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While tinting your vehicle’s windows can help protect you from UV rays and provide a sense of privacy, too much tinting is dangerous and illegal. If you purchased a new car or are considering getting your windows tinted, make sure you know Florida’s laws on window tint.

Guidelines for Window Tint

Guidelines for window tint darkness are different for sedans than for SUVs or vans. The law deals with the percentage of visible light that can pass through your car windows, otherwise referred to as visible light transmission (VLT). The higher the VLT, the more light is allowed to pass through the window.

The following guidelines apply to sedans:

  • Front side windows must allow more than 28% of light in
  • Rear side windows must allow more than 15% of light in
  • The rear window must allow more than 15% of light in

The following guidelines apply to SUVs and vans:

  • Front side windows must allow more than 28% of light in
  • Rear side windows must allow more than 6% of light in
  • The rear window must allow more than 6% of light in

Tint cannot go below the manufacturer’s AS-1 line on any type of car, and it cannot have any reflective quality. If you’re driving a car in Florida and your windows are tinted, you must also have dual side mirrors.

Window tint can reflect incoming light, which reduces the glare and heat for the driver and passengers. The window tint law permits a certain amount of reflection as well. For all cars, front side windows cannot be more than 25% reflective, while rear side windows cannot be more than 35% reflective.

Exemptions to Guidelines

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles may issue medical exemption certificates to persons who are afflicted with Lupus, any autoimmune disease, or other medical conditions which require a limited exposure to light. It is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to ensure that tint is legal, it is not the vehicle manufacturer’s responsibility. So, make sure you are familiar with the law before paying for new window tinting.

Penalties for Violating Florida’s Window Tint Laws

In Florida, having illegal window tint is a primary offense, meaning a law enforcement officer may pull you over just for having tinted windows. This is a non-moving violation, which may result in fines.