The State of California passed regulations for tinting car windows in 1999. Since then, the laws have changed, but essentially, drivers must use a window tint that matches a certain color, darkness and positioning, depending on the window and other factors. California`s car window tint laws were enacted in 1999. We have provided all the necessary information about the tint of your car`s windows, including the degree of darkness or reflection allowed in your condition. There are also additional rules and regulations for tinting car windows in California, so be sure to read all about the process below to get a California exemption form is relatively simple. All you have to do is fill out a form and submit it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must meet certain requirements to qualify for an exemption. First of all, your car must be used for professional purposes. Secondly, all the windows in your car should be uniformly tinted. First, a definition.
What is window tint? For the purposes of this Article, window tint is a film or treatment of vehicle windows intended to reduce the transmission of visible light, or VLT. This becomes relevant here, because if the tint of the front or side windows is not properly installed and/or begins to bubble or warp with age, visibility can be obstructed for the driver, which could lead to a roadside check. California law allows medical exemptions for lower blinds on all windows. California has a specific law that allows medical exemptions from the window tint requirement. The law states that medical exceptions are allowed for those who have a diagnosed medical condition that affects their ability to see clearly while driving. Certain requirements must be met to qualify for a medical exemption, including filing an application and completing a form from your doctor stating your diagnosis and ability to see clearly while driving. If you meet the requirements, you will receive a medical exemption card, which exempts you from the requirement to tint the windows. Note that California laws and regulations on hue may be interpreted differently in your county or place of residence.
We always recommend that you review our information with your local VDM or law enforcement agencies. Tinted windows also affect regulations for other aspects of the vehicle. These include side mirrors, hue colours and colour documentation. These regulations are designed to ensure visibility and compliance with state laws. For a vehicle`s windshield and front side windows to be considered a legal window tint, California law states that the windshield must only have a transparent tint strip on the top 4 or 5 inches and that at least 70 percent of the light must be able to penetrate the tint on the front side windows. These restrictions and tint regulations apply to all types of vehicles. Whether you drive a sedan, SUV, van or truck, you will have to comply with these regulations or you could be fined and required to remove the illegal tint. There are conflicting reports about the possibility of obtaining a medical exemption for California`s window tint laws, passed in 2022. It`s best to get an official letter from your primary care physician explaining the specific medical need for an exemption, and then request a formal exemption from the California State Department of Motor Vehicles. Several sources report that starting in 2022, drivers who need the exemption will have to install clear, colorless treatments instead, but it`s a good idea to apply for the exemption in any case.
The tint of windows can reflect incident light and reduce glare and heat. California`s window tint law allows for some window reflection when using a tint, so pay attention to that as well. The tint of the windows can be applied to all the windows of a vehicle, but the front windshield must have only a tint of four inches. Additional rules apply, including no stickers or other visual obstructions on forward-facing windows. The windshield should only have tinted the top four inches, as drivers must have a clear and unobstructed view of the road. The strip on top blocks incident light from the driver`s field of vision and does not need to be reflective so as not to visually distract other drivers. Violations of California`s window tint laws will be subject to additional penalties. The first offence is punishable by a $25 fine and an order to remove the offending tint. However, they could face a violation and a fine of up to $197. On the plus side, the state won`t deduct points from your driving record for tint violations. California`s window tint law limits the windshield tint to 4 inches. The front side windows must have a light transmission of 70% or more.
The rear side windows and rear window may be dark. For front windows, nothing below 88% is allowed. However, if you use a replacement film on factory-tinted windows, you will get a VLT rating of 70%. The Californian statue that regulates the tint of the windows is the vehicle code 26708. It prohibits automobile owners and drivers from placing materials or objects on the windshield, side or rear windows that obstruct the driver`s view. When it comes to the tint of the windshield and driver`s side windows, California police are pretty strict about enforcing the dyeing law. Vehicles must not have stickers or other decorations on their front side windows. The law states that teared, sparkling or worn window tint films that may obstruct the driver`s view are prohibited and must be repaired or removed. Drivers must have a certificate signed by the dyeing company or film manufacturer clearly stating the percentage of VLTs. This must also include the name and address of the manufacturer of the tinted film. Manufacturers must also certify the dye film in California before they can sell it. Some California cities or counties may have their own special regulations for tinting windows, so if in doubt, contact your local law enforcement or DMV offices! Front panels: Aftermarket films must let in more than 88% light, or at least 70% VLT when combined with factory-tinted windows.
