35 Tint refers to the percentage of light that can pass through a vehicle’s window tinting. In Pennsylvania, the legal tint limit is 35%, meaning windows cannot have tint darker than 35% light transmission.
Is 35 Tint Legal In Pa? This is an important question for many drivers in the state who want to add tint to their vehicles’ windows. Having tint that is too dark can result in fines if pulled over by police.
In Pennsylvania, window tint that allows at least 35% of light to enter the vehicle is considered legal according to state laws. Tint darker than 35% are prohibited. The tint percentage can be measured using a tint meter tool to ensure it meets the state standard. Maintaining a legal tint is beneficial to avoid penalties while still enjoying sun protection in vehicles.
Legal Car Tint Percentage In Pa
In Pennsylvania, the legal limit for window tint is 35%. Any tint darker than 35% is considered illegal without a medical waiver. The front side windows must be at least 70% light transmission to allow clear visibility.
Tint Darkness Measured
Tint darkness is measured using a special tool called a tint meter. A tint meter measures how much light passes through the window to determine the tint percentage. The lower the percentage, the darker the tint appears. Anything below 35% is considered too dark.
Tint shops and police use tint meters to ensure vehicle tint is within legal limits. The tint meter gives an exact number for how much visible light is blocked by the tinted film. This percentage is compared to state laws to determine if it is legal or not.
Vehicle Windows Can Be Tinted
All vehicle windows except for the front side windows can be legally tinted in Pennsylvania. The front windshield must remain untinted for clarity of vision. The back windshield and rear side windows are allowed to be tinted to the maximum darkness of 35%. Some vehicles come from the factory with darker tint already installed on the rear windows.
Tinting the front side windows darker than 70% is illegal. This is because drivers need clear outward visibility for safety reasons. The back windows and rear windshield have more leniency since darker tint does not block the driver’s view out as much from those areas.
Penalties For Illegal Tint
The penalties for illegal tint in Pennsylvania vary depending on the circumstances. A first offense is usually just a warning ticket and requirement to remove the excess tint. Subsequent offenses can result in fine amounts. For tint that is 20% or more over the legal limit, fines range from $75 to $100.
In some cases, police may issue a citation without a warning if the tint appears intentionally very dark. They can fine up to $500 and require the tint be lightened. Having overly dark tint is a secondary offense, 20% Tint For Your Car so you could face additional penalties if pulled over for another violation. It’s best to keep tint legal to avoid headaches.
35% Car Tint Enough To Block Heat
35% tint provides decent heat blocking abilities for vehicle windows. It blocks about 65% of the sun’s infrared and ultraviolet rays from entering the car. This helps reduce interior temperatures by restricting some of the sun’s warming effects. While not as effective as darker tints, 35% still makes a difference compared to no tint at all.
Of course, the amount of heat blocked depends on factors like car color and where it’s parked. Darker colored cars will still get very warm even with legal tint. However, 35% tint is the darkest allowed without a medical waiver. It offers the best balance of heat rejection and visibility through the windows.
Sunlight Does 35% Tint Block
35% tint blocks about 65% of visible light from passing through windows. So effectively, it filters out over half the sun’s bright rays. This helps cut down on glare inside the vehicle. With 35% tint installed, the interior will appear noticeably darker than without any tint.
However, 35% tint does not completely black out sunlight. It still allows a good amount of natural illumination inside. Objects and people remain easily visible. The windows take on a subtle smoked appearance from the outside while maintaining clarity of vision. It’s a nice middle ground between complete transparency and near-opacity.
35% Tint Keep My Car Cool
| Benefit | Description |
| Blocks heat | 35% tint film blocks over 50% of interior heating infrared and UV rays. |
| Reduces temps | On hot days, tint can lower car temperatures by up to 40°F compared to no tint. |
| Protects interiors | Tint shields dash, seats and fabrics from sun damage which fades and cracks materials. |
| Saves on AC | Car stays cooler so AC doesn’t need to work as hard, saving fuel and reducing wear on system. |
| Privacy benefit | Light tint allows seeing out clearly while providing some shaded privacy from outside views. |
Automotive window tinting at the 35% level provides effective cooling benefits that translate to protection and savings.
Still See Clearly With 35% Tint
Yes, 35% tint permits clear outward and inward visibility through vehicle windows. Objects and other vehicles remain highly visible. The shade is lightly tinted, not heavily darkened. It doesn’t distort or obscure vision like some aftermarket tint jobs can.
While the view out the windows takes on a subtle smoke-like appearance, the hue is still very light. It’s certainly not opaque or mirror-like. 35% allows a natural gradation between full transparency and heavy coverage. Sightlines stay distinct and images stay sharply defined with legal-limit tint installed. Seeing both day and night presents no problems.
Cars Look Best With 35% Tint
Dark tint looks very nice on sedans and SUVs. The smooth lines of a sedan are accentuated by tinted windows. SUVs also benefit from tint as it helps maintain privacy for rear passengers. Luxury vehicles like BMWs and Audis seem very stylish with tint shielding the interior from outside views. Sports cars are another type of automobile that can really stand out when fitted with darkly tinted glass.
Some may prefer less tint on smaller vehicles to avoid making them seem too closed off. Compact cars and hybrids retain their sleek modern looks with just a light application of tint rather than very dark shades. Overall, sedans and SUVs are usually balanced designs that carry off even quite dark window tinting very well without seeming too blocked in.
Sedan Or Suv Look Better With Car Tint
A sedan’s styling is often enhanced by the addition of tint on the windows. The long sweeping lines of a sedan’s roof and doors frame the glass nicely when it has a subtle dark tone from automotive window film. This helps create a unified appearance top to bottom. An SUV already has some physical barriers between passengers and the outside world. Tint adds an extra layer of atmosphere and privacy for rear seats.
However, an SUV with extremely dark tint could make the windows seem heavily obscured. A lighter tint of 30-35% transparency allows occupants and drivers of large SUVs to still see out comfortably while imparting a subtly darkened look. Overall both sedans and SUVs can look sharpened and more luxurious when fitted with high-quality tint, as long as the level of darkness suits the vehicle’s size and shape properly.
Color Cars Benefit The Most From Tint
5 easy tips for colors that benefit most from car tint
- Light colors – Whites, silvers, and beiges really stand out against the darker contrast of tinted windows. Tint makes the clean lines of light colored cars really pop.
- Dark colors – Deep shades like black and dark gray are always complemented by tint. It gives them a sleek, mysterious look while also keeping interiors private.
- Neutral tones – Medium grays, blues, and greens show off tint nicely. It creates separation between the paint and windows for a more defined appearance.
- Metallic finishes – The subtle sparkle in metallic paint jobs is highlighted when paired with shiny tinted glass. It adds more depth and dimension.
- Smooth styling – Sedans and SUVs with simple clean lines are ideal candidates. Complex or rugged body styles may not benefit as much visually from window tinting. Stick to sleeker designs.
The key is letting the modest contrast between the body color and darker tint accentuate and sharpen the vehicle’s overall form. Lighter, darker, and more neutral shades generally allow this the most effectively.
Tint The Front Windows
Tinting the front side windows and windshield is often not permitted due to laws requiring clear views for the driver. Rear windows can be tinted much darker legally. Some states allow light tint on the front windows above certain levels for sun/glare protection. Having just the back windows done maintains an untinted area for the driver while providing privacy and sun protection in back.
A good compromise is to tint the front side windows very lightly at a high permissible level to reduce sun exposure and glare without obstructing visibility too much. This gives some uniformity to the look while following regulations. Keeping the windshield clear is always important for safety regardless of tint legality since this window is crucial for forward vision. Front window tint can enhance looks if done conservatively within legal limits.
Legal 35% Car Tint Installed
Many auto customization shops and tint specialists can apply legal-limit window tinting. National chains like Audio express and Car Toys, as well as independent local installers, typically offer a range of tint film options at various light transmission percentages. Going to a professional auto appearance business helps ensure a quality, precise installation within state laws.
Dealerships sometimes provide tint services as well. Also consider smaller specialized automotive accessory stores. Prices may vary between full-service shops versus lower-budget quick fit places. Research reviews and ask about warranties when choosing an installer. Stick with reputable businesses with experience tinting many different vehicle makes and models legally for the best results.
Car Tint Installers
Be sure to inquire about the types of tint film offered, their light transmission specifications, and warranties. Find out if they have experience working on your vehicle or one of similar size. Ask for references from happy customers. Discuss the estimated time of completion and whether they offer shuttling or loaner cars.
Also determine if the installer performs maintenance like re-tensioning or bubble removal for issues that sometimes arise over time. Inquire about additional services such as window etching or solar window films. Ask how billing works – some charge a flat per-window rate while others calculate it based on total film area. Being an informed consumer helps get the right tint solution for your needs.
Quality 35% Car Tint Cost
| Factor | Cost |
| Material quality | Higher-grade LLumar or 3M films last longer but cost more upfront ($150-300 average). |
| Vehicle size | Larger cars and trucks require more film, increasing price by $50-150 typically. |
| Installation | Professional installation runs $300-600 depending on shop rates and vehicle complexity. |
| Ceramic options | Ceramic tints deliver superior heat rejection for $200-400 more than metalized or carbon films. |
| Self-install kits | DIY kits for cars cost $100-250 but require time and skills for flawless adhesion. |
Quality 35% car tinting from a pro can be financed between $300-1000 depending on vehicle and desired product. It pays for itself in reduced AC costs and protecting interior over time.
Installers Offer Tint Removal
Since tinting is a semi-permanent modification, some installation shops will peel and remove existing film for a fee if needed. This service allows upgrading to a different tint level or film type as regulations change. It’s also useful before selling a vehicle to satisfy a new owner’s preferences.
Quality professionals remove tint cleanly without residue or adhesives left behind that require additional cleaning. Prices typically range from $150-300 to strip all windows, depending how heavily the previous film has adhered. Having trained experts remove tint helps avoid damaging glass surfaces that DIY removal could risk scratching.
Stopped With Illegal Car Tint
Should authorities stop a driver with tint perceived as too dark, remain polite and courteous. Calmly explain the windows were recently tinted professionally at a local shop within what you believed was legal specifications. Apologize for any oversight if the tint turns out non-compliant. Do not attempt to remove it on the spot.
Cops may issue a warning citation as a first offense. If so, make a quick stop at a recognized tint installer for verification and adjustment as needed. Only fully cooperate with instructions from law enforcement during the traffic stop, and deal with tint legality issue separately after. Never argue or resist if cited for now – just resolve the matter respectfully in court.
Warning For Dark Tint
Most police officers take a lenient first approach if it seems tint darkness could be an honest oversight. Unless the vehicle has other issues or the driver acts disrespectful, a warning citation allowing time to correct the tint percentage is common. Save this opportunity to get professionally re-tested and re-done if needed to legally up transmission levels.
However, be aware that if the tint is found excessively dark blocking almost all view, or the driver has a poor attitude, a fine rather than warning could still potentially result from the initial stop. Repeated stops with unresolved illegally tinted windows may also not merit as many warnings either. Overall transparency with the process helps most situations stay positive.
Fight An Illegal Tint Ticket
If issued a citation, look up state laws and determine if the tint transmission level and location cited fall within actual legal specifications. An automotive tint certification from a professional shop may help prove a mistake was made. Bring documentation showing the vehicle make/model and tint type tested legally elsewhere too.
Contact the ticketing agency to request a court hearing date for your defense. Or hire a traffic lawyer experienced in vehicle modification issues. Proper evidence could get a ticket dismissed or reduced. If denied, consider paying the fine to avoid risking increased penalties from appeals. Resolving citations professionally often has the best chance for keeping fines and points off driving records.
Stopped, Should I Remove Tint Right Away
Generally it’s best not to remove any factory or professional automotive window tinting immediately during a traffic stop unless specifically instructed to by law enforcement. Simply be respectful, clarify you did not realize the tint was non-compliant. Give officers your information if cited, then later verify the windows’ specifications separately at a tint shop.
DIY removal risks residue, scratches or impaired visibility if done roadside under pressure. Let certified installers re-certify or adjust tint levels properly if needed to comply fully with laws. Only remove tint with police permission to either not make the situation worse or gain their discretion. Otherwise address the legal issues through the ticketing process with courtesy.
Frequently Asked Question
Can I Have 35% Tint On My Front Windows In Pennsylvania?
No, the maximum allowable tint for front side windows in PA is 70%.
What Is The Legal Tint Limit For Rear Windows And Backlights?
The rear side and back windows can be tinted up to 35% in Pennsylvania.
Will I Get Pulled Over For Having Slightly Darker Tint?
Police may issue a warning for tint darker than legal limits, but it’s generally not a primary reason for a traffic stop. Repeated offenses could lead to fines.
Are There Any Exceptions To The Tint Laws?
Medical exemptions are possible with a doctor’s note for conditions like photosensitivity. Some states also allow darker tint for extra rear seat passenger privacy.
How Can I Check The Tint Percentage On My Car?
A professional tint shop can measure tint darkness accurately with a tint meter. General guidelines are light lets in 70% or more for legal front tint and 35-70% for rears. The darker it appears, the lower the actual percentage.
Conclusion
The laws regarding tint darkness in Pennsylvania aim to balance driver visibility with privacy preferences. The front side windows require the lightest tint at 70% or higher to allow clear outward vision. Meanwhile, the rear side and back windows are permitted a darker 35% tint for added seclusion of passengers and cargo.
For most regular personal vehicles in PA, remembering that 35% tint is only allowed on rear windows and backlights should keep you on the right side of tint legislation. Front side window tint darker than 70% visibility risks a violation. Knowing and following the state guidelines helps ensure safe driving conditions while still providing passengers a modest level of shade and privacy from direct sunlight and onlookers.
