Alaska has long been known for its rugged terrain and extreme weather, making it a unique and challenging place to live and drive. If you are a car owner in Alaska, you need to be aware of the car window tinting laws established in 1994. These laws specify the darkness and reflectivity of the tint allowed on your car windows.
To avoid any potential fines or penalties, it’s important to familiarize yourself with all the rules and regulations related to car window tinting in Alaska. This includes not only the tint darkness and reflectivity limits but also additional requirements, such as placement and coverage of the tint on different types of windows.
Luckily, you can find all the information and documents related to car window tinting in Alaska easily. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your car complies with the law and safe to drive on the Alaskan roads. So read up on the rules and regulations and stay on the right side of the law.
There are two essential components you need to consider when thinking about auto window tinting – Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR). To understand these better, we’ll explore each of them, starting with VLT.
1. Window Tint Darkness in Alaska (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 modulate anything from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
For car window tinting, it’s important to note that each state has its own set of unique legal limitations. If you are a car owner in Alaska, you should know the amount of light that can pass through your tinted glass may differ from other states, and can even vary based on the type of vehicle you own.
It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific car window tinting laws in Alaska, including any variations between passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles. By taking the time to carefully read and understand these regulations, you can avoid any potential fines or legal troubles down the road.
Remember that window tinting is not just a matter of preference or style, but also a safety consideration. Improperly tinted windows can impede your ability to see clearly while driving, especially in challenging weather. So, do your due diligence and ensure that your car window tinting complies with all applicable laws and regulations in Alaska.
Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Alaska:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 70% tint darkness
Back Side windows: You can use up to 40% darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use up to 40% darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Alaska:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 70% tint darkness
Back Side windows: You can use up to 40% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use up to 40% tint darkness for rear windows.
2. Window Tint Reflection in Alaska (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For car window tinting, it’s important to understand that the level of visible light reflection (VLR) can vary depending on the percentage of tint used. This percentage can range anywhere from 0% to 100%, with a lower VLR percentage showing that less visible light is reflected into the car and more sunlight is blocked.
In Alaska, it’s essential to be aware of the specific window tinting laws regarding VLR percentages. These laws dictate the maximum allowable percentage of window reflection when using tint on your car windows. Failure to comply with these regulations can cause fines and legal consequences.
To ensure that you are following all applicable laws and regulations related to car window tinting in Alaska, it’s also essential to pay attention to the VLR percentage besides the tint darkness level. By doing so, you can ensure that your car’s windows are not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe and legal to drive on the roads in Alaska.
Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Alaska:
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 laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in Alaska:
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 Alaska Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
Car window tinting regulations in Alaska are strict and should be taken seriously by all car owners. Besides complying with the specific percentage of darkness and glare on each window, there are several other rules and regulations that you need to follow. For example:
Side Mirrors: In Alaska, there are no regulations regarding the tinting of side mirrors.
Restricted Colors: In Alaska, there are some legal limitations concerning the color of the tints as well. Window tint colors permitted here are green, gray, bronze, and neutral smoke.
Certificates: In Alaska, certification is not required for the film used to tint cars by manufacturers.
Stickers: As per the regulations, upon completing the window tinting process, you are not required to display any stickers to confirm compliance. This is quite an achievement!
Medical Exceptions: Alaska 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 Alaska, 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. You must renew the medical exemptions certificate annually by an Alaska licensed physician.
Penalties For Non-Compliance: If the coloring is not done correctly, you will receive a warning to correct it. If you do not take the precautions and fix it within the allotted time, you may face a fine of up to $300.
Conclusion
The 2023 Alaska window tint law declares that the tint on the windshield must be non-reflective and can only cover the top 5 inches. The windows on the front side of the vehicle must allow at least 70% of light to pass through. Similarly, the back side windows and rear window must permit a minimum of 40% of light to enter.
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 Alaska may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.