Be Aware of Window Tinting Laws

Be Aware of Window Tinting Laws

The laws on automotive window tinting are quite strict. From the federal governments point of view, any aftermarket film application is illegal. But every state is allowed to have its own laws on that, and fortunately, they have taken a more permissiv

e attitude toward allowing darker shades of film on vehicles. Some people have reported that tint laws may vary even in the different regions within the same state. So no matter the case, check with your regional Police Department for the most current window tinting laws, rules or regulations.

The window tinting laws can really get confusing at times, because of the many changes that were made and still are. Every state has a collection of laws that is like a patchwork quilt and as time passes, more patches need to be added and removed to keep the laws applicable towards the future. Because of this process, window tint laws can get inconsistent at times and make the entire section subject to personal interpretation.

By its very nature, auto window tinting reduces the visible light transmittance through a car's windows. This holds a potential danger, because at night, it becomes harder for the driver to see trough the windows of other vehicles in order to spot hazards

which would otherwise be obstructed. Police officers also want to be able to identify the passengers in a vehicle. Therefore, laws are made in order to make sure that the darkness of films do not present a danger to motorists.

The most important characteristic of every window film is the VLT - Visible Light Transmission %. VLT% tells you how much visible light is allowed to shine into the car and respectively how dark the tint looks. Generally the films are sold as 5%(limo), 20%(dark), 35%(medium), 50%(light). The regional law specifies the allowable VLT. The level of darkness range starts from a Light Smoke (43 per cent VLT) through Smoke, Midnight and Limousine. The current trend is for the lighter shades. The federal Department of Transportation specifies a minimum of 70% Visible Light Transmission for window tinting on the windshield and the windows to the immediate left and right of the driver. And from the factory, all cars come with 70% VLT, which means that installing a window tint film will practically be illegal. Private vehicles may have tint on the windows to the immediate left and right of the driver as dark as 20% VLT, depending on the state.

Steve Gargin owns and operates http://www.window-tinting-business.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

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