Understanding California State Law On Car Window Tinting
Car window tinting can be a great way to protect yourself from the sun's harmful UV rays, reduce glare, and give your car a sleek, stylish look. However, before you go ahead and get your car windows tinted, it's important to understand the laws and regulations surrounding window tinting in California.
What is Car Window Tinting?
Car window tinting is the process of applying a thin film to the inside of a car's windows. This film can be made from a variety of materials, but most commonly it is made from polyester. The film is usually applied to the inside of the window using an adhesive, and it can come in a range of colors and levels of tint.
Why Do People Get Their Car Windows Tinted?
People get their car windows tinted for a variety of reasons, including:
- To protect themselves and their passengers from the sun's harmful UV rays.
- To reduce glare from the sun or headlights of other cars.
- To keep the interior of their car cooler on hot days.
- To increase privacy and security.
- To give their car a sleek, stylish look.
What are the California State Laws on Car Window Tinting?
California has strict laws and regulations regarding car window tinting. These laws are in place to ensure that drivers can see clearly out of their cars and that law enforcement can see into the cars if necessary.
Front Side Windows
California law prohibits the use of any tint on the front side windows of any vehicle. This means that the driver's side and passenger's side windows must be completely transparent.
Back Side Windows and Rear Window
The back side windows and rear window can be tinted, but there are limitations on how much tint can be used:
- For sedans, SUVs, and vans, the back side windows and rear window can have a tint of up to 70%. This means that the windows must allow at least 30% of outside light to pass through.
- For trucks, the back side windows and rear window can have any level of tint.
Medical Exemptions
California law allows for medical exemptions to the window tinting laws. If a driver or passenger has a medical condition that requires them to be shielded from the sun's rays, they can get a medical exemption from their doctor. This exemption allows them to have a darker tint on their windows than is normally allowed by law.
What are the Penalties for Violating California's Window Tinting Laws?
If you violate California's window tinting laws, you can be fined and required to remove the tint from your windows. The penalties for violating these laws are:
- For the first offense, you will be fined $25.
- For the second offense within 12 months, you will be fined $50.
- For subsequent offenses within 12 months, you will be fined $100.
How Do You Know if Your Car's Window Tinting is Legal?
The easiest way to know if your car's window tinting is legal is to have it checked by a professional. A professional window tinting company will be able to tell you if your tinting is within the legal limits and can help you remove illegal tinting if necessary.
Conclusion
Understanding California's laws on car window tinting is important if you want to avoid fines and penalties. Remember that the front side windows of your car must be completely transparent, and that the back side windows and rear window can have a tint of up to 70%. If you have a medical condition that requires darker tinting, be sure to get a medical exemption from your doctor. And if you're not sure if your car's window tinting is legal, have it checked by a professional.