Understanding Ca Legal Window Tint Shades
Car window tinting is a popular car upgrade often done for privacy, aesthetics, and to protect the interior of the car from UV rays. In California, there are laws and regulations surrounding the darkness of car window tinting. In this article, we will discuss the different CA legal window tint shades and what it means for you as a car owner.
What are CA Legal Window Tint Shades?
CA legal window tint shades refer to the darkness of the tint applied to the car windows. The darkness is measured in Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage. VLT percentage refers to the amount of visible light that can pass through the tinted window. The higher the VLT percentage, the lighter the tint and the more visible light that can pass through the window.
California law specifies the legal VLT percentage for the front, back, and rear windows of a car. The front driver and passenger windows must allow at least 70% of visible light to pass through, while the rear and back windows can have a lower VLT percentage.
What are the Allowed CA Legal Window Tint Shades?
Front Driver and Passenger Windows
The front driver and passenger windows must have a VLT percentage of at least 70%. This means that the tint can only be slightly darker than the original, untinted window. It is important to note that the tint cannot be applied to the windshield, except for a small area at the top of the windshield.
Rear and Back Windows
The rear and back windows can have a darker VLT percentage than the front windows. The rear windows can have a VLT percentage of 70% or less, while the back windows can have a VLT percentage of 70% or less or be completely tinted. However, if the back windows are completely tinted, the car must have side mirrors that provide a view of the rear.
Why are There CA Legal Window Tint Shade Laws?
CA legal window tint shade laws are in place to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers on the road. Tinted windows can reduce visibility, especially at night, making it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles on the road. The laws also ensure that law enforcement officers can see inside the car, which is important for safety reasons and during traffic stops.
What are the Consequences of Breaking CA Legal Window Tint Shade Laws?
If you are caught driving with illegal window tint shades in California, you can face fines and penalties. The fines can range from $25 to $197, depending on the number of offenses. In addition, you may be required to remove the illegal tint and have the windows inspected by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) before you can drive the car again.
How to Ensure Your Window Tinting is CA Legal
It is important to ensure that your window tinting is CA legal to avoid fines and penalties. To do this, you can check the VLT percentage of your car windows with a tint meter. You can also consult with a professional window tinting company that is familiar with the CA legal window tint shade laws.
Conclusion
CA legal window tint shades are important to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers on the road. It is important to follow the legal VLT percentage for the front, back, and rear windows of your car to avoid fines and penalties. If you are unsure about the legality of your window tinting, consult with a professional window tinting company or check the VLT percentage with a tint meter.