Pennsylvania has been regulating car window tinting since 1999, and the state has specific laws that dictate how dark or reflective the tint can be. As a responsible car owner, it’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle complies with these regulations to avoid any potential fines. Along with the tint darkness limit, there are other rules and regulations you need to be aware of for car window tinting in Pennsylvania. Don’t worry; I have got you covered with all the information and documents you need to know to keep your car in line with the law. Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about car window tinting in Pennsylvania.
Knowing about Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR) is crucial for auto window tinting. In this discussion, I’ll go into detail about both concepts, starting with VLT.
1. Window Tint Darkness in Pennsylvania (VLT)
Window Tint Darkness or Visible light transmission (VLT) is a measurement 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 distinctive legal limitations. If you’re driving in Pennsylvania, keep in mind that the amount of light allowed to pass through your car’s tinted windows may differ from other states. It’s also essential to note that the regulations for passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles are distinct. To avoid any confusion or potential violations, it’s crucial to carefully read and understand Pennsylvania’s specific tinting laws. This way, you can ensure that your car’s windows are within the allowable limits and avoid any legal issues while driving on Pennsylvania roads.
Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Pennsylvania:
Windshield: You can use up to 70% tint on the windshield normally, but you can use any darkness on the top 3 inches.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 70% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use up to 70% darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use up to 70% darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Pennsylvania:
Windshield: You can use up to 70% tint on the windshield normally, but you can use any darkness on the top 3 inches.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 70% 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 Pennsylvania (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For window tinting in Pennsylvania, the amount of visible light reflected (VLR) is 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 keep in mind that Pennsylvania’s window tint laws permit a specific percentage of window reflection when using a tint, so be sure to pay attention to this aspect as well. By adhering to the state’s VLR regulations, you can avoid any potential legal issues and ensure that your car’s tint complies with Pennsylvania law.
Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Pennsylvania:
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 Pennsylvania:
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 Pennsylvania Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
If you’re driving in Pennsylvania, it’s crucial to understand that the state takes window tinting regulations seriously. There are numerous rules and regulations that you’ll need to follow to ensure your vehicle’s tinting is within legal limits. Along with maintaining specific percentages for darkness and glare on each window, there are other requirements to keep in mind as well.
Side Mirrors: In Pennsylvania, vehicles are required to have dual side mirrors if the back window is tinted. This is to ensure that the driver has adequate visibility while driving, as the tinted windows can reduce visibility.
Restricted Colors: There are no specific colors of tint that are explicitly banned in the state of Pennsylvania. However, it is important to note that all window tinting must comply with the state’s legal limits for visibility, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Certificates: Film manufacturers are not required to certify the films they sell in Pennsylvania. However, it is important for vehicle owners to ensure that the window tint they are using complies with state laws, as non-compliant tint can cause fines.
Stickers: In order to identify legal tinting, Pennsylvania requires a sticker to be placed on all vehicles with tinted windows. This sticker must be placed on the driver’s side door jamb and must include the percentage of light transmittance of the tint.
Medical Exceptions: Pennsylvania allows for medical exemptions for special tint, for individuals who have medical conditions that are exacerbated by sunlight. In order to qualify for this exemption, individuals must provide documentation from a licensed physician stating their condition and the need for special tint.
Penalty: In the state of Pennsylvania, failure to comply with window tinting laws can cause a fine of up to $110. Additionally, non-compliant tint may be removed by law enforcement. It is important for vehicle owners to ensure that their tint complies with state laws to avoid fines and potential legal issues.
Conclusion
In the state of Pennsylvania, laws regarding window tint darkness vary depending on the type of vehicle. For passenger vehicles (sedans), the windshield can have up to 70% tint darkness, except for the top 3 inches, which can be any darkness. The front side windows can have up to 70% tint darkness, and the back side and rear windows can also have up to 70% tint darkness. For multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans), the windshield can have up to 70% tint darkness, except for the top 3 inches, which can be any darkness. The front side windows can have up to 70% tint darkness, and the back side and rear windows can have any tint darkness. It’s important to note that all vehicles must have dual side mirrors if the back window is tinted, and a sticker is required to identify legal tinting. Additionally, medical exemptions for special tint are allowed. Non-compliance with these laws can cause a fine of up to $110.
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 Pennsylvania may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.