
On this page we have done our best to collect all of the legal information necessary aboutPennsylvania tint law, including how dark the tint is allowed to be and how reflective the tint is allowed to be inPennsylvania. Aside from the basics, liketint percentages, there are also additional car window tinting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania that we have made available.
Pennsylvania window tint law was first put into place in 1999 with Pennsylvania being the 33rd of the 50 states to enact these tinting laws.
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What does VLT Mean according to Pennsylvania State Law
The percentage of light that a window tint film allows to pass through your car windows is called the VLT (Visible Light Transmission), and each state has different legal allowable limits. The amount of light allowed to pass through your film and glass in Pennsylvaniais very specific to the state and is different for Passenger Vehicles and Multi-Purpose Vehicles.
A HIGHER VLT means that more light is allowed to pass through the window tint film.
Example: a 75% tint will allow 75% of the light to pass through whereas a 5% tint will only allow 5% of the light to pass through, making the 5% tint a much darker film.
Pennsylvania Tint Law – Legal Tint Limit For Passenger Vehicles
- Front Windshield: Must allow more than 70% of light in, any darkness on top 3 inches.
- Front seat side windows: up to 70% tint darkness allowed
- Back seat side windows: up to 70% tint darkness allowed
- Rear window: up to 70% tint darkness allowed
HOW MUCH DOES CAR WINDOW TINTING COST? The cost of tinting your car windows can be very affordable. If you want to learnhow much it costs to tint your car, click here.

Pennsylvania Tint Law – Legal Tint Limit For Multi-Purpose Vehicles
- Front Windshield: Must allow more than 70% of light in, any darkness on top 3 inches.
- Front seat side windows: up to 70% tint darkness allowed
- Back seat side windows: Any tint darkness can be used
- Rear window: Any tint darkness can be used

Want to D-I-Y?
How to tint car windows. To D-I-Y, check out how to tint car windows yourself here.
We have created an article discussing everything you need to know about VLT and Window Tint Percentages for your reference. If you want to learn the difference between the tint levels and preview the tint percentages we recommend you check it out.
Other Pennsylvania Window Tint law Rules And Regulations:
Pennsylvania has a few other important things that you will need to consider regarding window tinting and we recommend that you check them out before deciding whether or not you tint your windows:
- Do I have to have side mirrors in Pennsylvania? Dual side mirrors are required only if back window is tinted.
- Is colored tint illegal in Pennsylvania? All tint colors are allowed in Pennsylvania.
- What are the Window Tint Certification Rules in Pennsylvania? Manufacturers of film do NOT need to certify the film they sell in Pennsylvania.
- Do I need a certified sticker from the company installing my window tint in Pennsylvania? Sticker to identify legal tinting is required in Pennsylvania
- Are there Medical Exemptions in Pennsylvania for Window Tint? Pennsylvania allows medical exemptions for special tint.
Always remember that Pennsylvania tint laws can change on a daily basis and these rules and regulations may be interpreted differently on a city to city or county to county basis. We recommend double-checking the information contained on this website with your local DMV or local law enforcement agencies for accuracy. This information relating to window tint laws inPennsylvaniawas last updated on January 7th, 2022. Tinting laws inPennsylvaniawere enacted in 1999. In case any of our info provided is not up to date or correct be sure to contact us so we can fix it. Thanks!
Pennsylvania Window Tint Law Medical Exemption References
Department of Transportation can issue a certificate of exemption for vehicles where the owner or member of the household of the owner or registrant who regularly drives or is driven in the vehicle, suffers from a physical condition determined by the department, in consultation with the Medical Advisory Board, to justify the exemption.
Pennsylvania allows only colorless materials, and to apply for a medical exemption you need to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Medical Unit (number specified in PDF below).
For more information regarding window tint medical exemptions in _____ you can check out this resource:
- Pennsylvania Code Title 75 – VEHICLES, § 4524
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Vehicle window tint fact sheet (.pdf file)
Want a complete guide for medical exemptions for tinted windows in all 50 states?
Click this button to be taken to a PDF file that will help you to understand the medical exemptions in all 50 states
State of Pennsylvania Information
Pennsylvania, officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a US state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, and the Great Lakes region. The state borders Delaware to the southeast, Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, Lake Erie and Ontario, Canada to the northwest, New York to the north and New Jersey to the east. Pennsylvania is the 33rd most extensive, the 6th most populous, and the 9th most densely populated of the 50 United States. The state’s four most populous cities are Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Erie.

What is the Capital of Pennsylvania
The capital of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg
What is the population of Pennsylvania
The population of Pennsylvania is 12,801,989 according to Wikipedia as of 2019.
What is the area of Pennsylvania
The area of Pennsylvania is 46,055 square miles and ranks as the 33rd largest state in the United States!
Pennsylvania Wikipedia Page
Check out Pennsylvania’s Wikipedia page to learn all kinds of cool facts about the state!
Official Pennsylvania state Website
If you want to learn more about the laws in Pennsylvania check out their official Website Here
What are the main cities located in Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Allentown, Lancaster, Centralia, State College, Erie, Bethlehem, Reading, King of Prussia, York, West Chester, Gettysburg, Altoona, Easton, Carlisle, New Hope, Johnstown, Doylestown, Manheim, Latrobe, Paint, Pottstown, Greensburg, Bensalem Township, Phoenixville, Norristown, Jim Thorpe, Hazleton, Chambersburg, Malvern, Upper Darby, Media, Lititz, Lansdale, Downingtown, Green Tree, Emporium, Pottsville, Conshohocken, Wayne, New Castle, Coatesville, Cranberry Township, Washington, Chester, Quakertown, Monroeville, Lebanon
What are the main counties located in Pennsylvania?
Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Venango, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming, York
FAQs
Is Pennsylvania strict on window tint? ›
According to PennDOT, tint is not allowed on the windshield of a vehicle except for the top four inches to shade the sun. The front side windows and backseat windows must allow for more than 70 percent of light to come in the vehicle.
What is the darkest tint allowed in PA? ›Windshield: Must allow more than 70% of light in, any darkness on top 3 inches. Front Side windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in. Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used. Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
How do I get a tint exemption in PA? ›Medical exemptions are available for the use of colorless window tint products that filter incoming ultra violet light. To apply for a medical exemption or for questions regarding the medical exemption process, contact PennDOT's Medical Unit at (717) 787-9662.
Can you get pulled over for tint in PA 2022? ›The initial answer is yes. If a car is registered in PA, then the police can pull you over for having non-factory installed tint on windows.
What is the fine for window tint in PA? ›Though there is no mandatory minimum in PA for the fine, you can expect to pay up to $110 if pulled over with illegally tinted windows. In addition to this, if you violate the law, you will have to strip the tint from your windows.
What is the stock tint? ›When you buy a vehicle, it typically comes with anywhere from 15 to 20 percent window tint. This tint is usually not on all windows of the car and is mostly found on the rear windows only. Factory window tint is where the glass itself is tinted, unlike the film that is used to make your windows darker thereafter.
Is 70 percent tint dark? ›A tint darkness rated at 70% means that the tinted window allows 70% of all visible light to pass through the window. This means in turn the tint rejects just 30% of the visible light. This is a very light tint option, and one that appears clear to many viewers.
Is 30 percent tint dark? ›Is 30 percent tint dark? A vehicle with a 30% tint will give you a darker appearance but is still very easy to see through making it one of the most popular tint shades. It is considered a medium shade as it is right between 5% which is the darkest and 50% which is a very light tint and considered clear by most.
How do you measure window tint? ›VLT is calculated using a specialized tint measurement tool. This tool is placed on either side of the window and measures the amount of visible light passing through. This calculation is typically given in a percentage where again the higher the number the more percent of visible light able to pass through.
Can you tint your front windshield? ›The UK has a window tinting law that ensures a certain amount of light is still able to penetrate the glass. At MR TINT you won't find us using any tint that would be against the UK laws. The front windscreen must allow a minimum of 75% of light in at all times.
What are the darkest legal tints? ›
- There are no federal laws governing windshield tint. ...
- Window tint percentage is measured by visible light transmittance (VLT), or the amount of light passing through the windows. ...
- Most new vehicles come with factory tint already installed. ...
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- Most manufacturer's tint will be no darker than 70 percent VLT.
Window tints are not prohibitively expensive, even for higher end brands. Average prices range from $100 – $400 to tint your whole car.
Can cops pull you over for tint in Philadelphia? ›Philadelphia police officers will no longer be able to pull drivers over for minor traffic violations, like driving without an inspection sticker or having a broken tail light, under an historic bill passed Thursday by City Council.
What do tint numbers mean? ›The percentage you see on window tint refers to the VLT, or visible light transmission. This number shows you how much light can get through the film and into your car. For example, if you install window tint that has a 50% VLT, the film will prevent 50% of the sun's rays from getting through the window.
How much is a tint ticket in NJ 2021? ›VINELAND - Tinting a vehicle's windshield and front windows may be a trend but it's illegal in New Jersey. The police department's traffic safety unit will be cracking down on violators with summonses that carry a $54 fine per offense, if found guilty.
What does 15 percent tint mean? ›A tint darkness rated at 15% means that the tinted window allows 15% of the visible light to pass through the window film. This means in turn that the tint rejects 85% of the light.
Is mirror tint legal in Maryland? ›What is the legal tint in Maryland? In Maryland, legal tint varies by vehicle. All windows in passenger cars, convertibles, and station wagons are required to have at least 35% light transmittance. These cars are also not allowed to have red, yellow, amber, and reflective window tint.
What is the legal tint in NYC? ›Section 375 (12-a) of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law does not allow a windshield or front side windows that are dark. The windshield and front side windows cannot block more than 30% of the light. Seventy percent or more of the light from the outside must pass through the window.
How can I tell what percent my tint is? ›To get the combined VLT percentage, you need to multiply the VLT of the glass with the VLT of the film. In this case, that would be (0.50 x 0.80) x 100 =40% VLT. This means you'll end up with a 40% VLT tint after installing your film.
Is factory tint better than aftermarket? ›Having an aftermarket window film installed on your windows over factory tint can greatly reduce your chances of skin issues and help reject up to 99% of harmful UV rays. Another reason aftermarket tint is better is that it helps reject heat unlike factory tint.
What is the best car window tint level? ›
A car window tint percentage of 50% is effective in keeping out UV rays and heat. It blocks half of the light, thus reducing glare and eye strain. If you're looking for a stylish and smooth look for your mobile car, the best window tint percentage is 35%. It gives off a darker appearance without sacrificing visibility.
What is limo tint percentage? ›Five percent shade is also called "Limo Tint". This shade only allows in 5% of the available light. Auto One locations may offer different shades.
Does ceramic tint make a difference? ›Ceramic window tint is much more effective for heat protection because of the way it targets heat. Designed to target and block infrared light though special infrared blockers in the film's layers, ceramic window tint is the best choice in window tinting for desired heat reduction entering the cab of a car.
Does ceramic tint look hazy? ›Method 1: What you're most likely experiencing is known as 'low angle haze' which can happen to carbon and ceramic window films. When light shines at a low angle, as it does during morning or evening sun, haziness will appear in the window because of microscopic particle density in the IR layer of the film.
Is 25% tint dark enough? ›IS 25% TINT DARK ENOUGH? 25 window tint is a good option if you are looking for something that is not too dark, but not too light either. It's a great choice for those who want some privacy and sun protection from UV Rays without making the car too dark and glaringly obvious to authorities or police officials.
Is 15 tint dark enough? ›While it is not the darkest tint available, 15 percent tint is a fairly dark window film and will block out UV rays and help with privacy when trying to view inside the vehicle. You will have to be very close to the car in order to view through the window, it will not be easy and will provide a high level of privacy.
How dark should I tint my windows? ›For 2022 the law requires that a reflected tint is not allowed on the first 4 inches of the windshield and front side windows and up to 70% of tint darkness is allowed in combination with factory-tinted windows. For the rear windows and back seat side windows, any tint darkness can be used.
Is there an app to test window tint? ›Tint meter - check car window tinting is described as 'Tint meter is free app that check car window tinting' and is an app. There are 1 alternatives to Tint meter - check car window tinting for Android. The best alternative is Tint meter, which is free.
How accurate are window tint meters? ›The Tint Meter is accurate to plus or minus 2 percentage points of true visible light transmittance (VLT). For example, a 32% meter reading means the light transmittance could be between 30% and 34% Please take this measurement tolerance into account when using the meter.
What does VLT mean in window tint? ›Net VLT (Visible Light Transmission) is a very common term in automotive tint laws. The "NET" portion refers to the combination of both glass and film, and not just the film alone. Automotive glass usually contains some level of factory tinting. Most automotive glass is in the range of 70% - 85% light transmission.
What is Chameleon tint? ›
Chameleon tint is different than your ordinary window tint film in that it has colored dye in the film. This color, generally of a purple, blue, and green gradient, will appear to change colors as the tinted vehicle is in motion or the angle of the sun/light changes.
How do I prep my windshield for tint? ›How to Prep the Inside of the Car Window for the Window Tint
Can you get points for tints? ›If the front side windows or windscreen are found to be too heavily tinted, drivers are committing an offense. They can then be issued with an Endorseable Fixed Penalty Notice (EFPN) – meaning three points on the driving licence and a fine.
What does 70% VLT window tint look like? ›Is 70% VLT Window Tint worth it? - YouTube
Is 35 window tint dark? ›35% tint blocks out 65% of the light, and is considered a medium shade in the tint spectrum. For comparison, 5% tint, also known as limo tint, is is the darkest tint available by most window film manufacturers. 35% is a shade that is legal for front windows in many states, making it a very very popular shade of tint.
How long does it take to tint windows? ›On the average four-door sedan, it can take anywhere between one-and-a-half to two hours. On bigger cars with lots of glass surface area, steep window rake or complex window curves, the process can take up to two hours or more.
What is the tint limit in Texas? ›Windshield: 25% VLT tint is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line or top 5 inches, with less than 25% reflection. Front Side windows: Must allow more than 25% of light in. Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
How much does it cost to tint a Tesla Model 3? ›The cost depends on your location and the type of tint you prefer. If you fancy a high-quality ceramic tint, expect to pay between $400 and $1,200. 3M Crystalline is well over $1,000. According to Tesbros, the Model 3 has a massive rear glass size, which requires a skilled professional.
What can you get pulled over for in Philly? ›Driving with an unfastened Registration Plate (must still be visible) Driving with one missing brake light, head light, or running light. Items hanging from the rear view mirror. Minor Bumper issues.
What is the driving Equality law in Philadelphia? ›PHILADELPHIA, PA — Driving Equality, which ends the traffic stops that promote discrimination while keeping the traffic stops that promote public safety, is now enforceable law in the City of Philadelphia. These violations include: Late registration (with a sixty day grace period)
Is 30 percent window tint legal in PA? ›
A: Tinted windows are allowed in Pennsylvania, gentlemen, but the state specifies that, for passenger cars, the tinting can block no more than 30 percent of the light coming into the vehicle.
Is 15 or 20 tint darker? ›15% tint allows in only 15% of the light, while 20% tint lets in 20% of the light. A 15% tint will make your car darker than a 20% tint. If you're looking for maximum privacy, go with a 15% tint.
How many cars can you tint with 100 feet? ›When buying your film roll, consider that a 100-foot roll can tint between 8 and 12 cars depending on the type of car. You can go crazy with a lot of expensive tools, but if you just need to get started on your own at home, here's a simple list of things to get before your tint job.
Can you get pulled over for tint in PA 2022? ›The initial answer is yes. If a car is registered in PA, then the police can pull you over for having non-factory installed tint on windows.
What is legal tint in PA? ›According to PennDOT, tint is not allowed on the windshield of a vehicle except for the top four inches to shade the sun. The front side windows and backseat windows must allow for more than 70 percent of light to come in the vehicle. The rear window can be tinted.
Can you pass inspection with tinted windows NJ? ›You are allowed to have all of your back windows tinted, which include the driver side, passenger side, rear door windows, any windows behind that, and the rear glass window. Your front windows are only allowed to be tinted if you have a medical permit for it.
Is 70 percent tint dark? ›A tint darkness rated at 70% means that the tinted window allows 70% of all visible light to pass through the window. This means in turn the tint rejects just 30% of the visible light. This is a very light tint option, and one that appears clear to many viewers.
Is 30 percent tint dark? ›Is 30 percent tint dark? A vehicle with a 30% tint will give you a darker appearance but is still very easy to see through making it one of the most popular tint shades. It is considered a medium shade as it is right between 5% which is the darkest and 50% which is a very light tint and considered clear by most.
What does 20 percent tint mean? ›If your tint has a 20% percent VLT, it blocks 80% of the outside light. Don't make the mistake of buying tint with a high VLT percentage thinking it will be darker. Otherwise, you'll end up with the opposite effect.
What does 15 percent tint mean? ›A tint darkness rated at 15% means that the tinted window allows 15% of the visible light to pass through the window film. This means in turn that the tint rejects 85% of the light.
How much does it cost to tint a 4 door car? ›
Window tints are not prohibitively expensive, even for higher end brands. Average prices range from $100 – $400 to tint your whole car.
What is limo tint percentage? ›Five percent shade is also called "Limo Tint". This shade only allows in 5% of the available light. Auto One locations may offer different shades.
Does ceramic tint make a difference? ›Ceramic window tint is much more effective for heat protection because of the way it targets heat. Designed to target and block infrared light though special infrared blockers in the film's layers, ceramic window tint is the best choice in window tinting for desired heat reduction entering the cab of a car.
Is 25% tint dark enough? ›IS 25% TINT DARK ENOUGH? 25 window tint is a good option if you are looking for something that is not too dark, but not too light either. It's a great choice for those who want some privacy and sun protection from UV Rays without making the car too dark and glaringly obvious to authorities or police officials.
How do I tell how dark my tint is? ›Place the tint meter on the window by sliding it onto the partially rolled down window. The tint meter has a slot on it that slides onto a window. Then, read the digital display on the tint meter. This will give you your exact tint percentage, or opacity rating.
Does 35 tint make a difference? ›50% and 35% Window Tint
It blocks half of the light, thus reducing glare and eye strain. If you're looking for a stylish and smooth look for your mobile car, the best window tint percentage is 35%. It gives off a darker appearance without sacrificing visibility. You can still see through the window.
The only problem is that it's at roughly 20% tint that seeing out of your windows at night becomes incredibly difficult, especially when paired with a darker tint around the back. It's not that you'll be completely blind, but for safety, you should definitely wind down your side windows after dark.
Is 15% or 20% tint darker? ›15% tint allows in only 15% of the light, while 20% tint lets in 20% of the light. A 15% tint will make your car darker than a 20% tint. If you're looking for maximum privacy, go with a 15% tint.
What is the most popular window tint percentage? ›The Most Common Window Tinting Percentages
Some of the most common window tint percentages are 50 percent, 35 percent, 20 percent, and five percent.
CAN YOU SEE THROUGH 15% TINT AT NIGHT? Yes, you can see through 15 percent window tint at night when you are inside the vehicle. If you are outside of the vehicle trying to see into a car with 15 tints installed, you'll likely need to have your head up against the glass and even then, the inside will be dark.
Can you see inside a car with 35% tint? ›
The short answer is YES. That's because this tint allows 35% of the visible light(VLT) to pass through the window film, which is pretty much enough for you to see everything outside of the car.
Is ceramic tint darker? ›While ceramic window tint isn't actually darker than its counterparts, there are a lot of different factors that create this perception. Ceramic window tint tends to stand up to the elements a lot better than the other types of tint, which means it does often stay darker for longer.