for inspection.
Subsequent Offenses: May be expected that fines in the region of 25 dollars to 197 dollars may be imposed depending on the area of law enforcement and how serious the violation is.
California Tint Law Updates for 2023 and 2024
There have been no appreciable developments in the existing window tints laws in the state of California so far as of the year 2023. Though this is the case, there is a need to follow up with recent laws in order to observe all the rules. The rules on 70% VLT for the front side windows and the top four inches of the windshield are still freely available.
For 2024, we have seen some proposals to review the policies governing the application of tints on modern designs such as electric or driverless cars, which are bound to differ from the existing ones because of the structure. There are chances that there may be some developments from the California Department of Motor Vehicles DMVC in regard to this.
How to Ensure Compliance with California Tint Laws
It is worth noting that knowing these tips will help avoid costs associated with lawsuits or any penalties with respect to penalties, make sure to do the following:
Verify VLT Levels: This time ensure that all the conditions that were discussed earlier are paramount to avoid later disputes. Always check the VLT percentage of the window film prior to its installation. Be sure that it falls within Californian limits as per the front and rear windows. Also, check Reddit’s point of view on California tint law.
Consult a Professional: It goes without saying that such practices such as window tinters or specialist installations are common within the laws of California. Professional installers know the laws of California and will make sure that the mother tint on your car is right on all legal standards.
Carry Exemption Proof: Even if you have a medical marijuana card, and you use it to obtain a dark tint on your windows, make sure that you have this proof with you in the vehicle at all times.
Regularly Check Your Tint: Over time the tint on your automobile will get older or damaged. It is essential to ensure it still meets California tint laws for you to avoid being pulled over.
Conclusion
Anyone who intends to change the tint of their vehicle needs to be well aware of the extent of California’s tint laws. To comply with the law is connected not only to fines and penalties but also to the safety of the car and its driver. No matter the reason you’re applying a car tint whether it’s just for decoration for more privacy or to reduce heat, ensure that it is within California’s legal limits as to the amount of tint that one can apply.
But as long as you abide by and adhere to the principles of this article, you will be able to enjoy the comfort of tinted windows without infringing the law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the front-side window tint law in California for the driver’s son on the front windows of California?
Per California’s regulations, the front side windows must have a light transmittance of more than 70%, which means a tint with 70% VLT is ok, but no lower than that.
Can you tint your windshield in California?
The only portion of the windshield that can be tinted in the state of California is the top 4 inches. It is required that this strip is not obstructive and does not serve any other purpose than to be non-reflective.
Does the law restricting the tint apply differently for sedans, SUVs and vans in California?
Although the 70% VLT regulation applies to front side windows across all types of vehicles, SUVs and vans can have darker tints on the back side windows and rear windows without limitation.
What happens if I get pulled over with illegal tint in California?
They may issue you with a ‘fix-it’ ticket where you are asked to correct the violation if your tint is found to violate Californian rulings. This requires you to remove the illegal tint and have your vehicle examined. Fines may be imposed upon repeat offenders.
Are there any medical exceptions regarding tinting laws in California?
Yes, there are people who have specific illnesses such as lupus or those who are photosensitive and as such, are given a medical excuse for wrapping the front side windows in a darker shade.
Is reflective tint legal in California?
No, reflective tint is prohibited for any of the front or back side surface windows in California. Window tinting must band the reflective quality of the luxury automobile windows.
Is there any change in California tint laws for 2024?
No material change has been made and continues as of 2024 although some adjustments in the tinting law of some models of car, more so the electric and autonomous type, suggested discussions have been held regarding this.
Am I allowed to use other colors of tinting films for my windows in California?
In California, it is against the law to put certain colored tints on such as red, blue or amber respectively. Window tints available are normally black or gray to follow such laws.