Beyond the aesthetics, aftermarket car window tinting enhances the occupants’ privacy, improves temperature control, reduces the potential for dangerous glares, and, depending on whether it’s a ceramic or carbon window tint, even improves window strength. Factory tint, which comes with most new vechicles, is a permanent feature of the glass and hovers around 15% to 20% visible light transmittance, or how much visible light passes through the window. While that’s more than dark enough for some drivers, others prefer a near-blackout effect. Whether adding tint to a clear window or stacking on top of factory tinting, before the film comes out, it’s important to understand your state’s laws.
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Tinted glass adds privacy, but the darker tints are banned in almost every state because they’re seen as a safety risk. That’s why every state has regulations in place regarding aftermarket tinting. California, known for being fairly strict on traffic safety, has a rather tought allowance. Per the state’s Vehicle Code, the lowest allowable aftermarket tint is 70%. While not fully transparent, as it still blocks 30% of visible light, it’s quite light when compared to states that don’t seem to care about window tint, which allow as much as 100% tint on certain windows.
There are a few caveats to the law, particularly what’s required for tinting to be considered legal. Before going to add that darker tint, avoid the ticket and brush up on California’s law.
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