Back in 2003, Indiana passed its car window tinting laws to regulate the tint darkness and reflectiveness that drivers can have on their vehicle windows. It’s crucial to comply with these regulations to avoid any costly fines. If you’re curious about your car’s current tint level, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. I have all the information and documentation to help you determine if your car is up to code. But keep in mind that there are a few additional rules and regulations you should know as well. So, take a moment to peruse the details below and ensure that your vehicle meets all the requirements.
Two important things to consider for auto window tinting are Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR). In this discussion, I’ll explain both concepts, starting with VLT.
1. Window Tint Darkness in Indiana (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 alter from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
Every state has it’s characteristic legal limitations. Therefore, it’s important to keep in mind that the regulations can vary from state to state. This is certainly the case in Indiana, where the amount of light allowed to pass through tinted windows may differ depending on whether you’re driving a passenger vehicle or a multi-purpose vehicle. To avoid any confusion or potential fines, it’s essential to carefully review Indiana’s tinting laws and regulations before making any modifications to your vehicle’s windows. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re staying within the legal limits and keeping yourself and others safe on the road.
Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Indiana:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use maximum up to 30% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use a maximum 30% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use a maximum 30% tint darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Indiana:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 30% tint darkness for front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can use any darkness several (unspecified) inches from the top of the window for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use any darkness several (unspecified) inches from the top of the window for rear windows.
2. Window Tint Reflection in Indiana (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For car window tinting in Indiana, it’s not just about the darkness of the tint – the percentage of visible light reflection (VLR) is also a key factor. VLR is measured in percentages, ranging from 0% to 100%, and refers to the amount of visible light that’s reflected by the window tint. If you’re using a tint on your car windows, it’s essential to be aware of Indiana’s regulations on VLR. A lower VLR percentage means that less visible light will be reflected into the car, resulting in more sunlight being blocked. So, make sure you pay attention to this important detail to avoid any potential legal issues.
Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Indiana:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 25% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the back side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 25% reflective.
Tint reflection laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in Indiana:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 25% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the backside windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 25% reflective.
Other Indiana Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
If you’re a driver in Indiana, it’s crucial to be aware of the state’s regulations on car window tinting. Indiana takes this matter seriously, and failure to comply with the rules and regulations can cause costly fines. Besides the specific percentage of darkness and glare allowed on each window, there are a few other crucial guidelines you must follow. These include:
Side Mirrors: In Indiana, there are no specific regulations concerning the tinting of side mirrors.
Restricted Colors: In the state of Indiana, there are no laws that explicitly prohibit the use of certain colors of tint on vehicle windows. This means that drivers are free to choose any color of tint they prefer, as long as they comply with the state’s laws regarding the percentage of light that is allowed to pass through the windows.
Certificates: Manufacturers of the film must certify the film they sell in the Indiana 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: According to the law, once you have completed the tinting process on your car windows, there is no requirement for any stickers to be placed on the windows to prove that the tinting is legal. This means that you do not have to display any kind of certification or proof that your tinting complies with the state’s laws and regulations. However, it is important to note that it is always a good idea to have proof that the tinting was done by a professional and meets the legal standards in case of any law enforcement encounter.
Medical Exceptions: Indiana state law permits medical exemptions for lower tint on all windows for individuals with certain clinical necessities. As required by the medical exemption law in Indiana, 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: Violating the laws regarding window tinting can cause penalties that are classified as either a Class A or Class C infraction. The classification of the infraction and the associated penalties can vary depending on the severity of the violation and the jurisdiction.
Conclusion
The 2023 Indiana window tint law declares that, it is illegal to operate a vehicle in which the windshield, side wing, side window that is part of a front door, or rear back window has been covered or treated with any material or tint that prevents the occupants of the vehicle from being easily recognized or identified through the window from outside the vehicle (IC 9-19-19-4). It’s important to be aware of this law and ensure that your vehicle’s windows comply with it to avoid any potential legal issues. If you have questions or need more information about the specifics of this law, you can contact your nearest Indiana State Police post or Indiana State Police Headquarters at 317-232-8250.
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 Indiana may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.