To avoid any trouble with Pennsylvania law enforcement, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the window tint regulations in the state. By familiarizing yourself with these laws, you can ensure that you don’t violate any regulations and receive an expensive ticket.
Window tinting serves multiple purposes, such as reducing the sun’s glare, protecting your skin from damage, and keeping your car cool during the hot summer months. Additionally, tinted windows provide privacy by making it harder for outsiders to see into your vehicle. However, Pennsylvania has specific laws that dictate how dark your windows can be, in the interest of public safety. Failure to comply with these laws can result in a $110 fine.
Pennsylvania Window Tint Law for Sedans
The window tint laws in Pennsylvania vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive. It’s worth noting that government vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, and ambulances are exempt from these regulations.
Below are the tint laws specifically for passenger cars, including sedans, vans, and coupes:
- Front windshield: No more than 70% visible light transmission, with any darkness limited to the top 3 inches.
- Front side windows: Up to 70% visible light transmission (VLT) is allowed.
- Backside windows: Up to 70% VLT is permitted.
- Back windshield: Up to 70% VLT is allowed, but dual side mirrors are required.
PA Tint Laws for Trucks
For trucks, SUVs, multi-purpose vehicles, medium/heavy trucks, and buses, the tint laws in Pennsylvania differ slightly from those for smaller vehicles. Make sure to double-check the regulations that apply to your specific vehicle type.
The tint laws for trucks are as follows:
- Front windshield: No more than 70% visible light transmission, with any darkness limited to the top 3 inches.
- Front side windows: Up to 70% VLT is allowed.
- Backside windows: Any level of darkness is permitted.
- Back windshield: Any level of darkness is allowed, but dual side mirrors are required.
Medical Exemptions
Pennsylvania tint laws do offer a medical exemption for individuals who require special window tinting for medical reasons. Drivers can use colorless products that filter UV rays as an alternative to standard tinted windows. To obtain a medical exemption, certification of the medical condition by a physician or optometrist is required. If you have any questions or wish to apply for a medical exemption, you can contact PennDOT’s Medical Unit at (717) 787-9662.
Additional Pennsylvania Tint Regulations
Aside from the specific tint percentages, there are a few additional regulations to be aware of. In Pennsylvania, it is prohibited to have metallic or mirrored window tints. All reflective shades are also prohibited on sedans, SUVs, trucks, and vans. However, there are no restrictions on tint colors.
When purchasing window tint products, manufacturers are not required to verify their certification for each state. Therefore, it’s essential to obtain a sticker stating that the tint is compliant with Pennsylvania law.
Moreover, Pennsylvania prohibits the use of tinted or smoked tail light covers on state roads or highways. However, you can alter the shading on your tail lights as long as you don’t intend to drive your vehicle on public roads.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If a police officer suspects that your windows are tinted beyond the legal limit of 70% VLT, they can pull you over. Violating any of the Pennsylvania tint laws mentioned above can result in a $110 fine.
If you have concerns about your window tint complying with Pennsylvania regulations, you can check with PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services or consult a local tint shop to verify the VLT percentage.
Get Quality Rayno Window Tint
At Garrity Traina, we offer a wide range of window tints with various visible light transmission percentages and shades to suit your needs.
Our top-of-the-line Phantom Series tint is a nano-carbon ceramic film that offers exceptional performance. With a hybrid carbon and ceramic blend, it provides excellent heat rejection, keeping you cool and protected from the sun. For a more affordable option, we offer MonoCarbon, a true carbon film that doesn’t fade over time like dyed films.
If you need a tint for your windshield, we recommend Platinum AIR7090. This high-quality automotive tint offers a lighter shade while still blocking 99% of UV rays and 90% of IR rays. It can also be applied to home windows.
To have Rayno window film installed on your vehicle windows, use our dealer locator to find the nearest Garrity Traina dealer shop in Pennsylvania.
Click here to learn more about Garrity Traina and our commitment to high-quality window tinting products.
Remember, it’s crucial to comply with Pennsylvania’s window tint laws to avoid any legal issues and ensure your safety on the road.
