U.S. & Canadian Tint Laws

[NorCalCivic]

Originally Posted by jjohan35

I believe the California restrictions are inaccurate as well. Cop told me 70% front side windows, 4 inch windshield, and any color for rear windshield and rear doors.

I have always heard that none is allowed on the front side windows in Cali, but I remember reading somewhere that it is allowed, but only a very light tint. I don't remember where I read that though.

I have noticed a lot of Civic coupes driving around with what looks like tint on the front sides. I would love to get the front sides done at least a small amount, but I don't want to get hassled by the cops.

[darkdan]

Originally Posted by NorCalCivic

I have always heard that none is allowed on the front side windows in Cali, but I remember reading somewhere that it is allowed, but only a very light tint. I don't remember where I read that though.

I have noticed a lot of Civic coupes driving around with what looks like tint on the front sides. I would love to get the front sides done at least a small amount, but I don't want to get hassled by the cops.

In CA you're allowed 70% net (film and glass combined) and you can't install red/amber/blue and the tint cannot increase reflectivity (no mirror). Since most automotive glass is already in the 70% (lowest legally allowed by federal law) to 88% range you really can't install ANYTHING on it legally. UV Clear type products are about all you can install.

Which UV clear products are nice. Help reduce interior fading, your risk of skin cancer, etc. Plus, what's becoming more and more popular is installing the thick safety and security films. They help hold glass together in case of a an accident and help slow down break ins and smash and grabs. Plus, they come in clear.


http://www.llumar.com/na-eng/Automot...to-safety.html

[mijc13]

This is some excellent information!

[ray3111]

so wut happens wid coupes? r the side windows considered front?

[darkdan]

Originally Posted by ray3111

so wut happens wid coupes? r the side windows considered front?

The doors are, the fixed quarter glass are rear sides.

Most laws are worded to say "adjacent to the driver" which means the front doors.

[HabeneroSI]

Good thing Im exempt !!!

[nothingfancy]

Originally Posted by HabeneroSI

Good thing Im exempt !!!

lucky D:

[darkdan]

Originally Posted by HabeneroSI

Good thing Im exempt !!!

Now the real question, are you actually exempt (via medical, etc) or do you just think you're exempt?

I know in my state you need a PRESCRIPTION (not a doctors note), fill out about 2 miles of paper work with the state, and then finally get a medical exemption.

I've had several people think that a piece of paper with some scribbled writing on it from their doctor exempts them.

So far in 4.5 years I've never seen an actual exemption.

[HabeneroSI]

Originally Posted by darkdan

Now the real question, are you actually exempt (via medical, etc) or do you just think you're exempt?

I know in my state you need a PRESCRIPTION (not a doctors note), fill out about 2 miles of paper work with the state, and then finally get a medical exemption.

I've had several people think that a piece of paper with some scribbled writing on it from their doctor exempts them.

So far in 4.5 years I've never seen an actual exemption.

my job.... and no I'm not a cop. the exemption went into effect 12-1-2007.

[cderalow]

of course, too bad this isn't current.

VA's law is 50% in the sides

[darkdan]

Up to date tint limits can be found at the International Window Film Association's website:

International Window Film Association

[phatmax_666]

Quebec law should be changed .. it should be more like

8 inches / 35% Net / Any / Any / Unknown

You can't have a tint more than 35% net !!! 50% is what most people install because it's hard to tell with naked eyes if it's legal !!!

Color are tolerated but you can't put anything that is mirror (or reflect light) on any window !!!

[Slipp]

I believe the data on the GA tint stated is inaccuate.

House Bill Restores Georgia's Window Tint Law

GEORGIA STATE PATROL

NEWS RELEASE

May 6, 2005

HOUSE BILL RESTORES GEORGIA’S WINDOW TINT LAW

(ATLANTA) - Governor Sonny Perdue has signed House Bill 20 which reinstates Georgia's window tint law on motor vehicles. Colonel Bill Hitchens, commander of the Georgia State Patrol, said the law became effective Monday, May 2, with the signature of Governor Perdue. The Georgia State Patrol will be issuing educational warnings during the month of May. He said troopers will begin issuing citations on June 1.

Georgia's window tinting law was struck down as unconstitutional last year because the provisions applied only to vehicles registered in Georgia. "House Bill 20 corrected the language so the law applies to all vehicles, whether registered in Georgia or another state," Colonel Hitchens said. "The window tint law is a safety issue, not only for law enforcement officers as they approach a vehicle during a traffic stop, but also for drivers so they can better see approaching vehicles while they drive."

The law allows for the same light transmission standards as the previous law. It is now illegal for window tinting material to be applied to the rear, side and door windows of motor vehicles that does not allow for more than 32 percent of light transmission (plus or minus three percent). It is also illegal for materials to be applied to the windows that increase the level of light reflected to more than 20 percent. Additionally, except for the top six inches of the windshield, no material or glazing can be applied that would reduce the light transmission through the windshield.

Among the exemptions to the window tint law are: adjustable sun visors not attached to the glass; signs or stickers displayed in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the passenger side of the windshield or in a five-inch square in the lower corner of the driver's side of the windshield; law enforcement vehicles; and any federal, state or local sticker or certificate which is required by law to be placed on any windshield or window. Also exempted under the law are the rear windshields and side windows, except the windows to the left and right of the driver, on multipurpose passengers vehicles; school buses and buses used for public transportation; buses and vans owned or leased by any religious or non-profit organization; limousines; and any other vehicle where the windows or windshields have been tinted or darkened before factory delivery or permitted by federal law or regulation.

Violation of the law by either driving a vehicle with illegal window tint or installing the illegal material is a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment.

------------------
front windshield and have 6" of tint from the top.
side windows and rear windshield are exempt from 32%.

if im reading correctly..

[atruhondagrl]

le bump

[splew]

Uh, obvious question, so I wouldn't be surprised if someone's already asked. What is the stock tint percentage? The windows aren't clear, they all have that "solar green" anti glare/UV tint that comes from the factory so they must have some percentage. The reason I want to know is because all of florida's laws are net tint percentage.

[HabeneroSI]

Originally Posted by splew

Uh, obvious question, so I wouldn't be surprised if someone's already asked. What is the stock tint percentage? The windows aren't clear, they all have that "solar green" anti glare/UV tint that comes from the factory so they must have some percentage. The reason I want to know is because all of florida's laws are net tint percentage.

All shops should be educated enough to tell you. Just make sure you ask for a receipt.