Teran Marsell | Published on September 30th, 2021
In the United States of America, every state has its own regulations for how dark window tints on vehicles can be. For example, most states in the U.S. allow front passenger windows on vehicles to be tinted, as long as the windows permit a minimum percentage of light transmittance into the vehicles (normally 35 percent), and generally there are no regulations for how dark tints can be on rear vehicle windows.
Obviously, you should be aware of the tint laws for your state before you apply window tint to the windows on your vehicle; however, things happen—so, if you do get pulled over, or you already were pulled over, for having too-dark window tints, then here is everything you should know about it and what you can do. Team Acme has done their best to put together an organization that can get you through these difficult times. Before you apply any sort of tint, however, it probably helps to think more about the relevant regulations involved before you deal with the ticket.
How Dark Can You Tint Your Windows
Outside of the manufacturer’s AS-1 line at the top of your front windshield, you can’t have any non-reflective tints at all on the front of your car. The presence of this is probably one of the biggest reasons people get fix-it-tickets to begin with. The AS-1 line is that bit of tinting at the top of stock windshields that’s designed to reduce glare.
Front side windows are allowed up to 35 percent while any tinting darkness can be used in the back seat or rear windows. When you request a quote from us, our team always makes sure that the tinting request is legal. If your current tint is outside of these specs, then you might want to opt for some reclamation work soon.
What Happens If Your Tint Is Too Dark?
If your tint is just a little bit dark, then it’s unlikely to get noticed though technically you still are out of specification as far as legal regulations go. Otherwise, though, drivers that have tints that are simply too dark will eventually run into trouble. Highway patrol staff and peace officers are always on the lookout for tints that are too far out of these specifications.
You might also have your ,vision limited, which is the reason that these laws were put into place initially. As a motorist, you need to get a good open view of the road ahead. Excessive tinting can prevent you from getting the view that you really need.
Dark tints that weren’t applied correctly might also start to peel. Anyone who has purchased a car secondhand that has weirdly dark tints might want to also take a look at the overall construction of these tints because it’s possible that they weren’t done professionally and therefore look somewhat awkward.
Your Initial Options When You Get A Fix-It Ticket
The options of what you can do when you get a fix-it ticket will depend on a few things. For example, did you have a professional install your window tints or did you do it yourself?
If a professional installed your window tints, then they should have told you if you picked out a tint shade that is too dark for regulations in your state. Also, most auto shops apply stickers to tinted windows that say the tints applied to comply with the regulations of the state they were installed in.
Options 1: Your first option is to pay for the ticket yourself. If a shop installed too-dark window tints and you knew the tints were too dark, then your only option really is to pay the ticket and move on. If you installed too-dark tints to your windows yourself, then you should just pay the ticket.
Option 2: Your second option is to fight the ticket. If you get a fix-it ticket and you don’t think you should have gotten one, then fight the ticket! This is especially true if you had the tinting done professionally and you have all the relevant documentation needed to illustrate that you did everything right. If you know that the tint isn’t too dark, then this is your time to prove it for sure!
To Remove Too-Dark Tints Or Not
After you get a fix-it ticket and you pay the ticket, you have a decision to make: do you remove the too-dark tint or do you risk getting another ticket in the future and leave the tint on your vehicle? Think very carefully about this, because those fix-it-tickets might seem inexpensive at first but they can really get expensive over time!
Option 1: Remove the Tint
Removing window tint from car windows can be difficult and expensive. If you decide to remove the too-dark tint on your windows so you can abide by the law, then Team Acme recommends hiring a professional to do it for you. Removing window tints can be messy, sticky, and it’s not difficult to damage car windows if the process isn’t done correctly. Make sure that you work with someone who can manage the process and take good care of your prized motor vehicle.
Option 2: Leave the Tint
The second option you have is to leave the tint on your car windows. This is a risky decision because you might get pulled over for having too-dark window tints again, but if you’re willing to take the risk, then of course it’s up to you. Keep in mind that this is technically against the law.
Have Law-Abiding Window Tints Applied at Team Acme
If you live in the Las Vegas surrounding area and you are looking for a shop that can install window tints or remove too-dark ones, then stop in Team Acme’s shop today. Learn more about the products we use for window tinting and all about our window tinting process when you visit our website.
Reach out to Team Acme with any questions, comments, or concerns by filling out our online contact form.
