Tint Laws in Arkansas: Everything You Need to Know
Discover the legal window tint in Arkansas
Before you go ahead and tint your vehicle windows in Arkansas, it’s important to understand the tint laws of the state to avoid any legal issues.
In general, Arkansas law prohibits the use of any tint on the windshield, except for a non-reflective tint strip along the top of the windshield. This strip must not extend more than five inches below the top of the windshield. Besides, reflective tint isn’t allowed on any windows in Arkansas.
Let’s take a closer look at the tint laws in Arkansas and answer some frequently asked questions.
What Does VLT Mean According to Arkansas State Law?
VLT, or Visible Light Transmission, refers to the amount of light that is allowed to pass through the window tint film. It’s measured as a percentage, with higher percentages indicating more light transmission. Arkansas state law specifies the maximum VLT percentages allowed for different types of vehicles.
So, What is The Legal Tint in Arkansas
In Arkansas, the window tint laws vary based on the type of vehicle. For passenger cars, there are restrictions on the darkness of the front side windows, but no restrictions for the rear side windows and rear windows.
For multi-purpose vehicles like SUVs and vans, the same rules apply – restrictions on the darkness of the front side windows, but no limitations on the back side windows and rear window.
For precise details, it’s best to consult official sources or legal authorities regarding window tint laws in Arkansas.
Tint Laws for Passenger Cars and Station Wagons in Arkansas
According to Arkansas law, the front side windows of passenger cars and station wagons must allow at least 25% of light to pass through. This means that the tint on these windows must have a VLT of 25% or higher. Here are the details:
- Front Side Windows: The light transmission (VLT) must be no less than 25%. Meaning, 25% of the light must be able to pass through the tint film.
- Backside Windows: In Arkansas, the VLT for the backside windows must be no less than 25%.
- Rear Window: The VLT must be no less than 10%.
Note: There are a few exceptions to these rules. For example, the VLT requirement for the front side windows can be waived if the vehicle has a factory-installed tint that meets or exceeds the legal requirements. Also, the VLT requirement for the rear window can be waived if the vehicle has a clear strip that is at least 5 inches wide running along the top of the window.
Tint Laws for Multi-Purpose Passenger and Recreational Vehicles in Arkansas
The tint laws for multi-purpose passenger and recreational vehicles (MPVs and RVs) in Arkansas are the same as those for passenger cars and station wagons. However, there are some exceptions such as:
- Windshield: The top 5 inches of the windshield may be tinted, but the rest of the windshield must have a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of at least 70%.
- Front Side Windows: In this case, the windows may be tinted to a VLT of 25% or higher.
- Rear Side Windows: Your vehicle’s rear side windows may be tinted to a VLT of 10% or higher.
- Rear Windshield: The rear windshield may be tinted to a VLT of 10% or higher.
- The tint laws for MPVs do not apply to vehicles that are manufactured with a factory-installed tint that is darker than the legal limits.
- The tint laws for MPVs do not apply to vehicles that are used for law enforcement, emergency medical services, or other government purposes.
Window Tint Reflection in Arkansas - AR Window Tint Law 2023
In addition to the VLT requirements, Arkansas also has laws governing the amount of reflection that is allowed from window tint. The reflection percentage for window tint is limited as follows:
- The law prohibits any mirrored or reflective tint on the front side or rear side windows of passenger vehicles. So, the tint cannot have a mirror-like appearance, and it cannot reflect more than 25% of the light that hits it.
- According to Arkansas law, you can’t apply any metallic tint on the front side or rear side windows of passenger vehicles. The metallic tint is a type of tint that contains metal flakes, which can interfere with the driver’s visibility.
Other Window Tint Laws and Regulations of Arkansas You Need to Know
Apart from the VLT and reflection laws, there are a few other regulations regarding window tinting in Arkansas. These include:
- Side Mirrors: If you tint your rear window in Arkansas, you must have dual side mirrors on both sides for proper visibility.
- Stickers: No specific rules on stickers, but avoid obstructing the driver’s view on front windows
- Restricted Colors: No color restrictions; choose any tint color you prefer in Arkansas.
- Certificates: Arkansas doesn’t require certificates, but complies with tint darkness and light transmission laws to avoid penalties. Keep documentation of compliance.
- Penalties: In Arkansas, violating window tint laws can result in penalties. These include a Class B Misdemeanor with up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500, a fine of up to $1,000, jail time of up to 90 days, and vehicle impoundment for up to 10 days.
Medical Exemption: In Arkansas, individuals with certain medical conditions can qualify for a medical exemption for window tint rules. To obtain the exemption, they need a written certification from a physician specifying the required tint level:
Tint Laws in Arkansas- FAQ’s
Is 5% tint legal in Arkansas?
No, 5% tint is not legal in Arkansas. The front side windows must have a VLT of at least 25%.
Is 20% tint legal in Arkansas?
Yes, 20% tint is legal in Arkansas for the rear side windows and the back window of passenger cars and station wagons.
Is 35% tint legal in Arkansas?
Yes, 35% tint is legal in Arkansas for the rear side windows and the back window of passenger cars and station wagons.
Is 50% tint legal in Arkansas?
Yes, 50% tint is legal in Arkansas for the rear side windows and the back window of passenger cars and station wagons.
Is 75% tint legal in Arkansas?
Yes, 75% tint is legal in Arkansas for the rear side windows and the back window of passenger cars and station wagons.
What is the legal window tint in Arkansas?
The legal window tint in Arkansas is a minimum of 25% VLT for the front side windows of passenger cars and station wagons.
What is the darkest legal tint in Arkansas?
There is no restriction on the darkness of the rear side windows and the back window of passenger cars and station wagons in Arkansas.
How much is a tint ticket in Arkansas?
The fine for a window tint violation in Arkansas can be up to $100 for the first offense, with higher fines for subsequent offenses.
Most Important Information about Car Window Tinting
The Bottom Line
To summarize, understanding the tint laws in Arkansas is essential to ensure compliance and avoid any legal consequences. In Arkansas, the front side windows of passenger cars must allow at least 25% of light to pass through. In any case, we recommend consulting the Arkansas State Police or a professional tint installer for specific guidelines and regulations.