In 2003, New Jersey lawmakers implemented regulations governing the tinting of car windows. As a conscientious driver, you want to make sure that you comply with these laws. This means understanding the allowable level of darkness and reflectivity of window tints for your vehicle. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with all the additional rules and regulations surrounding car window tinting in New Jersey to avoid any unwelcome fines. Don’t wait until it’s too late – read on below to stay on the right side of the law!
For auto window tinting in NJ, Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR) are two essential concepts to understand. In this discussion, I’ll explain both concepts, starting with VLT.
1. Legal Window Tint Darkness in NJ (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 vary from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
Every state has a certain legal limitations. Therefore, the amount of light that’s permissible to pass through tinted car windows in New Jersey differs from that in other states. Additionally, there are distinctions between the rules that apply to passenger vehicles and those that apply to multi-purpose vehicles. As such, it’s crucial to take the time to carefully review New Jersey’s car window tinting laws. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re well-informed and in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in New Jersey:
Windshield: You can’t use any tint on the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can’t use any tint legally to this window.
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 laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in New Jersey:
Windshield: You can’t use any tint on the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can’t use any tint legally to this window.
Back Side windows: You can use any tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use any tint darkness for rear windows.
2. Legal Window Tint Reflection in NJ (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For car window tinting in New Jersey, the allowable VLR percentage is a crucial factor to consider. This percentage, ranging from 0% to 100%, indicates the amount of visible light reflected into the car. The lower the VLR percentage, the more sunlight the tint will block. As you navigate the regulations, it’s essential to keep this measurement in mind to ensure that you comply with the law. Be diligent in understanding and adhering to all New Jersey window tint laws, including the VLR percentage, to avoid any potential penalties.
Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in New Jersey:
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 New Jersey:
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 NJ Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
Window tinting laws in NJ are nothing to take lightly. There are numerous rules and regulations that you must follow to ensure that your vehicle is in compliance. Along with adhering to specific darkness and glare percentage requirements for each window, there are other important guidelines to keep in mind. To avoid any penalties, you should familiarize yourself with all of these rules and regulations. So, in addition to the darkness and glare percentage restrictions, be sure to follow the other regulations outlined below.
Side Mirrors: In NJ, it is required by law that vehicles have dual side mirrors if the back window is tinted. This is to ensure that the driver has a clear view of the surrounding traffic, and to improve safety on the roads. This requirement applies to all vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Restricted Colors: There are no specific colors of tint that are banned by New Jersey law. This means that drivers are free to choose the color of tint that they prefer for their vehicle, as long as it complies with the other legal requirements for tinting.
Certificates: Film manufacturers do not need to certify the film they sell in NJ. This means that there is no requirement for manufacturers to test or verify the quality or safety of the tint film before it is sold to consumers. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that they purchase high-quality film that comply with state laws.
Stickers: Stickers to identify legal tinting is not required by NJ tinting law. This means that there is no requirement for drivers to display a sticker or other form of identification on their vehicle to show that the tinting is legal. However, it is still important for drivers to ensure that their tinting complies with state laws, even if there is no sticker or other form of identification present.
Medical Exceptions: NJ tinting law allows for medical exemptions for special tint. This means that individuals with certain medical conditions may legally apply a darker tint to their vehicle than would normally be allowed. For more information about the specific terms of the medical exemption, consult New Jersey law or speak with a legal professional.
Penalties: The maximum penalty for a first offense of illegal tinting in NJ is a fine of $1,000. For a second or subsequent offense, the maximum fine increases to $5,000. This is outlined in NJ Statutes 39:3-75.3. It’s important to note that fines may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the offense and the discretion of the court. Repeat offenders may also face more severe penalties, such as having their vehicle impounded or losing their driver’s license.
Conclusion
In New Jersey, the laws for tint darkness on passenger vehicles (sedans) and multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) are similar. On both types of vehicles, no tint is allowed on the windshield and no tint can be applied legally to the front side windows. However, for the back side windows and rear window, New Jersey laws permit the use of any tint darkness. It’s important to note that dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted. Also, there are no colors of tint that are banned by New Jersey law and manufacturers don’t need to certify the film they sell in this state. Additionally, stickers to identify legal tinting are not required, but medical exemptions are allowed. Penalties for illegal tinting can include fines up to $5,000 and repeat offenders may face more severe penalties such as vehicle impoundment or loss of driver’s license.
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 Jersey may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.