Window Tinting Laws In North Dakota

Back in 2003, North Dakota put in place strict laws governing car window tinting. To help you avoid any legal complications, I’ve compiled all the information and documentation regarding your vehicle’s window tinting, including allowable levels of darkness and reflectivity as stipulated by the state. However, there are other essential regulations to keep in mind for car window tinting in North Dakota. I strongly recommend that you peruse the following details carefully to prevent any potential run-ins with the law and fines.

For auto window tinting, understanding Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR) is vital. In this discussion, I’ll explain both concepts, starting with VLT.

1. Window Tint Darkness in North Dakota (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 range anywhere from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.  

Every state has a specific legal limitations. Therefore, for the allowable amount of light that can pass through tinted car windows, North Dakota has its own set of standards that may differ from those in other states. Additionally, the rules can vary depending on whether you’re driving a passenger vehicle or a multi-purpose vehicle. That’s why it’s crucial to pay close attention to the car window tinting laws in North Dakota to ensure compliance. To avoid any potential legal issues, I urge you to carefully review the regulations pertaining to your specific type of vehicle.

Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in North Dakota:

Windshield: You can use up to 70% tint darkness on the windshield. 

Front Side windows: You can use up to 50% tint darkness.

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 North Dakota:

Windshield: You can use up to 70% tint darkness on the windshield. 

Front Side windows: You can use up to 50% tint darkness 

Back Side windows: You can use any tint darkness for backside windows.

Rear Window: You can use any tint darkness for rear windows.

2. Window Tint Reflection in North Dakota (VLR)

Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that an auto window film reflects. The allowable level of window reflection in North Dakota is typically measured as a percentage, ranging from 0% to 100%. The lower the VLR percentage, the less visible light is reflected into the car, resulting in greater sunlight blockage. It’s essential to remember North Dakota’s window tint law permits a specific level of window reflection when using a tint. It’s crucial to pay close attention to these requirements to avoid any potential legal problems. Be sure to carefully review and adhere to the VLR regulations when tinting your car windows in North Dakota.

Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in North Dakota:

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 North Dakota:

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 North Dakota Window Tint Rules and Regulations:

For window tinting in North Dakota, there are numerous rules and regulations that must be followed. In addition to adhering to specific levels of darkness and glare on each window, there are several other guidelines that you’ll need to keep in mind. North Dakota takes window tinting seriously, so it’s important to be aware of all the rules to avoid any legal consequences. Here are some additional regulations you’ll need to comply with:

Side Mirrors: In North Dakota, it is required to have dual side mirrors if any window behind the driver is tinted. This is to ensure that the driver can still have a clear view of their surroundings, even if the windows on their vehicle are tinted.

Restricted Colors: There are no specific tint colors that are restricted from usage in North Dakota. This means that drivers are free to choose any color of tint they prefer, as long as it complies with the state’s regulations on window tint darkness.

Certificates: Film manufacturers in North Dakota are not required to certify the film they sell. This means that there is no official state-approved list of approved tint films, and it is up to the consumer to ensure that the film they purchase complies with the state’s regulations.

Stickers: North Dakota does not require a sticker to be placed on the vehicle to identify legal tinting. This means that there is no easy way for law enforcement to determine if a vehicle’s tint is legal just by looking at it.

Medical Exceptions: Previously, North Dakota allowed for medical exemptions for window tint, but it is no longer the case. This means that no one is allowed to have darker tints on their windows for medical reasons.

Penalties: If a driver is found to have an illegal tint on their vehicle, they can be fined $20. This is a relatively small fine, but repeated offenses can cause higher fines and potentially even points on their driver’s license. It’s important to note that these regulations are put in place for the safety of the drivers and pedestrians on the road, so it’s important to comply with them.

Infographic showing car window tinting law in North Dakota

Conclusion

In North Dakota, laws for window tint darkness on passenger vehicles (sedans) permit a maximum of 70% tint darkness on the windshield, 50% on the front side windows, and any darkness on the back side and rear windows. For multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans), the same regulations apply, with a maximum of 70% tint darkness on the windshield and 50% on the front side windows, while any darkness is permitted on the back side and rear windows.

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 North Dakota may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.

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