Back in 1990, New Hampshire introduced a set of laws regulating car window tinting. Whether your car sports a tinted look, it’s essential to have all the documentation in place to avoid any legal trouble. The state has put in place strict guidelines on how dark or reflective the tint should be, and it’s imperative to adhere to them. New Hampshire has additional car window tinting regulations and rules that you should familiarize yourself with. By taking the time to read through these guidelines, you can save yourself from the inconvenience and expense of potential fines. So why not give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re driving legally and safely?
If you’re considering auto window tinting, it’s essential to understand TWO KEY CONCEPTS: 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 New Hampshire (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 from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
Every state has a distinctive legal limitations. Therefore, it’s important to note that the amount of light allowed to pass through tinted glass in New Hampshire may differ from other states, as well as vary between passenger and multi-purpose vehicles. To avoid any confusion or legal issues, it’s essential to thoroughly review the tinting laws specific to New Hampshire. Taking the time to understand the nuances of these regulations can prevent unnecessary fines and ensure that your vehicle complies with the state’s requirements. So, be sure to give the laws a careful read and drive confidently, knowing that you’re following the rules of the road.
Tint darkness law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in New Hampshire:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint with 35% VLT on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 70% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use up to 35% darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use up to 35% darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness law for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in New Hampshire:
Windshield: You can use non-reflective tint with 35% VLT on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 70% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use up to 35% tint darkness for rear windows.
2. Window Tint Reflection in New Hampshire (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For window tinting in New Hampshire, it’s also pivotal to pay attention to the percentage of window reflection (VLR). VLR is measured in percentages, ranging from 0% to 100%. The lower the VLR percentage, the less visible light is reflected into the car, resulting in more sunlight being blocked. As per New Hampshire window tint laws, there’s a specific percentage of VLR allowed when using a tint. It’s vital to keep this in mind to ensure you comply with the regulations. So, don’t forget to factor in the VLR percentage when getting your car windows tinted in New Hampshire.
Tint reflection law for passenger vehicles (sedans) in New Hampshire:
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 New Hampshire:
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 New Hampshire Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
When it comes to window tinting in New Hampshire, it’s not something to be taken lightly. The state has laid out several rules and regulations that you must comply with to avoid getting into trouble with the law. Along with maintaining a specific percentage of darkness and glare on each window, there are other regulations that you must adhere to as well. Here are these:
Side Mirrors: In New Hampshire, it is required that vehicles have dual side mirrors only if the back window is tinted. This is to ensure that the driver has proper visibility while driving, and that the tinted back window does not impede their ability to see other vehicles on the road.
Restricted Colors: There are no specific colors of tint that are explicitly restricted by New Hampshire state law. However, it is important to note that all tinted windows must meet the minimum visibility requirements set by the state in order to be legal.
Certificates: Manufacturers of film do not need to certify the film they sell in New Hampshire. However, it is important to make sure that the tinting film you purchase meets the minimum visibility requirements set by the state.
Stickers: State law in New Hampshire recommends but does not require the use of stickers to identify legal tinting on a vehicle. However, some manufacturers or tinting shops may choose to use these stickers to show that the tinting on a vehicle meets the state’s minimum visibility requirements.
Medical Exceptions: New Hampshire law does allow for medical exemptions for individuals who need to have a higher level of tint on their vehicle’s windows. These exemptions typically allow for a VLT (Visible Light Transmission) of 35% on the windshield and windows to the left and right of the driver.
Penalties: A non-moving traffic violation for illegal window tint can cause fines or penalties. It is important to note that penalties for non-compliance may vary depending on the severity of the violation, and repeat offenses may cause more severe penalties. Sometimes, individuals may be required to remove the illegal tint from their vehicle in order to comply with state law.
Conclusion
In New Hampshire, laws for tint darkness on passenger vehicles (sedans) and multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) are similar. On the windshield, a non-reflective tint with a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of 35% is permitted on the top 6 inches. For front side windows, a tint darkness of up to 70% is permitted, while back side and rear windows can have a tint darkness of up to 35%. Additionally, dual side mirrors are required only if the back window is tinted. There are no restrictions on colors of tint, manufacturers of film do not need to certify the film they sell in New Hampshire, and state law recommends but does not require stickers to identify legal tinting. Medical exemptions for 35% VLT on the windshield and windows to the left and right of the driver are allowed. Penalties for non-compliance with the state laws may cause fines or 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 New Hampshire may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.