Window Tint Laws in Indiana: What You Need to Know

Discover the legal tint laws in Indiana for car windows

If you’re a car enthusiast or simply someone who wants to add a touch of style and privacy to your vehicle, you may be considering tinting your windows. However, before you rush to the nearest tint shop, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the tint laws in Indiana

Understanding these laws will help you avoid any potential legal issues and ensure that your vehicle remains compliant with state regulations. So, let’s dive into the details!

What Does VLT Mean According to Indiana State Law?

VLT, or Visible Light Transmission, refers to the amount of light that is allowed to pass through your vehicle’s windows. In Indiana, the law specifies that the front side windows must allow at least 30% of light to pass through, while the rear side windows and the rear window can have any level of tint darkness.

So, What is The Legal Tint in Indiana

Indiana has its own set of regulations regarding window tint darkness and reflectivity for vehicles. Adhering to these regulations is essential for vehicle owners to avoid legal issues.

Tint Laws for Passenger Car and Station Wagons in Indiana

Indiana Passenger vehicle tint laws

For passenger cars and station wagons, the front side windows must have a minimum VLT of 30%. This means that at least 30% of the light must be able to pass through the window. In Indiana, the tint laws for passenger cars and station wagons are as follows:

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
  • Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 30% of light in.
  • Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 30% of light in.
  • Rear Window: Must allow more than 30% of light in.

Note: These laws apply to the tinted film or material applied to the windows, and not the factory tint that may already be present on some vehicles. Additionally, medical exemptions may be granted for individuals with certain medical conditions that require additional window tinting.

Tint Laws for Multi-Purpose Passenger and Recreational Vehicles in Indiana

Multi-purpose passenger vehicles and recreational vehicles, such as SUVs and vans, have slightly different tint laws in Indiana. The front side windows of these vehicles must also have a minimum VLT of 30%.

The tint laws for these vehicles are as follows:

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
  • Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 30% of light in.
  • Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 30% of light in.
  • Rear Window: Must allow more than 30% of light in.

Window Tint Reflection in Indiana - IN Window Tint Law 2023

When tinting your vehicle’s windows in Kansas, it’s essential to be familiar with the regulations regarding tint reflection. Tinted windows can be beneficial for reducing heat and glare, but it’s important to adhere to the state’s guidelines on permissible window reflection levels. Let’s explore the tint reflection rules for sedans and SUVs/Vans in Kansas as of 2023.

Tint Reflection for Sedans

  • Front-side windows: Indiana allows up to 30% reflective tint on the front-side windows of sedans.
  • Backside windows: Similar to the front-side windows, you can use up to 30% reflective tint on the back-side windows of sedans.

Tint Reflection for SUV and Vans

  • Front-side windows: For SUVs and Vans in Indiana, you are allowed up to 30% reflective tint on the front-side windows.
  • Backside windows: Similarly, you can use up to 30% reflective tint on the backside windows of SUVs and Vans.

What Are the Window Tint Reflection Laws in Indiana?

In addition to VLT restrictions, Indiana also has laws regarding window tint reflection. According to state regulations, the window tint reflection laws are as follows:

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the AS-1 line. The AS-1 line is a factory-installed line that is marked with small letters on the sides of the windshield glass. If your vehicle’s windshield does not have a visible AS-1 line, apply tint no farther down than five inches below the top of the windshield.
  • Front Side Windows: The tint must allow at least 30% of visible light to pass through. This is measured by a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage. A VLT of 30% means that 30% of the visible light will pass through the tint, and 70% of the visible light will be blocked.
  • Back Side Windows: The tint must allow at least 30% of visible light to pass through.
  • Rear Window: The tint must allow at least 30% of visible light to pass through. However, the tint can be any darkness on the top several inches of the window.

Other Window Tint Laws and Regulations of Indiana You Need to Know

Apart from VLT and reflection laws, there are a few other regulations to keep in mind when tinting your windows in Indiana.

  • Side Mirrors: Vehicles with tinted rear windows should have dual side mirrors.
  • Stickers: Avoid placing stickers that obstruct the driver’s view through windows, particularly on the front windshield or front side windows.
  • Restricted Colors: Indiana does not have specific restrictions on tint colors.
  • Certificates: Tint darkness must meet certain state standards, and a compliance certificate may be issued.
  • Penalties: Non-compliance with Indiana’s window tint laws may lead to fines and potential imprisonment. The penalties for window tint violations in Indiana are classified as Class C or Class A infractions. Class C infractions are punishable by a fine of up to $500, while Class A infractions are punishable by a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Medical Exemptions: Indiana law allows for medical exemptions from the state’s window tint laws. To qualify for a medical exemption, you must have a medical condition that is specifically listed in the law.

Tint Laws in Indiana- FAQ’s

No, 5% tint is not legal in Indiana. The front side windows must have a minimum VLT of 30%.

Yes, 20% tint is legal in Indiana for the rear side windows and the rear window.

Yes, 35% tint is legal in Indiana for the front side windows of passenger cars and station wagons.

Yes, 50% tint is legal in Indiana for the front side windows of multi-purpose passenger and recreational vehicles.

Yes, 75% tint is legal in Indiana for the front side windows of multi-purpose passenger and recreational vehicles.

The legal window tint in Indiana is a minimum VLT of 30% for the front side windows of passenger cars and station wagons.

There is no specific restriction on the darkness of the rear side windows and the rear window in Indiana.

How much is a tint ticket in Indiana?

The fine for a tint violation in Indiana can be up to $500, depending on the offense.

Most Important Information about Car Window Tinting

Take a look at the key information about car window tinting. By being well-informed, you can navigate the world of car window tinting confidently and enjoy its advantages while staying within the boundaries of the law.

Final Words

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of tint laws in Indiana, you can make an informed decision about tinting your vehicle’s windows. Remember to always comply with the regulations to avoid any legal troubles and ensure a safe driving experience. 

Also, check out the official state law sites of Indiana to get updates of the new regulations. Happy tinting!

All the information regarding car tinting laws is not recommended for use as legal advice. The content of this website should be used as a starting point for your research but keep in mind to verify and confirm the information you use from this website. Laws and instructions vary from state to state. That’s why verifying the information with your local state Department is crucial. If you’re interested in legal advice regarding the laws and traffic citations, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to refer you to some law firms. You should not only stay confined to just understanding the state laws but also the municipal laws. You should also know that just because a statute discloses the laws, the members of law enforcement may always not be aware. This situation can drag a person to lawyers or even judges at times. The best prevention for a traffic citation can be researching on your own. Although we constantly update this page, we’re only human and sometimes we may miss the updates!
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