Window Tint Laws

Tinting Laws Explained

In California, like many states, there are laws that dictate what type of window tint is legal and allowable. The California Law states that a 70% VLT (visible light transmission) is permitted. This means that 70% of light must be able to pass through the glass.
However, the law also states that all aftermarket window films are illegal when installed to front driver and passenger doors as well as front windshield. This means that unless your vehicle came with a suspended window film in the laminated factory glass- you do NOT have an internal coating.
The way the laws are written can be difficult for anyone to understand so here is our simplest explanation. When you apply any type of window film to the front doors or windshield you take the risk of receiving a ticket by any law enforcement officer. Typically, you will not get pulled over for a light tint but run a higher risk when choosing a darker shade. The main concerns for officers as well as your fellow drivers is, SAFETY. Officers want to be able to see the driver to make sure there are no illegal activities going on behind the wheel. Other drivers and community members are concerned about the visibility obstruction caused by dark tint.
California permits exemptions for these laws for individuals with great clinical necessities. These laws have been in power since September 2017, and explanations behind this may incorporate conditions, for example, lupus, daylight sensitivity, photosensitivity, and melanoma.
As required by the exemption law, the driver of a vehicle with darker tinted windows must have the document issued by the window tint installer but also a clinical note from the specialist in dermatology providing details of the special needs.

Good news is any shade is legal to apply to the rear windows of any vehicle.