Explore our 2024 guide to window tint laws by state, featuring updated regulations, detailed infographics, and easy-to-understand summaries for each state.
windowtintlaws.us
In the U.S., nearly all of the states have minimum-light-transmission limits. Except for NJ, which apparently outlaws front side window tint of any sort.
The states that require a given minimum amount of visible light transmission (VLT) generally allow darker tint on the rear side windows and the back window.
In my own state, it's unlawful to have front window tinting below the manufacturer's cutoff line (the topmost ~4-5" portion of the windshield). Front side windows are lawfully allowed to be tinted but with a minimum VLT, whereas rear side windows and the rear window can allow half that VLT through (much darker).
While I appreciate the improved communication that actually seeing others' hand signals, most people simply don't use them. The few of us old enough to be taught hand signaling were taught that it's visible if done outside the window so the person is assured of seeing the signal. Inside, particularly with any tinting whatsoever, particularly in certain light conditions, it's a crap shoot as to whether anybody sees inside-the-car hand signaling.
I have front side window tinting. And rear side window tinting at half the VLT required for the front side windows. And rear window tinting. It all but blocks any in-the-car hand motions I might do. If I want to rely upon hand signals, I'll roll the window down.
For me, here's how I approach an intersection or situation requiring negotiation/navigation between two different vehicles. Use a rational speed for the situation; ie, obviously at a traffic stop ensure I stop, ensure I triple-check (when it's my time to go) that it's safe to do so; ensure via my knowledge of what the other car is doing and my initial speed that there isn't a close call or crash. In cruddy weather, I've occasionally rolled the window down to add to my lights in order to signal via hand, but that's rare. But then, I was raised in a place where there were few larger roadways, only certain roads with traffic lights, and many uncontrolled intersections. Even then, people almost never used hand signals; they relied on following the "basic speed law" for the conditions, rational speeds when others were around or when at an intersection, and always triple-checking instead of assuming right-of-way. Tinting doesn't have much to do with it, really.
Anymore, tinting seems so commonplace that I seriously doubt any but a vanishingly small percentage of people rely upon seeing another driver's hand signaling inside the car. I'm sure some other drivers have tried to signal that way to me, but darned if I can see what they're doing in there.
Can't say what others are thinking. I cannot recall having had a conversation with friends or family about how to handle intersections, uncontrolled stops, 'accident' situations and the like.
JMO
