Tint Laws in Alaska: What You Need to Know
Discover the legal window tint laws in Alaska
No matter in which state you’re driving, you must be aware of the laws and regulations before tinting your vehicle’s windows. In Alaska, there are specific guidelines that must be followed to ensure compliance with the tint laws in Alaska.
For the front windshield, Alaska allows non-reflective tint along the top five inches only. This means that you can have a tint strip along the top of your windshield, but it must not extend more than five inches down from the top. The rest of the windshield must have a VLT percentage of at least 70%, meaning that 70% of light must be able to pass through.
As for the front side windows, Alaska allows a VLT percentage of 70% or more. Read on to discover more about the tint laws and regulations of the state.
What Does VLT Mean According to Alaska State Law?
Before we start, you must learn about the term VLT to understand the tint laws better. According to Alaska state law, VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission. It refers to the percentage of light that is allowed to pass through a vehicle’s windows.
The VLT percentage determines the darkness or tint level that is permissible on different windows of a vehicle. For example, a VLT percentage of 70% means that 70% of light must be able to pass through the window, while a lower VLT percentage indicates a darker tint.
Alaska’s tint laws specify the acceptable VLT percentages for different vehicles to ensure visibility and road safety.
So, What is The Legal Tint in Alaska
In Alaska, window tint laws govern the darkness and reflectivity of tinted films applied to vehicle windows, excluding factory-installed tints.
Understanding these laws is crucial when tinting your windows in Alaska.
Additionally, it’s essential to be aware of the guidelines for window tint reflection, which restrict the use of reflective or mirrored tints to maintain visibility and comply with federal regulations. Let’s explore the window tint laws and reflection regulations in Alaska as of 2023.
Tint Laws for Passenger Car and Station Wagons in Alaska
In Alaska, the tint laws apply to the tinted film or material applied to the windows, and not the factory-installed tint that may already be present on some vehicles. Below are the tint laws for passenger cars and station wagons are as follows:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield. However, the rest of the windshield must allow at least 70% of the light to pass through.
- Front Side Windows: Tint must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.
- Back Side Windows: Your window tint must allow a minimum of 40% of the sunlight to pass through the glasses.
- Rear Window: Finally, for the rear window, the tint must allow at least 40% of light to pass through.
Tint Laws for Multi-purpose Passenger and Recreational Vehicles in Alaska
For your multi-purpose passenger and recreational vehicles (MPVs and RVs), the state of Alaska has a specific set of rules. In Alaska, you must follow the following laws while tinting your windows:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield. As for the bottom 7 inches, you can’t tint the remaining with any type of film, reflective or non-reflective tint.
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in. In other words, the VLT percentage for MPVs and RVs in Alaska is 70% or higher for front-side windows.
- Back Side Windows: Your window tint must allow more than 40% of light in.
- Rear Window: More than 40% of light must pass through the tinted window.
Window Tint Reflection in Alaska- AL Window Tint Law 2023
When applying window tint to your vehicle in Alaska, understanding the tint reflection regulations is crucial. Tinted windows can reduce heat and glare, but the state’s law specifies guidelines on permissible window reflection levels as of 2023.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front-side windows: Alaska doesn’t allow more than 20% reflective tint on the front-side windows of sedans.
- Backside windows: Similarly, you must not exceed 20% reflective tint on the back-side windows of sedans.
Tint Reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front-side windows: For SUVs and Vans in Alaska, the law also restricts the use of more than 20% reflective tint on the front-side windows.
Backside windows: Likewise, you are not permitted to use more than 20% reflective tint on the backside windows of SUVs and Vans.
What Are the Window Tint Reflection Laws in Alaska?
Alaska doesn’t have specific laws regarding window tint reflection. Yet, you must use window tint films that do not impair visibility and comply with federal regulations. However, it’s important to note that reflective or mirrored tint is not permitted on any windows. Here are some specific guidelines you need to follow:
- Windshield: A non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side Windows: The tint must allow at least 70% light in.
- Back Side Windows: Your vehicle’s window tint must allow at least 40% of light in.
- Rear Window: The tinted window must allow a minimum of 40% light to pass through.
Other Window Tint Laws and Regulations of Alaska You Need to Know
Apart from the above-mentioned laws, you need to learn about some other necessary regulations. If you want to drive a tinted vehicle in Alaska, here are some additional window tint laws and regulations you need to know:
- Side Mirrors: If you tint the rear window in Alaska, it’s required to have dual side mirrors on your vehicle.
- Stickers: While Alaska doesn’t have specific regulations for stickers on tinted windows, avoid placing any stickers that obstruct the driver’s view, especially on the front windshield or front side windows.
- Restricted Colors: Alaska doesn’t impose restrictions on the colors of window tint, allowing you to choose any color you prefer.
- Certificates: In Alaska, vehicle window tint must adhere to specific darkness and light transmittance standards. An authorized technician will measure the tint’s darkness to ensure compliance with the law. If it meets the requirements, you may receive a certificate as proof of compliance.
- Penalties: In Alaska, violating window tint laws can result in fines up to $300 for a first conviction and up to $500 for subsequent convictions. The vehicle may be towed, and violators may receive points on their driving record, possibly leading to a driver improvement course or license suspension. Medical-purpose vehicles may be exempt.
- Medical Exemption: Alaska allows medical exemptions for window tint, providing protection from sunlight for individuals with specific conditions. To qualify, you need a letter from a licensed physician stating the medical need and required tint level. The exemption applies only to the affected driver/passenger and must be renewed annually. Other occupants are not included, and the windshield can have a non-reflective tint on the top 5 inches. Carry the doctor’s letter in the vehicle at all times.
Tint Laws in Alaska- FAQ’s
Is 5 tint legal in Alaska?
No, 5% tint is not legal in Alaska. The state law requires a minimum of 70% visible light transmission (VLT) for the front side windows and a minimum of 40% VLT for the rear side windows and the rear window.
Is 20 tint legal in Alaska?
No, 20% tint is not legal in Alaska. The state law requires a minimum of 70% visible light transmission (VLT) for the front side windows and a minimum of 40% VLT for the rear side windows and the rear window.
Is 35% tint legal in Alaska?
No, 35% tint is not legal in Alaska. The state law requires a minimum of 70% visible light transmission (VLT) for the front side windows and a minimum of 40% VLT for the rear side windows and the rear window.
Is 50% tint legal in Alaska?
No, 50% tint is not legal in Alaska. The state law requires a minimum of 70% visible light transmission (VLT) for the front side windows and a minimum of 40% VLT for the rear side windows and the rear window.
Is 75% tint legal in Alaska?
Yes, 75% tint is legal in Alaska. The state law requires a minimum of 70% visible light transmission (VLT) for the front side windows and a minimum of 40% VLT for the rear side windows and the rear window. 75% tint falls within these limits.
What is the legal window tint in Alaska?
The legal window tint in Alaska requires a minimum of 70% visible light transmission (VLT) for the front side windows and a minimum of 40% VLT for the rear side windows and the rear window.
What is the darkest legal tint in Alaska?
The darkest legal tint in Alaska is 40% VLT for the rear side windows and the rear window. The front side windows must have a minimum of 70% VLT.
How much is a tint ticket in Alaska?
The specific fine for a tint violation in Alaska may vary depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances. It is best to consult the local law enforcement or Department of Motor Vehicles for the exact amount of the tint ticket.
Most Important Information about Car Window Tinting
Final Words
That was all about tint laws in Alaska. Alaska’s window tint rules are primarily based on the percentage of light transmission through the windows. However, individuals with specific medical conditions can apply for a medical exemption to have darker window tints.
The exemption requires documentation from a licensed physician or optometrist, and the level of darkness allowed is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Alaska DMV. It is important to comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding window tinting, even with a medical exemption.