Are you getting ready for the hot and sweltering summers of Virginia? There's something you might not have considered adding to your preparation list: window tints! Before you install these on your vehicle, it is crucial to check Virginia's window tint laws.
In Virginia, you can get your vehicle's windows tinted, but there are restrictions on how dark the tint can be. This article aims to clarify Virginia's tint laws and whether a 20% VLT tint is permissible.
Window tints are darkened films applied to your vehicle's windows to maintain a cooler interior temperature. They protect you from the scorching sun and block harmful UV rays. One of the most popular tints is the 20% VLT tint, known for its excellent protection, style, and safety. However, some states, including Virginia, have strict regulations regarding window tints.
To ensure you're compliant with the law, it's important to understand these regulations. Virginia law states that the front side windows must allow more than 50% of light in, while the back side and rear windows can have tints that allow more than 35% of light in. Medical exemptions are available for certain conditions, permitting darker tints. Always check the latest guidelines or consult a professional before proceeding with your tinting project.
Choosing the right tint not only enhances your vehicle's appearance but also offers practical benefits like UV protection and reduced heat. Make an informed decision to enjoy a more comfortable driving experience while staying within legal limits.
Is Window Tint Legal In Virginia?
In Virginia, you can legally apply window tint to your vehicle, but there are specific restrictions you must follow. These rules, established in 1999, dictate the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage, which is the amount of light allowed to pass through the tint. For instance, a 50% VLT tint lets half of the light through while blocking the other half.
The allowed VLT percentage varies depending on the state and the type of vehicle. In Virginia, the tint reflectivity must not exceed 20%, and the tint cannot be red, yellow, or amber. Additionally, if your back windows are tinted, dual mirrors are required.
If you have installed window tints on your vehicle in Virginia, it’s mandatory to apply stickers identifying the legal window tint. Ensure your tint installer provides the correct stickers showing your tint complies with state laws.
Virginia Tint Laws Regarding 20% VLT
Virginia state laws permit a 20% tint on rear and rear side windows for multipurpose vehicles like SUVs, trucks, or vans. However, sedans in Virginia cannot have a 20% VLT tint on any windows, front or rear. Despite these restrictions, a 20% tint offers several advantages. It provides substantial privacy while driving, as the darker windows prevent outsiders from seeing inside the car. This enhanced privacy also contributes to safety by deterring thieves from targeting visible valuables.
Additionally, the tint blocks 80% of visible light, which helps keep the car's interior cooler and reduces the need for air conditioning, thereby improving fuel efficiency. These benefits make the 20% tint a popular choice among vehicle owners.
Allowed Window Tint Darkness In Virginia For Vehicles
Understanding and adhering to Virginia's specific window tint laws is crucial to avoid penalties. The regulations vary based on the type of vehicle you drive. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
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Front Windshield: The law permits a non-reflective tint that extends up to 5 inches from the top of the windshield, or above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
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Front Side Windows: These windows must allow at least 50% of light to pass through (50% VLT). Additionally, the reflectivity should be less than 20%.
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Rear Side Windows: The tint should permit at least 35% of light to pass through (35% VLT) and have a reflectivity of less than 20%.
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Rear Windshield: This should also allow at least 35% of light to pass through (35% VLT).
Following these guidelines not only ensures your vehicle is legally compliant but also enhances safety by maintaining sufficient visibility. For the best results and professional advice on window tinting, trust RAXTiFY's extensive range of products and expert services.
Virginia Window Tint Law Darkness For SUV, Trucks And Vans-2024
Front Windshield: You can apply a non-reflective tint up to 5 inches at the top, above the manufacturer's AS-1 line. This tint helps reduce glare from the sun, enhancing driving safety. If your vehicle didn't come with this tint from the factory, it's recommended to get it applied as it is allowed by Virginia tint laws.
Front Side Windows: These windows must allow more than 50% of light to pass through, also known as 50% VLT. Up to 20% reflectivity is permitted.
Back Side Windows: There are no restrictions on tint darkness for the back side windows. You can choose any level of darkness, with a reflectivity limit of 20%.
Rear Windshield: Similar to the back side windows, there are no limits on tint darkness for the rear windshield.
Note: Applying a strip of non-reflective tint on the front windshield can significantly reduce sun glare and improve driving safety. If your vehicle lacks this factory-installed tint, it is advisable to have it added in accordance with Virginia laws.
Medical Exemptions According To Virginia Tint Laws
In Virginia, there are exemptions to the standard window tinting laws for individuals with serious medical conditions. These exemptions allow for darker window tint on the front side windows, which typically must let in at least 50% of light.
To qualify for a medical exemption in Virginia, a licensed physician must provide a written statement detailing the medical condition and recommending the use of darker tint. This statement must be kept in the vehicle at all times and shown to law enforcement upon request.
Acceptable medical conditions for this exemption include those that require protection from sunlight or bright lights, such as lupus, porphyria, xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome, albinism, Bloom syndrome, and severe allergic reactions to sunlight. Other conditions that may qualify include chronic migraines, epilepsy, and any other conditions that cause light sensitivity.
It is important to note that the medical exemption only applies to the front side windows. The rear side and rear windows must still comply with Virginia's tinting laws.
More About Window Tint Laws In Virginia
If you have tinted windows, dual side mirrors are mandatory by law. Additionally, certain tint colors are prohibited, including red, yellow, and amber. Virginia allows for a 7% variance in tint levels, meaning the actual tint can be 7% different from what is stated on the tinting certificate.
Unlike some states, film manufacturers in Virginia do not need to certify the tint film they sell. However, violations of Virginia's tinting laws can lead to penalties. A first offense is classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500. Subsequent offenses are classified as Class 2 misdemeanors, which can result in up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1000, or both.
It’s important to note that illegal window tinting is not worth the risk of such severe penalties. Ensure your vehicle’s tint complies with Virginia laws to avoid these consequences.
Different Kinds Of Window Tints
When selecting window tinting, it's crucial to prioritize UV protection, aiming for tints that block 99% of harmful rays to safeguard both skin health and prevent interior fading. Opting for high-quality tints also enhances comfort by effectively reducing interior heat. Moreover, it's essential to verify that the chosen tint complies with your state's regulations concerning light transmission and reflectivity. Window tints come in various types, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. While state laws permit all of them, here is a detailed list to help you make an informed decision.
1. Dyed Window Tint:
* Pros: Cost-effective, reduces glare, and provides a sleek look.
* Cons: Can fade over time, less effective at blocking heat.
* Best for: Drivers on a budget looking for basic privacy and glare reduction.
2. Metalized Window Tint:
* Pros: Durable, excellent at blocking heat, and adds strength to windows.
* Cons: Can interfere with GPS and cell phone signals, more expensive than dyed tints.
* Best for: Those seeking durability and superior heat reduction.
3. Carbon Window Tint:
* Pros: Doesn't fade, good at blocking heat, and offers a matte finish.
* Cons: More expensive than dyed and metalized tints.
* Best for: Drivers looking for a high-quality, long-lasting tint that provides significant heat reduction.
4. Ceramic Window Tint:
* Pros: Top-tier heat and UV blocking, doesn't interfere with electronics, and maintains visibility.
* Cons: Highest cost among tints.
* Best for: Those willing to invest in the best protection and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the legal limit for window tint in Virginia?
A: In Virginia, the legal limit for window tint on passenger vehicles is 50% visible light transmission (VLT) for the front side windows and any darkness for the rear side and rear windows.
Q2. What happens if my window tint is too dark in Virginia?
A: Vehicles with window tint that fails to meet Virginia's legal standards may be subject to fines and a requirement to remove or lighten the tint to comply with state regulations.
Q3. Can I get a medical exemption for darker window tint in Virginia?
A: Yes, Virginia allows for medical exemptions that permit darker window tint on vehicles, but the process requires documentation from a licensed physician.
Q4. Are there any exceptions to Virginia's window tint laws?
A: Yes, exceptions include vehicles registered in other states with different tint laws, provided they comply with their home state's regulations while driving through Virginia.
Know The Virginia Window Tint Laws
Choosing the right window tint for your vehicle can offer numerous benefits, both in terms of aesthetics and practicality. Understanding the legalities of window tints in Virginia is crucial before making your selection. At RAXTiFY, we offer a diverse range of premium-quality films that comply with Virginia's regulations on Visible Light Transmission (VLT). Explore our catalog to find the perfect tint for your vehicle!
