If you’re looking to customize your car, window tints are one of options that offer both function and style. They have the more practical effect of concealing the interior of your car, providing you safety in privacy. This comes especially handy if you’re driving alone, as it helps keep you from looking like a potentially easy target.
However, this concealment also exposes tinted windows to legislative requirements. The law has certain provisions regarding window tinting to also prevent possible abuse of their concealment.
Window tint laws differ per state. Before you look for a window tinting service in Boca Raton, here’s our short guide covering everything you need to know about Florida’s window tint laws.
Tinted windows aren’t exactly illegal in Florida nor are they completely outlawed in any other state. Instead, certain restrictions are imposed on window tints so authorities can have an easier time inspecting vehicles via the plain view doctrine. This also works in your favor as it preserves your right to privacy during lawful inspections.
Window tint is regulated based on tint percentage and reflectivity. Your windows can only reach a certain level of darkness and they cannot exceed a certain level of reflectivity. The law also states certain provisions regarding the tinting on individual car windows. For example, your main windshield may have to follow different rules than your vehicle’s side windows.
In Florida, these regulations can also vary depending on the type of vehicle. Sedans have different restriction levels compared to SUVs or vans.
For sedans, your front side windows must have a visual light transmission level (VLT) of 28% while rear side windows are allowed only 15%. Rear window tint shares the same restrictions as the latter.
For SUVs/vans, the VLT for front side windows must be 28%. Meanwhile, both sets of side windows and your rear window are allowed a VLT of 6%.
If you plan on tinting your windshield, you must use non-reflective tint and place it only above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. This restriction remains the same for all vehicle types.
For front side windows, Florida law allows a maximum reflectivity percentage of 25%. Meanwhile, rear side windows can be up to 35% reflective. These values remain the same regardless of vehicle type.
As stated in the previous segment, reflective tint may not be used on windshields. The same applies to rear windows.
Florida law requires drivers to have side mirrors if their vehicles’ back windows are tinted. Colored tints are also forbidden.
Additionally, stickers indicating that your vehicle’s windows are legally tinted must be located inside of the driver’s side door jamb.
Lastly, the state of Florida allows certain exceptions in case you have any medical conditions that require your vehicle to have a darker tint. People with conditions such as lupus, vitiligo, or other similar diseases caused by UV rays are allowed to have darker window tints so long as a medical certificate is acquired.
Tint percentage refers to the how much light window tints are able to transmit through windows. This is referred to as visual light transmission level, where lower percentage values mean darker window tints.
Tinted windows offer more benefits than many people realize. Apart from preventing bright light from giving obtrusive glares while driving, they also have additional practical applications.
Less sunlight entering your car means the interior won’t heat up as much. Darker tints absorb sunlight while reflective car tints cause it to bounce off, effectively minimizing the amount of light that enters your vehicle.
Tinted windows also prevent your vehicle’s inner furniture from getting baked by the sun. By reducing the amount of sunlight that enters your car, you can slow down natural wear and tear and prevent unnecessary damage. This is especially true if you have leather seats.
Dark windows can prevent criminals from seeing valuable items that are stored inside your car, lowering the odds of you becoming a victim of a random break-in. While this won’t make your car crime-proof, it can serve as a major deterrent against would-be thieves.
Installing window tints isn’t just about meeting the law’s requirements. Finding the right provider who can tint your windows with care is crucial to making sure you don’t run into any issues down the road.
Auto SuperShield is Florida’s best provider of window tints, car wraps, and ceramic coating. With a team of professionals in the automotive industry, you can be sure that your car’s windows are tinted flawlessly. Visit their website and schedule your visit now.
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