Back in 2009, Illinois set forth some strict laws regarding car window tinting. To steer clear of any unwanted penalties, it’s important to educate yourself on all the information and documents relating to the tint on your car’s windows. This includes being mindful of the permissible levels of darkness and reflectiveness of the tint within the state. Moreover, it’s essential to keep in mind that there are further regulations and guidelines to be adhered to for car window tinting in Illinois. Therefore, it’s imperative that you thoroughly familiarize yourself with these stipulations by perusing the information presented below.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR) are TWO critical factors to keep in mind for auto window tinting. In this discussion, I’ll explain both concepts, starting with VLT.
1. Legal Window Tint Darkness in IL (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 go from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
Every state has it’s own legal limitations. Therefore, if you’re accustomed to the tinting laws in other states, be aware that the permissible amount of light that can pass through tinted windows in Illinois may differ. Additionally, the regulations governing window tinting for passenger vehicles may not be identical to those for multi-purpose vehicles. Therefore, it’s essential to review the tinting laws for your specific type of vehicle in Illinois thoroughly. Failing to do so could lead to costly fines or legal consequences. So, take the time to read and understand the regulations, as it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Illinois:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches 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 35% 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 Illinois:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches of your vehicle’s windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 50% 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.
The window tint laws in Illinois have specific regulations that vary from those in other states. Under these laws, the following guidelines must be followed:
- On all windows, except the windshield, a maximum of 35% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) is permitted.
- Any tint percentage is legally allowed on the windows behind the driver, but only if the front side windows are not tinted.
- The front side windows may have a maximum of 50% light transmission, but only if no window behind the driver is tinted to less than 30% VLT.
- For vehicles that have been factory-installed with window tint of any darkness on any back window, the front side windows must have a VLT of over 50%. These regulations must be adhered to in order to avoid penalties from law enforcement.
2. Legal Window Tint Reflection in IL (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For window tinting in Illinois, it’s essential to note that window reflection allowed is determined by a percentage scale, ranging from 0% to 100%. A lower VLR percentage implies that less visible light is reflected into the vehicle, resulting in greater sunlight blockage. It’s crucial to be mindful of these specifics when selecting the tinting for your vehicle.
Illinois law mandates that window tinting must comply with specific VLR percentages. As a result, it’s critical to pay close attention to these guidelines when choosing the tint for your car. Ensuring compliance with VLR regulations is an important aspect of avoiding fines or other legal consequences for non-compliance.
Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Illinois:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the back side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be reflective.
Tint reflection laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in Illinois:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the backside windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be reflective.
Other Illinois Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
If you plan on tinting your car windows in Illinois, it’s crucial to be aware that the state takes this matter seriously. In addition to adhering to specific darkness and glare percentages for each window, there are numerous other rules and regulations that must be followed. These include:
Side Mirrors: In Illinois, dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.
Restricted Colors: In Illinois, there is no legal limitation concerning the color of the tints.
Certificates: In Illinois, 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, Illinois 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.
Penalties For Non-Compliance: In Illinois, penalties for violating the law can vary depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a first-time or repeat violation. For a petty offense, the penalty may include a fine ranging from $50 to $500. However, if an individual is found to have committed a second or subsequent violation, the offense is considered a class C misdemeanor and the penalty may include a fine between $100 and $500.
Conclusion
The 2023 Illinois window tint law declares that the level of tinting that is allowed on passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles varry. According to these laws, passenger vehicles are not permitted to have windows that are tinted to more than 35 percent, while multi-purpose vehicles are not allowed to have a tint that is darker than 50 percent. It’s important to note that any tint percentage below 50 percent for multi-purpose vehicles or 35 percent for passenger vehicles will result in penalties from law enforcement. These penalties may include fines, penalties, and in some cases, a requirement to remove the tint from the vehicle. It is crucial for vehicle owners to be aware of and comply with these laws in order to avoid any potential legal issues.
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 Illinois may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
Illinois Tint law references:
Illinois Vehicle Code Chapter 12, Article V – Glass, Windshields, and Mirrors
Illinois Tinting Medical exemption info:
Illinois Tinted Window Medical Certification form (.pdf file)