Idaho implemented its car window tinting laws over 30 years ago in 1992. It’s crucial to know that you have all the information and documentation regarding your vehicle’s window tinting. This includes understanding the permissible darkness and reflectiveness of the tint in the state. It’s imperative to keep in mind that Idaho has additional car window tinting rules and regulations, which must be adhered to at all times. To prevent incurring fines, it’s essential to read up on all the details and comply accordingly.
For auto window tinting, two key concepts to understand 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 Idaho (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 contrast from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
Every state has distinctive legal limitations. Therefore, the amount of light allowed to pass through tinted windows in Idaho may differ from other states, and the regulations can vary for passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles. It’s crucial to pay close attention to Idaho’s specific laws on window tinting. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with these laws and regulations can help ensure that you stay within the permissible limits of window tinting in the state and avoid any potential penalties. Therefore, it’s important to read the laws carefully and ensure that your vehicle’s tint complies with Idaho’s regulations.
Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Idaho:
Windshield: You can use 70% non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches or AS-1 line of your vehicle’s windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use maximum up to 35% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use a maximum 20% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use a maximum 35% tint darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Idaho:
Windshield: You can use 70% non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches or AS-1 line of your vehicle’s windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness for front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can use maximum up to 20% darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use maximum up to 35% darkness for rear windows.
2. Window Tint Reflection in Idaho (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For window tinting in Idaho, the permissible level of visible light reflection (VLR) is measured as a percentage, ranging from 0% to 100%. A lower VLR percentage shows that less visible light is reflected into the car, resulting in more sunlight being blocked. It’s crucial to remember Idaho’s window tinting laws specify a particular level of VLR that is permitted when using a tint. This means that besides complying with the state’s regulations on darkness, you should also pay close attention to the allowable VLR level. By doing so, you can ensure that your vehicle’s window tinting meets all of Idaho’s requirements and avoid any potential fines or penalties.
Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Idaho:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 35% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the back side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 35% reflective.
Tint reflection laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in Idaho:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 35% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the backside windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 35% reflective.
Other Idaho Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
For window tinting in Idaho, it’s important to understand that the state takes this matter seriously, and there are many rules and regulations that you must adhere to. Besides ensuring that your vehicle’s window tinting meets the permissible levels of darkness and reflectiveness, there are other guidelines that you should keep in mind. For instance:
Side Mirrors: In Idaho, dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.
Restricted Colors: In Idaho, there is no legal limitation concerning the color of the tints.
Certificates: In Idaho, there is no requirement for the films used to tint vehicles to be certified.
Stickers: It is unnecessary to have stickers or any other certification to prove that your car’s windows have been tinted, as long as the tinting has been done according to the law. This can be convenient for car owners, as it means they don’t have to worry about obtaining and displaying stickers or other documentation.
Medical Exceptions: Yes, Idaho allows for medical exemptions to the tinting laws for individuals who have a medical condition that requires the use of special tint on their vehicle’s windows. According to Idaho law, individuals who have a medical condition that requires the use of a special tint may apply for a medical exemption permit, which allows them to use a tint that is 75% light transmittance on the windshield and 20% light transmittance on the other windows. To get a medical exemption permit, individuals must provide documentation from a licensed physician stating that the use of special tint is necessary for their medical condition.
Penalties For Non-Compliance: In Idaho, violating the state’s tinting laws is considered a traffic infraction. If you are cited for a tinting violation, you may be required to pay a fine and may also be subject to other penalties, such as points on your driver’s license or the requirement to have the tinting on your vehicle removed. The specific penalties for a tinting violation will depend on the circumstances of the case and the discretion of the court. It is always important to make sure that your vehicle complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including the tinting laws, to avoid the risk of receiving a citation or other penalties.
Conclusion
The 2023 Idaho window tint law declares that the law allows for the use of non reflective window tinting film or sunscreening devices on vehicles, as long as the light transmission meets certain standards. For the front windshield, the light transmission must be not less than 70% plus or minus 3%, and for the other windows, the light transmission must be not less than 20% plus or minus 3%. In addition, the luminous reflectance of the tinting film or devices must not be more than 35%. These requirements apply to all vehicles, with some exceptions for medical exemptions and certain types of vehicles, such as law enforcement vehicles. It is important to make sure that any tinting or sunscreening devices used on your vehicle meet these requirements to avoid the risk of receiving a citation or other penalties.
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 Idaho may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.