Tint Laws in Florida: The Basics Explained
Florida tint laws generally state that no window at the front of a motor vehicle may be so darkly tinted that it has a light transmittance of less than 28 percent. For all tint behind the driver’s seat, this measurement is specified at a minimum of 15 percent. In broader terms, these tinted films must pass light through them at the numbers that are specified, or they will violate the statute. Not only can your windows not be too dark, but the tint must conform to specifications set out by the Florida Statutes. These laws specify that the tint cannot be more than 14 percent reflectivity. When the NPAT — short for non-reflective film — is the type that the driver is having installed on his or her vehicle, the tint cannot be more than 6 percent reflectivity . In the case of vehicles that are equipped with dual side mirrors — those with the large wide-angle type of mirror attachment, which serve no purpose other than the lens on the vehicle — the tint cannot exceed 14 percent on the passenger side windows. The tint requirement for manufacturers’ certificate has to have been issued by Florida, not another state. It must also be either legible or certified. Exemptions to the tint laws include the following: Penalties for violating these tint specifications can be fines that start as low as $60 for a first-time offense, as well as additional penalties that are specified in section 322.0251 of the Florida Statutes. Edge peeling, bubbling and color change are also several of the things that might be considered violations of the window tint law.
VLT Levels for Window Tints in Florida
The VLT% refers to the percentage of visible light allowed through the tinted window. Regulated separately for each individual window, the Florida VLT% varies from window to window. If a law enforcement official pulls you over and suspects the window films on your vehicle may be too dark, they will use this VLT% measurement to determine if your tint is within legal limits.
Florida window tint law states that the tint on the windshield must allow more than 28% VLT, which means that no more than 28% of the visible light is allowed to penetrate the tinted window. This standard of visible light transmission is measured for the entire windshield (*with the exception of the top strip). The uppermost portion, also known as the AS-1 line, is the AS-1 conductive band that naturally appears in the glass during manufacturing. This band is often referred to as the circumferential line, and is found on either the tinted or glazed strip. This circumferential line will often appear as an opaque-black (light blocking) band at the upper edge of a windshield.
The tint on front side windows must allow more than 15% VLT, so less than a 15% visible light transmission is permitted through the tinted window.
The tint on back side windows must allow more than 15% VLT, so again, less than a 15% visible light transmission is allowed through the glass.
Florida permit regulations do not mandate a visible light transmission for rear windows.
Florida tint law mandates that the rear window allow more than 6% VLT, meaning no more than 6% of visible light is allowed through the tinted glass.
VLT% is monitored by law enforcement officials for possible amounts of light penetration through tinted windows. While there are a few exceptions to the rules set by Florida tint law, the VLT% information outlined above is accurate for 2015.
Exemptions from the Tint Laws
While the general rule for vehicle window tint is that it must be no darker than 25% for the front windows and 20% for the rear, there are some exemptions to this rule. While tinted windows are generally prohibited on commercial motor vehicles such as taxis and limousines, all other commercial vehicles are exempt from the tint requirements of Florida Statutes § 316.29541.
Frosted or opaque windows range anywhere from 25% up to 50%, which is much darker than traditional window tint. This shade of tint is permitted for vehicle front windows under Florida Statutes § 316.29541(3), but this exemption is limited to only those travelers who are certified with a medical exemption. Although substantially darker than is typically permitted, this exemption does allow a medical professional to certify that an individual has a strong sensitivity to light, which is then accepted by the State as well as law enforcement as a proper exemption from the rules. As a result, travelers do not need to worry about being pulled over simply for having frosted or opaque windows as long as they are eligible for this exemption.
Legal Consequences for Ignoring Florida’s Tint Laws
Given the implications of violating these laws, unlawful tint on your vehicle is simply a situation few Floridians want to find themselves in.
Florida tint laws are enforced by local law enforcement agencies as well as the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Not surprisingly, Florida’s tint law penalties vary by county and municipality, and may be determined at the sole discretion of the law enforcement officer. As a general rule, however, Florida prohibits tint that fails to comply with Sections 316.(211) and 560.0403, F.S., by presumption, based upon a nonconformance inspection performed by a full-time law enforcement officer or designated, certified, law enforcement personnel . Violators of tint regulations found in Section 316.211, F.S., are subject to fines and enforcement provisions consistent with (and sometimes in conjunction with) Section 316.620, F.S.
There are also many municipalities throughout Florida that choose to enforce window tint violations by reference to an ordinance ordinance prohibiting window tint in amounts that exceed the regulations provided in Sections 316.2052 through 316.211, F.S. Violators of those ordinances may be subject to fines or civil penalties imposed by the issuing law enforcement agency or government agency. Violations are independently handled and are entirely distinct from other vehicle violations. For example, a tint violation is separate and apart from a seat belt and DUI violation.
How to Properly Tint Your Windows Under Florida Law
Motorists should keep the following best practices in mind to ensure they remain within Florida’s legal tint limits:
Select the Right Tint: When choosing window tint, consider its darkness and reflectivity. Select a film with reasonable VLT and reflectivity that stays within the legal parameters set by Florida law.
Choose a Reputable Installer: Opt for a professional window tinting service or auto-shop that can ensure the tint is installed according to state regulations. Verify that the service complies with all tinting rules set by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Keep Documentation Handy: Ensure you have documentation showing that your vehicle’s tint meets legal requirements. Keep the certificate on hand in case of a traffic stop or cited reason for non-compliance. If applicable, retain the certificate provided by the tinting manufacturer or installer.
Consider a Tinted Window Certificate: Since 1991, window tint manufacturers are required by Florida law to certify that their products meet specific VLT and reflectance requirements for window tint. A tinted window certificate provides evidence that the tint on your vehicle is legally compliant.
Seek Legal Advice: If you face legal disputes concerning your window tint, do not hesitate to consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in Florida’s window tinting laws.
Staying within legal tint limits requires attention to detail and understanding the specific requirements of Florida law. By following these best practices, motorists can enjoy the benefits of window tint while avoiding issues with law enforcement.
The Future of Automotive Tint Law: What Florida Drivers Should Anticipate
As technology advances and consumer needs evolve, Florida’s tint laws are likely to undergo continued changes. One possible direction is an extension of permission for darker tints on vehicles equipped with advanced safety features. With more cars being fitted with technologies such as lane departure warning systems and automatic emergency braking, pressure may mount to expand the range of permissible tint levels. Such a measure could complement the increased visibility afforded by these systems.
Additionally, the growing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles provides another opportunity for tint law modification. Tinted windows can help preserve interior temperatures and reduce the need for air conditioning, making these vehicles more energy-efficient in the long run . As these types of vehicles become more common, lawmakers may be incentivized to allow darker tints.
Finally, as alternative forms of transportation gain popularity—such as bicycles, electric scooters, and ride-sharing vehicles—the need for further clarification of tint guidelines becomes even more important. Cars are no longer the only form of transportation on the roads, so the legal tint standards must continue to evolve to keep up.
For now, vehicle owners should be aware that while window tint can provide a functional advantage, it is still important to remain in compliance with current tint regulations. Noncompliance can be costly, both in terms of financial penalties and even the potential for being required to replace compliant tint after a legal stop.