Utah implemented laws governing auto window tinting back in 2005, which dictate how dark or reflective the tint can be on your vehicle’s windows. It’s important to be aware of these regulations and have all the information and documentation in order to avoid any potential fines. Along with these tinting laws, there are additional rules and regulations to keep in mind. By taking the time to educate yourself on these regulations, you can ensure that your vehicle complies and avoid any unwanted penalties. Read on below for more details.
If you’re considering auto window tinting, it’s important to understand Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR). In this discussion, I’ll explore both of these concepts, beginning with VLT.
1. Car Window Tint Darkness in Utah (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 range anything from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
Each state has its own set of legal limitations for auto tint darkness, including Utah. The amount of light allowed to pass through tinted glass may vary from state to state, as well as depending on the type of vehicle – whether it’s a passenger vehicle or multi-purpose vehicle. To avoid any confusion or potential violations, it’s crucial to carefully review the auto tinting laws specific to Utah. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the regulations so that you can ensure your vehicle complies and avoid any legal repercussions.
Tint darkness law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Utah:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use any tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use any tint darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness law for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Utah:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use any tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use any tint darkness for rear windows.
2. Window Tint Reflection in Utah (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For auto window tinting, the amount of visible light reflection (VLR) permitted can range from 0% to 100%, with a lower percentage showing less visible light being reflected into the vehicle, resulting in increased sunlight blockage. In Utah, there are specific regulations regarding the percentage of VLR allowed for tinted windows, so it’s important to adhere to these guidelines in order to avoid any legal issues. Be sure to educate yourself on the Utah window tint law and make sure your vehicle’s window tinting complies with the VLR requirements.
Tint reflection law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Utah:
Front Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the back side windows as well.
Tint reflection law for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in Utah:
Front Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the front side windows
Back Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the back side windows as well.
Other Utah Car Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
The state of Utah takes auto window tinting regulations very seriously, with a variety of rules and regulations in place to ensure compliance. In addition to maintaining a specific level of darkness and glare on each window, there are other guidelines you must follow. These include:
Side Mirrors: In the state of Utah, it is required that vehicles have dual side mirrors if any window behind the driver is tinted. This is to ensure that the driver has maximum visibility while operating the vehicle, and to reduce the risk of accidents caused by blind spots.
Restricted Colors: Utah does not restrict any tint colors. This means that you are free to choose any tint color for your vehicle, as long as it meets the state’s other regulations.
Tint Variance: The maximum allowable tint variance in Utah is 5%. This means that the light transmittance through the tinted windows cannot be over 5% darker than the factory-installed windows.
Certificates: Film manufacturers are not required to certify the film they sell in this state. This means that the film you purchase may not have any official certification or testing to ensure that it meets the state’s regulations.
Stickers: There is no requirement for a sticker to identify legal tinting in Utah. This means that there is no official way to tell if a vehicle’s tinting complies with the state’s regulations.
Medical Exceptions: Utah tint law does not allow for any medical exemptions that would allow individuals to use special tint on their vehicles. This means that even if you have a medical condition that requires you to have a certain type of tint, you must still abide by the state’s regulations.
Penalties: Violating Utah’s tint law is considered a traffic infraction. This means that if you are caught with illegal tinting on your vehicle, you may be subject to fines and penalties, as well as being required to remove the illegal tinting.
Conclusion
In the state of Utah, laws for tint darkness on passenger vehicles (sedans) and multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) are similar. On the windshield, non-reflective tint is permitted above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or on the top 4 inches. On the front side windows, a maximum of 35% tint darkness is allowed, while there is no restriction on the darkness of tint for the backside and rear windows.
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 Utah may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.