Tint Laws in Pennsylvania: A Guide to Window Tinting Regulations
Discover the legal window tint in PA, Pennsylvania
Window tint regulations are an essential aspect of vehicle ownership, and each state has its own set of laws to ensure road safety and compliance with the law.
In this context, understanding the window tint laws in your state is crucial to avoid any legal issues and penalties. In Pennsylvania, specific guidelines govern permissible levels of window tinting for different types of vehicles. From tint darkness to reflectivity, there are several aspects to consider when tinting your vehicle’s windows.
Let’s explore the tint laws in Pennsylvania to help you stay informed and compliant.
What Does VLT Mean According to Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, VLT stands for “Visible Light Transmission.” VLT refers to the amount of visible light allowed to pass through the window tint material on a vehicle. The state’s window tint laws specify the minimum VLT percentage that must be maintained for different windows of a vehicle.
The Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage indicates how much light is allowed to pass through the window tint. A higher VLT percentage means more light is allowed to pass through, resulting in lighter window tint, while a lower VLT percentage means less light is allowed to pass through, resulting in darker window tint. Pennsylvania’s window tint laws regulate the darkness of tint allowed on different windows of a vehicle to ensure safety and visibility on the roads.
So, What is The Legal Tint in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, window tint regulations are overseen and enforced by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The tint laws for passenger cars and station wagons may differ from those for other types of vehicles.
Let’s explore the specific tint regulations for both passenger cars and station wagons, as well as other types of vehicles, in Pennsylvania:
Tint Laws for Passenger Car and Station Wagons in Pennsylvania
Here are the tint laws for passenger cars and station wagons in Pennsylvania:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, which is typically the top 5 inches. The use of any tint below this line is prohibited.
- Front Side Windows: Tint darkness must allow more than 70% of light to pass through.
- Back Side Windows: Tint darkness must allow more than 70% of light to pass through.
Rear Window: Tint darkness must allow more than 70% of light to pass through.
Note: The 70% light transmission requirement for the front side windows, back side windows, and rear window refers to the combined light transmission of both the window glass and the tint film. If your vehicle’s window glass itself allows 90% of light to pass through, the tint film can only block up to 20% of light to meet the 70% requirement.
Tint Laws for Multi-Purpose Passenger and Recreational Vehicles in Pennsylvania
Here are the tint laws for multi-purpose passenger and recreational vehicles (such as RVs) in Pennsylvania:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, which is typically the top 5 inches. The use of any tint below this line is prohibited.
- Front Side Windows: Tint darkness must allow more than 70% of light to pass through.
- Rear Side Windows: Tint darkness must allow more than 70% of light to pass through.
Rear Window: Tint darkness must allow more than 70% of light to pass through.
Window Tint Reflection in Pennsylvania- PE Window Tint Law 2023
In Pennsylvania, window tint laws primarily focus on the darkness of the tint (Visible Light Transmission or VLT) and do not include specific regulations regarding tint reflection. As a result, there are no specific restrictions on the use of reflective or mirrored tints that reflect a significant amount of light on the front-side windows or backside windows of sedans, SUVs, and vans in the state.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front-side windows: Pennsylvania does not have specific regulations on tint reflection for front-side windows of sedans. As long as the window tint allows more than 70% of light to pass through (as required by the VLT law), reflective or mirrored tints can be used.
Backside windows: Similarly, there are no specific restrictions on tint reflection for backside windows of sedans. As long as the window tint allows more than 70% of light transmission, reflective tints can be applied.
Tint Reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front-side windows: For SUVs and vans, Pennsylvania’s window tint laws also do not impose specific restrictions on tint reflection for front-side windows. As long as the tint darkness allows more than 70% of light to pass through, reflective tints can be used.
Backside windows: Like sedans, there are no specific limitations on tint reflection for backside windows of SUVs and vans. As long as the window tint meets the requirement of allowing more than 70% of light transmission, reflective tints can be applied.
Other Window Tint Laws and Regulations of Pennsylvania You Need to Know
In addition to the regulations on windows, there are other window tint laws and regulations in Pennsylvania that vehicle owners need to be aware of. These laws cover various aspects related to window tinting, including side mirrors, stickers, restricted colors, certificates, penalties, and medical exemptions. Let’s explore each of these aspects in detail:
- Side Mirrors: Pennsylvania law requires vehicles to have dual side mirrors if the rear window is tinted. If you have applied window tint to the rear side windows or the rear window itself, you must ensure that your vehicle has functioning side mirrors on both the left and right sides.
- Stickers: Pennsylvania does not have specific regulations regarding stickers on tinted windows. However, it’s essential to avoid placing any stickers that obstruct the driver’s view through the windows, particularly on the front windshield or front side windows.
- Restricted Colors: Pennsylvania does not have any specific restrictions on the colors of window tint. Unlike some states that prohibit certain colors like red or blue, you are typically free to choose any color you prefer for your window tint in Pennsylvania.
- Certificates: There are no specific window tint certification requirements in Pennsylvania. Authorized technicians can measure the tint darkness to confirm compliance. If your tint meets the requirements, you should receive a certificate as proof of compliance. While certificates may not be mandatory, having one can be helpful in case you are ever questioned by law enforcement about your window tint.
- Penalties: The penalties for window tint violations in Pennsylvania can include fines and potential requirements to remove the non-compliant tint. The exact amount of the fine may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the violation and the jurisdiction where the offense occurred.
Medical Exemptions: Pennsylvania does not have specific medical exemptions for window tint laws. Some states allow individuals with specific medical conditions to have darker tints with a medical exemption certificate from a licensed physician. However, in Pennsylvania, tint laws apply to all vehicles uniformly, and there are no specific medical exemptions outlined in the law.
Tint Laws in Pennsylvania- FAQ’s
Is 5% tint legal in Pennsylvania?
No, a 5% tint is not legal in Pennsylvania. The state’s window tint laws require the window tint to allow more than 70% of light to pass through. A 5% tint would block too much light and is not compliant with the legal requirements.
Is 20% tint legal in Pennsylvania?
No, a 20% tint is not legal in Pennsylvania. The state’s window tint laws mandate that the window tint must allow more than 70% of light to pass through. A 20% tint would be darker than the legal limit.
Is 35% tint legal in Pennsylvania?
No, a 35% tint is not legal in Pennsylvania. The state’s window tint laws specify that the window tint darkness must allow more than 70% of light to pass through. A 35% tint would not meet this requirement.
Is 50% tint legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, a 50% tint is legal in Pennsylvania. The state’s window tint laws require the window tint to allow more than 70% of light to pass through, and a 50% tint meets this requirement.
Is 75% tint legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, a 75% tint is legal in Pennsylvania. The state’s window tint laws mandate that the window tint must allow more than 70% of light to pass through, and a 75% tint meets this requirement.
What is the legal window tint in Pennsylvania?
The legal window tint in Pennsylvania must allow more than 70% of light to pass through. This applies to all windows of the vehicle, including the front side windows, back side windows, and rear windows.
What is the darkest legal tint in Pennsylvania?
The darkest legal tint in Pennsylvania is one that allows more than 70% of light to pass through. Any tint that blocks more than 30% of light transmission is not compliant with the state’s window tint laws.
How much is a tint ticket in Pennsylvania?
The fine for a tint ticket in Pennsylvania can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the jurisdiction where the violation takes place. If your vehicle’s window tint is found to be non-compliant with the state’s regulations, you may be subject to fines, and authorities could require you to remove the non-compliant tint.
Most Important Information about Car Window Tinting
Wrapping Up
Ensuring that your vehicle’s window tint complies with tint laws in Pennsylvania is not only about avoiding fines and penalties but also about prioritizing road safety. By adhering to the regulations, you can enjoy the benefits of window tinting while maintaining visibility and ensuring the safety of yourself and others on the road.