What Is Window Tint?

What is the Legal Tint in Florida?

If you live in Florida or are planning to move there, you might have wondered, “What is the legal tint in Florida?” Having tinted windows in your car can be super helpful, especially in the hot Florida sun! Tinted windows keep your car cool, give you privacy, and protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. But, before you get your windows tinted, it’s important to know the rules, so you don’t accidentally break the law. In this article, we’re going to explain what the legal tint in Florida is, so even a 5-year-old can understand it!

What Is Window Tint?

Before we dive into Florida’s tint laws, let’s first talk about what window tint actually is. Window tint is a thin film or layer that is applied to the inside of a car’s windows. It makes the windows darker and helps block some of the light and heat from the sun. You’ve probably seen cars on the road with dark windows, right? Well, those windows have tint!

People get window tinting for many reasons. Some want their car to stay cooler in the sun, while others like the way it looks or want more privacy inside their car. It can also protect your car’s interior, like the seats, from getting damaged by the sun over time. However, too much tint can be dangerous because it can make it harder for the driver to see and for others to see inside the car. Also read What is the Legal Tint in Florida?

Why Are There Laws About Window Tint?

You might be wondering, why does the government care about how dark my car windows are? Well, it’s all about safety. Imagine if your windows were super dark, and it was nighttime, or maybe it was raining. You might not be able to see the road clearly. That’s dangerous! Also, law enforcement officers need to see inside cars during traffic stops. If your windows are too dark, it might make their job harder and could lead to unsafe situations.

So, to keep everyone safe on the road, the state of Florida has created specific rules about how dark your window tint can be. These laws make sure that you can see properly while driving and that law enforcement can see inside your car if needed.

How Is Window Tint Measured?

Now, let’s talk about how window tint is measured. Tinting is measured by something called VLT or Visible Light Transmission. This is the percentage of light that can pass through your windows. For example, a VLT of 70% means that 70% of the light can come in through the window, and 30% of the light is blocked by the tint.

The lower the VLT number, the darker the tint. So, a tint with a VLT of 15% would be very dark because it only lets 15% of the light in. A higher number, like 70%, would be a much lighter tint.

Now that we know how tint is measured, let’s answer the big question: What is the legal tint in Florida?

Legal Tint for Cars in Florida

Florida has specific rules about how much tint you can have on your car windows. The amount of tint allowed depends on which windows you’re tinting and whether you’re driving a sedan, SUV, or van. Let’s break it down:

1. Sedans (Regular Cars)

  • Front Windshield: You are only allowed to have a non-reflective tint on the top part of the windshield, above the AS-1 line. This is usually the line where the windshield meets the top of the car.
  • Front Side Windows: The tint must allow at least 28% of the light to come through. This means the windows cannot be super dark.
  • Back Side Windows: The tint on the back side windows can be a bit darker than the front. It must let in at least 15% of the light.
  • Rear Window: The rear window must also allow at least 15% of the light to come through.

2. SUVs and Vans

  • Front Windshield: Just like with sedans, you can only have non-reflective tint on the top part of the windshield, above the AS-1 line.
  • Front Side Windows: The tint on the front side windows must let in at least 28% of the light.
  • Back Side Windows: Here’s the cool part for SUVs and vans—the back side windows can be much darker! The tint only needs to let in 6% of the light.
  • Rear Window: The tint on the rear window must also allow at least 6% of the light.

What Happens If Your Tint Is Too Dark?

Now, what happens if you get your windows tinted and they’re darker than what’s allowed by law? Well, you could get pulled over by the police and receive a ticket. In Florida, having illegal tint on your car is considered a non-moving violation, which means it’s not as serious as speeding, but you could still have to pay a fine. The fine could be around $100, but it can vary depending on where you live in Florida.

In some cases, you may also be required to remove the illegal tint and replace it with a legal one. So, it’s best to make sure your tint follows the rules from the start.

Exceptions to the Tint Laws

There are some exceptions to Florida’s window tint laws. Some people may be allowed to have darker tint for medical reasons. For example, if someone has a medical condition that makes them extremely sensitive to sunlight, like lupus or xeroderma pigmentosum, they might get special permission from the state to have darker windows.

If you think you qualify for a medical exemption, you can talk to your doctor and apply for a special exemption through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. If approved, you’ll get a certificate that you can show to law enforcement officers if you ever get pulled over.

Reflective Tint: Is It Allowed?

Another thing to keep in mind is reflective tint. Reflective tint is the kind that looks shiny or mirrored. It helps reflect sunlight and keep the car even cooler. However, Florida has rules about how reflective your tint can be, too!

  • Front Side Windows: The tint cannot reflect more than 25% of light.
  • Back Side Windows: The tint cannot reflect more than 35% of light.

So, while reflective tint can help keep your car cool, make sure it doesn’t reflect too much light or it might be illegal!

Tips for Choosing the Right Tint

Now that you know the legal tint in Florida, here are some tips to help you choose the right tint for your car:

  1. Go to a Professional: It’s always a good idea to get your tint done by a professional. They will know the laws and can help you choose a tint that’s both legal and effective.
  2. Check the VLT: Make sure to ask the tint shop about the VLT percentage of the tint you’re getting. Double-check that it follows Florida’s laws.
  3. Consider Your Needs: Think about why you want window tint. Are you trying to keep your car cooler, protect your skin, or just want some privacy? Choose a tint that fits your needs but also stays within the legal limits.
  4. Ask About Warranties: Some window tints come with warranties that protect against fading or bubbling over time. This can be a great option if you want your tint to last longer.
  5. Stay Safe: While dark windows might look cool, remember that safety is the most important thing. Don’t get tint that’s so dark you can’t see clearly, especially at night.

Conclusion

So, “What is the legal tint in Florida?” It all depends on the type of vehicle you have and which windows you’re tinting. For sedans, the front side windows must let in at least 28% of the light, while the back side and rear windows can be darker, letting in as little as 15%. For SUVs and vans, the front side windows also need to let in 28% of the light, but the back windows can be super dark, only letting in 6%.

Always make sure your tint follows the law to avoid fines and keep yourself and others safe on the road. If you have any questions, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional tinting shop or check with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Tinting your windows can be a great way to stay cool, protect your car, and look stylish—just make sure to do it legally!

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