Carmania A/C Repair Service: Keeping You Cool When It Counts

June 7, 2020

The Benefits Of Window Tinting And Why You Should Do It Legally

Choosing a window tint can be a surprisingly stressful process. There are so many factors to consider, like product selection, tint quality, application cost, and the legality of tinting your windows where you live. At Carmania, our qualified tinting technicians consult with you, and provide you with all the information and advice you need to choose the best 3M window film for your vehicle.

Why Use Window Tint?

There are many reasons why drivers choose to tint the windows on their vehicle, including:

Privacy or security.
Protection from UV rays including UVA (the ones responsible for skin cancer).
Reduction of solar gain, or interior heat.
Cutting down on glare.
Help to preserve the interior of the car.
Hide or obscure articles left in the car

Plus, it looks pretty cool.

Why Do We Need Window Tinting Laws?

There are two main reasons:

Visibility. Heavily tinted windows are difficult to see through in low-light conditions. That could compromise the safety of both the public and law enforcement.

Safety. Any film over a glass designed to break into small pieces will impede it from shattering correctly, and create larger, sharp projectiles that can injure someone in the event of a collision.

What Is The Window Tint Law?

Measured via the percentage of visible light transmittance (VLT), each state has regulations that require a tint to allow a certain percentage of light to pass through car windows. For example, a film with a VLT of 35%, would allow someone outside the vehicle to see 35% of the light passing through the window.

Illinois Window Tint Law was enacted in 2009, and the percentage of tint darkness allowed varies depending on the type of vehicle:

Tint darkness for sedans:

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

Tint darkness for SUV and vans:

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Other Window Tint Rules And Regulations:

Remember, rules and regulations pertaining to window tinting are a little bit different from state to state, so for more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult your state law.

The state of Illinois has several other tint laws, including:

Tint Variance: 5% variance only.
Reflectivity: Tint must be non-reflective.
Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.
Restricted Colors: No colors of tint are explicitly banned by Illinois tint laws.
Certificates: Manufacturers of film are not required to certify their film.
Stickers: No sticker to identify legal tinting is required.
Medical Exceptions: Illinois does allow medical exemptions for special tint.

And if that didn't scramble your brain enough, the rules in Illinois are even more complex than in other states:

You can install 35% VLT on all windows (except windshield).
All windows behind the driver can legally have any percentage of tint, but only if front side windows are not tinted.
Front side windows may have 50% light transmission, but only if no window behind the driver is tinted under 30% VLT.
On vehicles with factory-installed window tint of any percentage on any back window, front side windows must have over 50% VLT.

Fines And Penalties For Breaking Window Tint Laws In Illinois

First offence: Petty offense that carries a $50-$500 fine.
Second or subsequent violations: Classed as a C misdemeanor with a $100 - $500 fine.

Conclusion

Window tint, when installed within the law, can provide real benefits to drivers, like heat protection and glare reduction. It also adds a certain amount of privacy and can improve the look of your vehicle. However tinting laws and regulations may be interpreted differently in your state, so always double-check with your local DMV, law enforcement authorities or certified Carmania technician to make sure you’re following the rules.

The Benefits Of Window Tinting