Window Tint

Window tinting is the application of a thin specially designed film to the inside of the windows of vehicle. In most cases it is an option added because of the vehicle owner's own preference. more...

It may be added at the time of purchase for a new vehicle or applied by a professional window tinting business or even applied by a handyman.

Regulations

Usually there are government rules and regulations set in place to ensure darkness levels of tint films do not present a danger to motorists. This is because tint can reduce the visibility for a driver especially at night time.

In the United States, the federal Department of Transportation specifies a minimum of 70% visible light transmission (VLT) for window tinting on the windshield and the windows to the immediate left and right of the driver. The DoT does not specify any VLT requirements for any other windows . Individual states can pass laws that go further than the requirements set forth by the DoT.

In Canada, automobile tinting laws are set at the province level.

Types of window tinting

The windshield is the driver's primary means of viewing the road, so most countries require that it remain untinted, except for a horizontal tint stripe at the top of the window. Regulations on the width of the strip vary, but are generally 4 to 6 inches from the top of the window, or to a marked AS-1 line, if present. The strip may be made of semi-translucent film that partially blocks the sun's UV rays, or a matrix of black dots cemented to the glass. The latter method blocks bright sunlight, but generally does not protect against UV rays.

Side window tinting, if allowed by law, usually involves the application of semi-translucent film to the inner pane of the glass. The chemical properties of the film determine the appearance of the finished car. Specific films can impart a particular color and/or a mirror-like shine to the window.

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