Connecticut’s laws on car window tinting date back to 1994, and since then, motorists have been required to adhere to specific guidelines when tinting their car windows. As a responsible car owner, it’s essential to be aware of the laws governing car window tinting to avoid running afoul of the authorities and being slapped with hefty fines.
To ensure compliance with the regulations, it’s crucial to have all the information and documentation regarding the tint on your car’s windows, including the level of darkness and reflectiveness that’s allowed in the state. Additionally, Connecticut has additional rules and regulations regarding car window tinting that you should familiarize yourself with.
By reading up on the laws and regulations regarding car window tinting in Connecticut, you can keep your vehicle looking stylish while avoiding potential fines and legal problems. Don’t take any chances; make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest regulations and guidelines.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR) are two essential concepts to understand for auto window tinting. In this discussion, I’ll explain both concepts, starting with VLT.
1. Window Tint Darkness in Connecticut (VLT)
Window Tint Darkness or Visible light transmission (VLT) is a measure of the amount of light that passes through a film. It’s measured in percentages and can diversify from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
Every state has varied legal limitations. Therefore, if you’re planning to tint your car windows in Connecticut, it’s important to note that the state has its own set of regulations regarding how much light can pass through tinted glass. These regulations may differ from those in other states, and they may also vary depending on whether you’re tinting a passenger vehicle or a multi-purpose vehicle.
To avoid any confusion or potential legal issues, it’s crucial to read and understand Connecticut’s tint darkness laws carefully. This will ensure that you know exactly what is and isn’t allowed for tinting your car windows. By doing so, you can make informed decisions about the level of tint you choose for your car while also staying on the right side of the law.
Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Connecticut:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Front Side windows: You can use maximum up to 35% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use a maximum 35% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use any tint darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Connecticut:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness for front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can use any darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use any darkness for rear windows.
2. Window Tint Reflection in Connecticut (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For car window tinting in Connecticut, it’s important to remember that the VLR, or Visible Light Reflection, percentage is also a crucial factor to consider. VLR is a measure of the amount of visible light that is reflected by the tinted windows, and it is typically expressed as a percentage.
In Connecticut, the law allows a certain percentage of window reflection when using a tint, so it’s essential to pay attention to this factor as well. A lower VLR percentage means that less visible light is reflected into the car, which can cause more sunlight being blocked.
By being aware of the VLR percentage allowed under Connecticut’s window tinting laws, you can make informed decisions about the level of tint to apply to your car’s windows. This will not only help you stay compliant with the law but also ensure that you have the level of visibility and protection from the sun that you need while driving.
Be sure to read up on Connecticut’s window tinting regulations and guidelines carefully to avoid any potential fines or legal issues related to non-compliance.
Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Connecticut:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 21% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the back side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 27% reflective.
Tint reflection laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in Connecticut:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 21% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the backside windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 27% reflective.
Other Connecticut Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
If you’re a car owner in Connecticut, it’s important to be aware that the state has a strict set of rules and regulations regarding window tinting. In addition to adhering to specific percentages for darkness and glare on each window, there are other guidelines you need to follow to ensure compliance with the law. These include:
Side Mirrors: In Connecticut, you require a dual side mirror on your vehicle if your rear window is tinted.
Restricted Colors: If you’re considering tinting the windows of your car in Connecticut, you may wonder what colors are allowed. While the state doesn’t specifically prohibit any particular hues, you can safely use gray, green, bronze, or neutral smoke tint. So, whether you want a subtle look with smoke gray or a more bold statement with green or bronze, you have options to choose from. Just adhere to the state’s tinting laws and you’ll be ready!
Certificates: Manufacturers of the film must certify the film they sell in the Connecticut state. The address and the name must clearly be seen on that certificate. Drivers must be able to show the certificate when asked, so it is sensible to keep it with them at all times.
Stickers: Connecticut State law also requires tint film installation companies must also give the vehicle’s owner a sticker or certificate with their name and address.
Medical Exceptions: Connecticut state law permits medical exemptions for lower tint up to 20% VLT on all windows for individuals with certain clinical necessities. As required by the medical exemption law in Connecticut, the driver of a vehicle with darker tinted windows must not only have the document issued by the window tint installer but also a clinical note from the specialist doctor providing details of the special needs.
Penalties For Non-Compliance: If you’re found to have violated Connecticut’s tinting laws, you may receive a warning to have the issue corrected. If you cannot address the problem within the allotted time, you may face a fine of up to $300, plus an additional charge of $10. It’s important to take these regulations seriously and make sure your tinting is done correctly to avoid any fines or legal issues.
Conclusion
The 2023 Connecticut window tint law declares that for windshield, you can use non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.. The law requires that the front and back side windows of a vehicle must allow at least 35% of light to pass through. However, there are no restrictions on the level of darkness that can be used for the rear window. It’s important to remember these regulations when tinting your car’s windows to ensure that you comply with the law. Failing to follow these guidelines can cause fines or other legal consequences.
Disclaimer
The information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or as a substitute for the advice of an attorney. No user of this site, or any other person or entity that may have received this information, shall rely upon the information contained ‌as creating an attorney-client relationship between such user and Car Glass Advisor. The rules and regulations pertaining to car window tint in Connecticut may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
Connecticut Tint law references:
- General Statutes of Connecticut, Title 13b, Chapter 246, Section 14-99g
- Quick Reference on Tinted Windows (Connecticut DMV)