Window Tinting Questions

[TenaciousB]

Hey guys, I am going to start looking around town for someone to tint my windows for this summer. I was just curious if anyone has and advice or suggestions they would want to share. Like what kind of tint, how dark, and the approximate cost to tint a protege. Thanks!

Ps. does anyone have pics of a black mica MSP with tint?

 

[ghost]

Hey guys, I am going to start looking around town for someone to tint my windows for this summer. I was just curious if anyone has and advice or suggestions they would want to share. Like what kind of tint, how dark, and the approximate cost to tint a protege. Thanks!

Ps. does anyone have pics of a black mica MSP with tint?

Make sure you get a reflective titanium tint. they look best. Also, make sure the tint doesnt have a blue hue to it. Usually this means the tint is cheap and will discolor in time or flake.

Also follow your tint laws of your state and avoid getting hassled. Here is more help if you dont know.

Alabama
6 inches / 35% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1996

Note : MPV Vehicles are exempt behind the front side doors.

Alaska
5 inches / NO / 40% Net / 40% Net / 1994

Note : MPV Vehicles can have any degree of tinting behind the front side doors so long as they comply with FMVSS 205. Mirrored tint is prohibited.

Enforcement Note : Tint regulation does apply to non-Alaska registered vehicles. State Troopers write fix-it tickets which requires "repair" within 5 days and the City of Anchorage will write $150 tickets for the violation.

Arizona
UnDef / 35% Film / ANY / ANY / 198?

Arkansas
UnDef / 25% Net / 25% Net / 10% Net / 1994

Note : MPV's are allowed 10% Net tint on rear side windows

Enforcement Note : Tint law applies only to AR registered vehicles and vehicles from other states that have NO tint law which is now moot since all 50 states have some type of tint law with Wyoming being the last to pass a tint law.

California
NO / NO / ANY / ANY* / 1987 ?

Note : If the rear-back window is tinted, left and right rear-view mirrors are required.

Medical exemption allows for tint or other shading material is allowed on the front side doors if it allows at least 35% of the light to go through, readily is removable and cannot be used at night.

Enforcement Note : Out-of-State cars driven in California are required to be in compliance with the CA Tint law.

Colorado
2 Phase Law:
4 inches or AS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / 1989
4 inches or AS-1 / 27% Net / 27% Net / 27% Net / 1989

Note : No mirrored tint is allowed.

Enforcement Note : The fine for being in violation is $50 and the driver is not usually required to fix the windows. Tint shops are not allowed to tint cars beyond state law. State patrol carries light meters along with some local towns but they don't worry about window tinting unless it is very dark such as limo tint (5%).

Connecticut
Complex / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1995

Note : MPV Vehicle windows behind the front side doors are exempt so long as they meet FMVSS 205. The Windshield can have a tint strip at the top. The amount is determined by a complex formula as defined in Sec 14-99g, Subsection C, part 11 as written by an East Coast lawyer.

Delaware
AS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / 199?

District of Columbia
NO / NO / 50% Net / 50% Net / 1994

Enforcement Note : Can apply to out-of-state motorist, no out-of-state exemption defined in statute.

Florida
AS-1 / 28% Net / 15% Net / 15% Net / 198?

Note : MPV Vehicles windows behind the front side doors must allow for 6 % Net light transmission.

Enforcement Note : Law enforced by the use of light meters and can apply to out-of-state motorist.

Georgia
NO / 32% Net / 32% Net / 32% Net / 2005

Note : New law went into effect that can be enforced on out of state vehicles as well as Georgia registered vehicles. Penalty is up to $1000 and/or 12 months in jail as a misdemeanor.

On Jun 8, 2004, the Georgia Surpreme Court threw out GA's tint law since it discriminated against GA residents by not applying to non-residents. Look for the non-resident exemption to be repealed next year which would reinstate the tint law.

This can have ramifications for other states who exempt non-residents from their tint laws. Legislation was sponsored in the 2004 session to remove the non-resident exemption but failed to pass.

Guam
ANY / ANY / ANY / ANY / 1978/9

Note : It was illegal to have tint but the tint law was declared unconstitutional as noted in the court decision part.

Hawaii
NO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 198x

Enforcement Note : Illegal tint on cars can be a reason to be failed in the state safety inspection.

Idaho
AS-1 / 35% Film / ANY / 35% Film / 1993

Note : Mirrored tint is illegal. Medical exemption ia available. Cars with window tint that are considered illegal can apply for a waiver between June 30, 1992 and Jan 1, 1993.

Illinois
NO / NO / ANY / ANY* / 1984 ?

Note : If window tint is applied to the rear-back window, a right and left rear-view mirrors are required. Cars before 1982 model year are exempt from IL tint law.

Indiana
30% Film / 30% Film / ANY / 30% Film / 1995

Note : Darker tint is allowed for medical reason only as attested to by medical doctor or eye doctor.

Enforcement Note : Out-of-state motorist can be ticketed for being in violation of IN tint law but are usually left alone. Law enforcement usually enforces the tint law on the front side windows. Most law enforcement do not know that the rear-back window is included in the law. Some local towns will fine motorist $200 for violation as well as requiring them to fix it.

Legislation: HB1282 which will basically outlaw window tint. It would ban any tint that would go beyond Federal Standards which is 70% visible light transmission. Violation would fall under an enhanced penalty of a Class B infraction which has a max fine of $1000.

Iowa
AS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / Unknown

Note : A pending bill in the legislature would mandate light transmission on all windows of at least 70% (Basically no aftermarket tint allowed). Puts the federal window tint regulation into state law.

Enforcement Note : Iowa is spotty on enforcement but can enforce the law against out-of-state motorist such as writing a fix-it ticket.

Kansas
AS-1 / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1987

Kentucky
AS-1 / 35% Film / 18% Film / 18% Film / 1988

Note : MPV Vehicles can have 8% Film behind the front side doors.

Louisiana
AS-1 / 40% Net / 25% Net / 12% Net / 199x

Maine
NO / 50% Film / 50% Film / 50% Film / 198x

Enforcement Note : As the law is read, it can be applied to out-of-state cars. A car with tint that is more dark than allowed by the state can fail safety ispection.

Maryland
NO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1993

Massachusetts
NO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net

Enforcement Note : People with 35% tint have been given tickets for tinting due to light meters reading less than 35% since car glass can have from 70% to 90% window tint.

Michigan
4 inches / 4 inches / ANY / ANY / 198x

Note : Changes to the law has been discussed such as allowing for 35% tint on the front side windows but the State Police would push hard for a complete ban on tint if it got through and they have the political power to do it.

Enforcement Note : Michigan State police will give the 3rd degree look to any car that is not in compliance with MI tint law but will usually leave out-of-state motorist alone.

Minnesota
NO / 50% Film / 50% Film / 50% Film / 198x

Note : Darker tint is allowed with Medical Exemption.

Mississippi
AS-1 / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1989

Enforcement Note : Illegal window tint can be a reason for failing the yearly state safety inspection.

Missouri
AS-1 / 35% Net / Any / Any / 2002

Enforcement Note : New law removed out-of-state exemption but don't know how the MO State Highway Patrol will deal with that ?

Tint is NO LONGER part of the State Safety Inspection, a plus for MO residents.

Additional Note: Took effect Feb 14, 2002. Original law banned tint on the front side windows but allowed anything behind and then changed in 2001 for 35% NET on ALL windows and in 2002 changed to 35% NET on front side windows but once again, anything behind goes !

Montana
AS-1 / 24% Net / 14% Net / 14% Net / 1991

Note : MPV Vehicles windows behind the front doors are exempt from tint law. Cars before Oct 1, 1991 that were registered in Montana and had tint that would be considered illegal under the law can continue to have any kind of window tint but the registration must indicate a tinted window waiver and the waiver can no longer be applied for. Those who have waviers can continue to use them and when the car is sold, the waiver is good for the next owner.

A permit for dark tint can be applied for if needed for security or medical reasons.

Enforcement Note : Montana Law enforcement is lax on enforcing the tint law but there is a heavy fine if enforced and maybe required to be fixed.

Nebraska
AS-1 / 35% Film / 20% Film / 20% Film / 199x

Nevada
AS-1 / 35% Film / ANY / ANY / 1993

Note : There is a medical exemption for the tint law.

Enforcement Note : Tint law does not apply to 1993 or older model cars that had tint applied before July 1, 1993.

New Hampshire
NO / NO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 198x

Enforcement Note : Having illegal tint can mean the failure of the state safety inspection.

New Jersey
NO / NO / ANY / ANY / 198x

Enforcement Note : Illegal window tint can be the reason for failing state safety inspection.

New Mexico
AS-1 / 20% Net / 20-% Net / 20-% Net / 1997

Note : Local law takes precedence over state law. The most liberal tint law in the country. MPV, trucks, buses can have anything behind the front side windows. Tint done before Jul 1, 1997 is exempt from the law.

New York
NO / NO/ NO/ NO / 1993

Note : Very strict law. Replacement glass that is tinted is allowed if and only if the original windows were tinted as well. Medical exemption is provided for with permission from Commisioner of Motor Vehicles.

North Carolina
AS-1 / 32% Net / 32% Net / 32% Net / 1996

Enforcement Note : Illegal tint is a reson to fail state safety inspection. Out-of-state cars must be in compliance with tint law in the state where registered.

North Dakota
AS-1 / NO / ANY* / ANY* / 1989

Note : If windows behind the front side doors are tinted, a right and left outside rear view mirror is required.

Enforcement Note : The tint law may be applied to non-resident cars as written.

Ohio
5 inches / 50% Film / ANY* / ANY* / 2004

Note : Director of Ohio DPS determines what degree of tint that is legal on motor vehicles in Ohio. The tint law has been known to be enforced on out-of-state cars in some towns.

Revised from 50% on all windows before. Mirrors on both sides are required for the dark tint.

Oklahoma
Before 1996 Model Year :
AS-1 or 5 inches / 25% Net / 10% Net* / 10% Net* / 1995

1996 Model Year and after :
AS-1 or 5 inches / 25% Net / 25% Net / 25% Net / 1995

Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt from the tint law. Outside right and left rear view mirrors are required if tint is darker than 25% net for pre-1996 vehicles. Law enforcement and government owned vehicles are exempt.

Oregon
6 inches / 50% Film & 35% Net / 50% Film & 35% Net / 50% Film & 35% Net / 1996

Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt as long as they are in compliance with FMVSS 205.

Government and Law Enforcement vehicles are exempt from the tint law. If ordinary people are required to obey this law, it should definitely apply to government and law enforcement vehicles.

Enforcement Note : Tint Law may be applied to out-of-state vehicles.

Pennsylvania
NO / NO / NO / NO / 1996 for 1998 model year and after NO / NO / ANY / ANY before 1998 Model Year

Enforcement Note : Illegal tint on cars can be a reason to be failed in the state safety inspection which was struck down in court.

Rhode Island
NO / NO / NO / NO / 1993

Note : MPV's are exempt on windows behind the front side windows but the windows must comply to FMVSS 205 which is usually 30% VLT.

Government and Law Enforcement vehicles are exempt from the tint law. If ordinary people are required to obey this law, it should definitely apply to government and law enforcement vehicles.

South Carolina
UnDef / 27% Net / ANY / *27% Net / 1993

Special Note : If the rear-back window was tinted darker than 27% VLT before 1/1/93, it continues to be legal as long as it is the original tint. There was also a bill to require 50% VLT on front side windows and rear-back effective 1/1/99. If the Rear-back window was done before 1/1/99, it must have at least 27% VLT. It never got out of committee but with many sponsors, it can be counted on to be back.

South Dakota
Undef / 26% Net / ANY / 11% Net / 1991 ?

Note : The defined numbers include an enforcement tolerance of 9%. The numbers are the absolute darkest that is allowed. Violation is a Class 2 Misdemeanor.

Tennessee
NO / 35% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 198x

Note : MPV's and SUV's can have darker tint behind the front side doors such as extended cab trucks.

Texas
Before 1988 Model Year:
AS-1 / 35% Film / 20% Film / 20% Film / 1988

1988 Model Year and after :
AS-1 / 35% Film / 35% Film / 20% Film / 1988

Enforcement Note : Illegal window tint can be the reason for failing state safety inspection. State DPS carry light meters especially around the Mexican Border.

Utah
NO / 43% Net / ANY / ANY / 2002

Note : Previous laws allowed only 28% tint behind and prior, nonthing was allowed on the front side windows and anything behind.

Enforcement Note : Illegal tint can be a reason to fail safety inspection. The tint law can be enforced on out-of-state cars. Violation is a Class C misdemeanor.

Vermont
AS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / 198x

Enforcement Note : Tint law can be applied to out-of-state registered cars. The fine is $120.50 with no points.

Virginia
AS-1 / 43% Net / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1993

Enforcement Note : Tint law may technically be applied to out-of-state registered cars. There is HB 1563 which would make the law apply to VA registered cars only. The bill did not pass. VA State Police opinion on out-of-state cars with tint that does not comply with VA law.

Washington
6 inches / 32% Film / 32% Film / 32% Film / 1989

Note : MPV Windows behind the front side doors are exempt.

Enforcement Note : Tint law applies to non-Washington registered vehicles.

West Virginia
AS1 or 5 inches/ 35% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1991 ?

Wisconsin
NO / 50% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1996

Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt. The new tint regulation is defined under the Tran-305 administrative rule.

Enforcement Note : Tint regulation applies to non-Wisconsin registered vehicles but out-of-state motorist are normally left alone for tint.

Additional Notes : 2 demerit points are assessed for tinted window violation. Revisions to the regulation is being considered this fall and comments can be sent to B. Bird at the Wisconsin DOT. One of the proposed revisions is exempting out-of-state cars that are temporarily in Wisconsin such as tourist.

Wyoming
AS-1 / 28% Net / 28% Net / 28% Net / 1997

 

[DE31]

just a tip. make sure they do thier work indoors. i did some research back when i found a place to do my tint and listed alot of tips. only one i remember is make sure they do their work indoors so theres less chance of getting dirt stuck in between the film and the window. dont forget to make sure theirs some sort of warranty. i have a lifetime warranty and im going to bring it back soon because of a small hole in the right rear film.

 

[InFeXIoN]

yea, do it indoors. Thats how i got mine done. its warrentied and i got 20% all around and ive gotten alot of compliments. Just w/e you do dont even think about getting 5% cause you wont be able to see s*** at night. I have 2 complaints on that. But 20% is dark enough

 

[speedprotegewi]

does anyone have pics of a black mica MSP with tint?

got a pic of mine with 20% all around (yes i know its illegal in wisconsin). unfortunately its one of my crash pics (boom07) but it gets the tint question answered

 

[Bartron8000]

Ok I'm a noob to this whole tint deal. I'm looking to get my 99 Pro tinted but I want to know what the different levels of tint look like. So if anyone with tint wants to just post a pic for me that would be great.

 

[TenaciousB]

It's probabaly safe to say that "most" people go with 30% depending in what state you live in. It is what you see on the back window of all the suv's driving around.

From what I can gather, a good tint job will run about $120-180. Does this amount sound about right to you guys?

 

[DE31]

i paid a little over 200 for my P5 but then its more windows so sounds about right to me. i think i have 20% in the rear and something lighter up front. maybe even darker than 20%.

 

[InFeXIoN]

well place i went with didnt have 30 which is what i was gonna go with, but i ended up getting 20% all the way around.

 

[InFeXIoN]

id say if you want dark, just go with 20% its perfect.

 

[TenaciousB]

wow, that's pretty dark. But I guess out in the sunlight it wouldn't be bad. I think the garage pic makes it look even darker. I might consider going 20%, but I'm alittle afraid incase I get pulled over, which I have been twice in the last year. That's the last thing I need, especially since my car is not exactly emissions legal. (notcool)

 

[InFeXIoN]

yea on my pics it was starting to get dark outside, but noones said anything yet about my tint, and i know someone else who has 20% on there protege and theyve never ****** with him about it. But no its a good percentage, cause i know 2 people who say they cant see s*** through the windows at night with 5%

 

[Rosshole]

20% was my choice... it turned out great.
20 % pic

 

[Flash5]

What is a good medium tint that gets the jon done with out making it really dark? I was thinking around 25-30% but I am not too sure.

 

[PaulMSP1939]

If you're worried about the po, get 35. It looks pretty nice on lighter color cars but doesn't look dark enough on the blacks, blues, etc. 20 is a good number, but is obviously illegal compared to 35 IMO. 5 is just asking for it...and def go with the same % all the way around. Don't mix.

I went with 20 because I was afraid I would eventually want it darker than 35. It looks real dark considering the color of my car, and def does a lot for the look of the car. It's not bad at all at night. I'm def happy with 20 and wouldn't do it differently if I had the option to...except I plan on getting a strip across the windshield in a month or so.

Cost...170+whatever they charge for the strip across the front.

Looks real dark without the sun on it...same exact shot from the opposite side in my sig.