How Dark Should Your Vehicle Tints Should Be?
When it comes to window tint, the question of how dark you should tint your windows is important. With so many options available, deciding which window tint is best for you and your vehicle can be hard. And while there are no firm rules on how dark you can go when tinting your windows, you should consider a few factors before making your decision.
The darkness of window tint is typically measured in VLT, or Visible Light Transmission. This measurement shows how much light is allowed to pass through the window tint. Generally speaking, the lower the VLT, the darker the tint. However, the darkness of the tint is only one factor to consider when deciding how dark you should tint your windows.
Why Regulate Window Tint Darkness
The darkness of window tint is regulated because it affects visibility inside and outside the vehicle. Too dark of a tint can make it difficult to see out of the window, while too light of a tint can make it difficult to see in. Additionally, some states have laws regulating the darkness of window tint to ensure that drivers can see out of their windows properly.
The Basics of Tint Law in the US
Laws governing window tint darkness vary from state to state. While some states allow very dark tints, others limit the darkness of the tint that can be used.
In some states, the front side windows must allow more than 70% of light in, while rear side windows and rear windows may be more tinted. In addition, many states restrict reflective tints, which may be limited to a certain percentage of reflectivity. It is important to check with your local laws before tinting your windows to ensure that you comply.
Medical Necessity Exemptions
Some states also offer medical necessity exemptions, which allow individuals with certain medical conditions to have their windows tinted darker than the legal limit. Generally, these exemptions require a doctor’s note or other proof of medical necessity. It is important to check with your state’s laws to see if a medical necessity exemption is available.
How to Choose the Right Window Tints
The type of window tint you choose should depend on your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the level of privacy you want, the level of light you want to allow in, and the level of UV protection you want.
Also, check your local laws to ensure that the tint you choose is legal. Also, consider your vehicle type, as some tints may not be suitable for certain types of vehicles. Finally, consider the cost of installation and any applicable warranties.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, when it comes to window tint, deciding how dark to tint your windows is personal. However, it is important to remember that the darkness of window tint can have legal implications depending on the state you are in.
Therefore, it is best to research the laws of your state to ensure you remain in compliance with the law. Additionally, keep in mind that darker window tints can provide extra privacy, reduce interior fading, and reduce heat entering your vehicle. When considering how dark to tint your windows, it is important to weigh all of these factors to ensure you make an informed decision.
For a reliable car window tinting in Clovis, CA, Cen Cal Tinting can help. From window tinting, paint protection film, ceramic coatings to vehicle wraps, we’ve got you covered. Book an appointment with us today.
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What our customers think
Had our 2025 Tesla Model 3 tinted by Cen Cal Tinting and the whole experience was top notch. The quality of the work speaks for itself — super clean install, no bubbles, and the heat rejection is noticeable right away. What really made it stand out though was the customer service. You can tell they really care about their work and their customers. Highly recommend Cen Cal Tinting if you want it done right.
Took my Camry in for a i3 ceramic all around plus the air ceramic for the front windshield. Very pleased how it turned out. Highly recommend them. They are very professional and scheduling with them was very easy. And plus, they give you a lifetime warranty on their films.
This is my 4th car along with several referrals I have brought to this company to work on my vehicles. They have done a fantastic job on each one of them. On this particular one they did 15% tint over the factory tinted glass and 35% on the sides with a 5% windshield strip. Looking forward to all my future cars to this company. They typically complete the job in a few hours and are very connected via text message.
We Are Here To Help
We specialize in window tinting, paint protection film (PPF), ceramic coating, paint correction, and vehicle wraps. Whether you’re looking for heat rejection, gloss enhancement, or full protection, we’ve got you covered.
Absolutely. Many customers drop off their cars before work or leave them overnight. Just let us know what works best for your schedule and we’ll accommodate.
We’re located in Clovis, CA, and proudly serve Fresno and the surrounding Central Valley. Our shop is easy to find, and we’re just minutes away from most parts of Fresno.
You can call, text, or request a quote online in under a minute. We’ll just need your vehicle year, make, model, and what service you’re interested in to get you an accurate estimate.
We recommend booking an appointment to avoid wait times, but walk-ins are welcome when we have availability. Feel free to call or text us to check for same-day openings.
Yes — we recommend giving your car a basic exterior wash before your appointment. This helps us avoid rubbing dry dirt or dust into the paint when working on your vehicle, which can cause scratching. It also makes it easier for us to get great photos of your car when it’s all done!
Yes! We offer buy now, pay later options through providers like Affirm, Afterpay, and others — so you can split your purchase into easy payments. Just ask us for more details when booking.
We work on nearly all types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, Teslas, luxury, and exotic cars. It’s rare that we come across something we can’t work on — but if you have a unique vehicle, feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to confirm.
