When it comes to tinting your vehicle’s windows in Florida, it’s not just about personal style or privacy; it’s also a matter of adhering to state laws. The Sunshine State has specific regulations in place to ensure that window tinting strikes a balance between personal preferences and road safety.
Understanding Florida’s Window Tint Laws
Florida’s window tint laws are designed to regulate the darkness of tinted windows, primarily based on the percentage of visible light transmission (VLT). VLT refers to the amount of light that can pass through your car’s windows. The higher the VLT percentage, the more light is allowed to pass through the window. The guidelines for sedans and SUVs/vans are slightly different, as follows:
For Sedans:
- Front side windows must allow more than 28% of light in.
- Rear side windows must allow more than 15% of light in.
- The rear window must allow more than 15% of light in.
For SUVs and Vans:
- Front side windows must allow more than 28% of light in.
- Rear side windows must allow more than 6% of light in.
- The rear window must allow more than 6% of light in.
Moreover, all tint must not go below the manufacturer’s AS-1 line and should not have any reflective quality. For legal tint, front side windows cannot be more than 25% reflective, while rear side windows cannot be more than 35% reflective.
Exemptions to Guidelines
There are exceptions to these rules. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles may issue medical exemption certificates to individuals who have medical conditions like Lupus or other autoimmune diseases that require limited exposure to light. However, it is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to ensure that their window tint complies with the law.
Consequences of Having Illegal Tint
So, what happens if you disregard these laws and choose to install excessively dark or reflective window tint on your vehicle? Florida considers illegal window tint a primary offense, which means a law enforcement officer can pull you over solely for having tinted windows. This is a non-moving violation and may result in fines, penalties, and potential legal consequences.
Some of the consequences of having illegal tint include:
- Fines: Violating window tint laws can lead to fines, which can vary depending on the severity of the violation.
- Points on Your License: In some cases, illegal window tint can result in points on your driver’s license, which can affect your driving record and insurance rates.
- Vehicle Inspection: You may be required to remove the illegal tint and have your vehicle inspected to ensure compliance with the law.
- Reduced Visibility: Excessive tint can impair your visibility, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions, which can increase the risk of accidents.
- Insurance Issues: Insurers may raise your premiums if you have illegal window tint, considering it a risk factor.
It’s crucial to be aware of Florida’s window tint laws to avoid these consequences. Legal window tint can offer many benefits, such as UV protection, reduced glare, and added privacy without running afoul of the law.