What Pennsylvania Drivers Need to Know About Legal Car Tint

An Overview of Pennsylvania Tint Statutes

Pennsylvania tint law requires all vehicles that pass inspection to have a 70% Visible Light Transmission on the front windshield and 70% light transmission on the glass of the front doors. The rear windows and back windows are not required to be tinted. The law further states that if the uppermost AS-1 line or its equivalent is not etched into the window by the manufacturer, then the tinted strip on the windshield can not exceed more than five inches from the top of the windshield. Weighted metal tags must be affixed to the window tint and contain information that would allow law enforcement officials to easily confirm the legality of the tint. Moreover, the tint must be applied by a registered installer who will supply a Certificate of Compliance, which must stay in the car at all times as proof of legal installation . If you have had illegal window tint installed and received a ticket as a result, you must present the officer with proof of legal window tint within 30 days of the ticket being issued. Once this is done, the charge will be dismissed. It should be noted that since 2009 any law enforcement officer in Pennsylvania that is not an employee of the Department of Transportation is required to call upon a Department of Transportation employee to verify the legality of your window tint. Beyond this no inspection sticker can be issued for a vehicle if illegal tint is found on the vehicle following a roadside spot check. This is part of the Ridesafe program that was enacted in Pennsylvania to reduce ridesafe fatalities.

Tint Options that are Allowed

Pennsylvania law specifies the types of tint that are permissible, setting certain requirements like darkness. There are also special considerations for medical waivers. When it comes to window film, dyed, metallic, and ceramic or hybrid tints are all legally allowed. Dyed tint referred to is typically a thin piece of dyed polymer layered on the inside of your windows. This is generally the type of tint you see available in stores, though it is actually not the most popular kind of film. Instead, metallic tint is the preferred tint throughout Pennsylvania, as it is superior to both dyed and ceramic or hybrid tints. It consists of multiple layers of close-knit metal strands that are essentially bonded together to form a single unit. While this type of film is technically the most expensive available, its superior anti-glare and heat rejection properties make it well worth the investment, especially for those living or working in Pennsylvania. However, it is worth mentioning that anyone with a serious medical condition is endowed by law to apply for a medical exemption and receive a certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The certificate allows them to apply for an exemption to apply tinted windows, dark-tinting screen on the windshield, and protect the primary windows from damaging sun rays.

Penalties for Tinted Windows

Violating these laws, however, can come with hefty penalties. If the tint doesn’t pass inspection, law enforcement officials can penalize the offender with a fine of up to $300 for a first-time violation and a possible misdemeanor. For subsequent offenses, the penalty is up to $2,000. Granted, as an added incentive not to break these laws, police officers are also able to issue a "fix-it ticket," which, for a small fee, permits you to fix your illegal tint within 15 days by either removing it or switching to a compliant shade. Once you do this and show proof to the issuing officer, the ticket will then be cleared.
Of course, beating the rap does require compliance with the law. If you do discover that the tint on your car exceeds the legal limit, seek to have it either removed or replaced with fading tint that meets Pennsylvania law.

Exceptions to Law

Aside from standard laws for window tinting, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has designated four exemptions to the legal window tinting rule in the state.
The State of Pennsylvania does permit several exemptions for legal window tinting. Most of these exemptions require documentation from a doctor. It is always important to note that while these exemptions exist, it is always within the purview of law enforcement officers to determine if legal tint is enforced.
Exemption 1: Letter from a Licensed Physician
Under the law, the tint exemption categories fall into three areas. Individuals who are subject to bright light sensitivity or a Photosensitivity disorder may apply for the exemption by obtaining a letter from a licensed physician and take the notice from the physician to PennDOT .
Exemption 2: Ruling from a Judge
The second type of exemption falls into the realm of the law. If a judge or a court, for whatever reason, determines that the tint is appropriate for that case, the judge must issue a notice that the tint is permitted.
Exemption 3: Owner tints windshield with a darker material
If the owner decides to tint the windshield of the car, or a darker material is used on the windshield, as long as the tint adheres to the VLT of 70%, the vehicle will pass the law.
At the end of the day, the drivers and owners of a car looking to have tinted windows must still abide by the general tint law, despite their medical condition. If you feel that your condition requires tint, you should consider having the window film approved by the law.

Choosing a Quality Installer

As with any specialty service, it is important to do your homework when selecting an installer for your legal car tint. A reputable tint shop will be able to provide you with exemplary service and a professional installation that will pass inspection. The following tips can help you find a trustworthy tint installer: • Ask questions about the installer’s experience working with automobile tint and technology, including what kind of tint they recommend and why, and whether they have any references you can check. • Visit the installer’s website to see photos of previous work, recommended products, and any information about the process they use. • Check the installer’s credentials. Look for installers with professional certification or accreditation. The International Window Film Association (IWFA) offers certification courses for film specialists. Likewise, the United Association of National Decorative and Architectural Metal Commercial Exchange (NADRA) offers certification for professionals in the architectural, decorative, and metal fields. • Look for customer reviews of specific installers. Online review websites are a common source of this kind of information. • Request evidence of insurance if you have not already done so. • Take the time to check the installer’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and to search the BBB database for any complaints that have been filed. An installer who cannot prove their credibility is likely not worth the risk. In addition to being less likely to produce a professional finish, a bad installer can also leave you with a bad stain on your car’s windows that can be difficult to remove. In the worst cases, a bad installation can even reduce the resale value of the car. Reputable installers will issue a warranty for the tint they apply.

Maintaining Legal Window Film

Maintaining Legal Car Tint involves simple maintenance practices that will keep your windows looking pristine while effectively blocking out harmful solar heat and UV rays.
Caring for your new tint is important. First, it’s important to understand that any touch to tinted windows within 48 hours of installation can damage the tint. If you have this problem, you can use a thin razor to cut and reattach the window film or take the vehicle back to the installer for repair.
Once the initial 48 hour period passes, it’s recommended not to put any pressure on the surface of the window if possible.
Washing your car or cleaning your windows brings about many challenges when you have legal tint. Before tint install, it’s best to clean and detail the car thoroughly. Dust and grime inside the car can permanently scratch the tint if the windows accidentally touch the glass. When cleaning your car’s windows, it helps to use the same cleaner on all windows. Be sure to carefully clean the exterior of the windows so no stray streaks find their way to the tinted glass. Also, be careful during cleaning to avoid getting the cleaner on the tint; if left too long, it can cause discoloration.
Many standard window cleaners contain ammonia, which is harmful to tinted windows. Instead, use a tint-friendly product or make your own. You can mix one part white vinegar or lemon juice and 10 parts water into a spray bottle. If your car has black bordered tint, it’s best to avoid rubbing alcohol-based cleaners in order to prevent damage. It’s also a good idea to avoid window cleaning in direct sunlight as it causes the cleaner to dry faster and leave streaks.
Cleaning the interior of the tinted window isn’t as risky because it’s not usually exposed to debris. You can clean the inside of the tinted window with a clear window cleaner or plain water. Use a soft cloth to wipe the inside of the window.
Compared to standard windows , tinted windows will be more expensive to replace. However, if you do need to replace any windows, you can usually save some money by replacing just the tint, provided that you didn’t damage the underlying window. If you crack or chip a tinted window, it’s critical to get it replaced as soon as possible. Sometimes you won’t notice the crack or chip until much later, which may result in distortion and fading of the tint. Replacing the tint will allow you to avoid this problem.
Make sure to inspect your tinted windows regularly for signs of damage. You can test the tint by rolling down the window. If you have scratches or gaps, the window may need to be replaced. The tint will begin to fade with time, so it’s important to get in touch with a professional to have it changed.
The amount of care you’ll have to give your tint will vary depending upon where you live. The closer you live to the equator, the more care you will need to give the tint to avoid fading. For example, in Florida, the sun is extremely harsh and can cause your tint to fade over time. A professional can help you determine how to treat and care for your tinted windows and when it’s time for replacement.
The benefits of window tint far outweigh the costs and maintenance required. Most window tint can last for several years before needing replaced, making it an affordable option to cool your car down.
Tint also comes with some UV protection, which will keep your car cooler and prevent your seats from fading. This helps you avoid more expensive auto repairs down the line.
While keeping your tinted windows in pristine condition may seem like a lot of work, the advantages are worth the effort. It can block out UV rays, protect you from potential injuries and reduce sun glare. The jet black look makes tinted windows the perfect finishing touch for your car.