California Window Tint Laws to Know for Your Car

If you want to tint your vehicle's windows, there are things you should know. Learn about California window tint laws here.

Do you want to have less sunlight exposure and better visibility as you drive? Do you live in California and need to know about the California window tint regulations?

Many drivers prefer to have tinted windows in their vehicle for many reasons to make driving more enjoyable.

Having tinted windows in your vehicle can be very important for reducing your sun exposure and making visibility better. It can also help you to have more privacy as you drive.

To find out more about window tint laws and how they apply to you, read on.

California Window Tint Rules for Automobiles

When it comes to tinting, you have to follow the window tint law. These laws are there for a reason and are very important for the safety of you and other drivers.

California tint laws are clear and easy to follow as long as you hire the right car tinting services. A reputable company is going to help you follow these laws and make the right decisions.

Though it is still up to you to make sure that you know the laws in your state for tinted windows. This is your responsibility, and you will be held responsible for following these laws.

So keep reading to find out just what kinds of auto tint laws there are in California that you must follow.

Tint Darkness for SUVs and Vans

Window tint darkness is regulated for safety and security reasons. That is why there are several laws around how dark your tinted windows can be.

For SUVs and vans, the windshield is allowed to have a non-reflective tint that is on the top 4 inches of glass. 

The rear window doesn't have any restrictions, and you can have as dark of a tint as you like. The same goes for the back side windows, as any tint can be used.

As for the front side windows, 70% of VLT should be able to get in if the windows are factory tinted.

Tinted Reflection for SUVs and Vans

There are also California tint laws around reflection, as this could be something that is a potential hazard. Too much reflection can make it difficult to drive and see.

For SUVs and vans, the front side and back side cannot be any more reflective than a standard window. This is a safe level of reflection that shouldn't be changed by the window tint.

Tint Darkness for Sedans

The window tint law around sedans is that the windshield must be non-reflective. The tint is allowed to be on the top 4 inches of the windshield glass.

The front side windows must be able to let in at least 70% of VLT if they are factory tinted.

The back side windows and rear window can be tinted at any darkness level that you prefer. 

Tinted Reflection for Sedans

The same laws apply to sedans that apply to SUVs and vans. The front side and back side windows cannot be more reflective than an average window.

The tint should not add any extra reflection, so they should act just like normal sedan windows.

Tint Certifications

You can only use tinted film from manufacturers that have had their film certified. This is very important as it regulates the quality and safety of the auto tint.

The manufacturer should give you a certificate saying as much, which you should keep in your vehicle. You are legally required to have this certificate with you, so make sure it stays in your vehicle.

If your installer doesn't give you a certificate, you will need to ask for one. Otherwise, you risk getting in trouble if someone were to ask to see the certificate for the auto tint.

Side Mirrors

California window tint laws also regulate the side mirrors on your vehicle when it comes to tinting.

If your rear window is tinted to any extent, you are required to have dual side mirrors. This is important to allow you to still have clear vision of the back, even with a tinted rear window.

This rule applies no matter how dark the window tint is and is required no matter what.

Tint Colors

Auto tinting in California has color restrictions when it comes to the tint that you choose for your vehicle. It cannot be red, amber, or blue, no matter how slight it may be.

This is important as different tinting colors can make it more difficult to see. They can also act as a distraction to other drivers.

All side windows of the vehicle must be colorless, even if your windshield and rear window have a colored tint. Many installing companies in California won't offer these color options because they aren't legal.

Tint Company Stickers

Car tinting services must place their sticker on any vehicle that they have tinted. A good installing company will already know to do this and will have a sticker on one of your tinted windows.

The sticker should be in plain sight and have the manufacturer's name and address on it. This is required by the laws for California window tint.

If your installing company didn't leave a sticker, you will need to ask them about it. They must leave a sticker, or you could risk getting into trouble for not following the law.

What Are the Rules in California for Automobile Tinting?

The California window tint laws are easy to follow as long as you have done your research. These are laws that you should look up to ensure that you follow them correctly.

You can always call your local DMV to ask any questions that you might have. They are always up to date with the tint laws in your state and can offer guidance if you need it.

A reputable installing company should also be able to help you follow these laws so that you can tint your windows legally.

Fairfield Tint Masters can help you to learn more about the benefits of window tinting and what tint options are right for you.