Window tint is a key feature of many modern vehicles. However, not all window tints are legal. California law has strict standards on blacking out your windows or applying a heavy tint. The rules, which are governed by the California Vehicle Code, differ based on what windows are being tinted.
What Is Window Tint?
Window tint is a thin film applied to the interior surface of a vehicle’s glass that reduces the amount of light that passes through. It comes in a range of darkness levels and is measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which refers to the percentage of light allowed through.
A 50% tint lets in half the available light. A 5% tint blocks 95% of light, making it difficult to see through from the outside.
Common Types of Window Tint and Their Benefits for Drivers
Drivers may choose to tint their windows for several reasons. Tint reduces heat buildup inside the vehicle by blocking solar energy. It also cuts down on glare from the sun and oncoming headlights and adds privacy for occupants and valuables in the car.
Window tint comes in several different types:
- Dyed film primarily blocks light.
- Metalized film uses small metallic particles to reflect heat, but can interfere with GPS and cell signals.
- Carbon film offers strong heat protection without signal interference.
- Ceramic tint provides heat and UV blocking, is highly durable, and doesn’t affect electronic signals at all.
The darkness of the film directly affects how well a driver can see out of their windows, which is why states regulate it.
Window Tint Rules in California
California regulates window tint based on which windows are being covered with film. For the windshield, only the top four inches may have any tint applied (and it must be non-reflective). The front side windows must also allow more than 70 percent of light through.
The rear side windows and the back windshield are treated more permissively. If your vehicle has mirrors on both sides, California allows any level of tint darkness on those windows. So, technically, 5% tint, often called “limo tint,” is legal in California, but only on the rear side windows and rear windshield.
Applying a dark tint to your front side windows is a violation of California law and puts you at risk of a fix-it ticket and a fine if pulled over.
What Happens if You’re Pulled Over With Illegal Window Tint?
Getting caught with illegal tint in California typically results in a correctable violation. You’ll receive a citation and be required to remove the tint and verify the correction with law enforcement. Fines are modest for a first offense. Repeat violations or failures to correct the issue can result in higher penalties.
Can Window Tint Affect Fault in a Crash?
California follows a pure comparative fault system, which means fault in a car accident can be divided among all parties involved in the crash. Any percentage of fault assigned to you will reduce your compensation award.
If your vehicle had illegally tinted front windows at the time of a crash, the other party’s attorney or insurance company may argue that the tint contributed to the accident. Heavily tinted front windows reduce your visibility (particularly at night or in low-light conditions) and can make it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles in adjacent lanes.
The presence of illegal tint could become part of the fault conversation in your negligence claim and diminish the amount of compensation you can recover if you were not at fault.
Contact Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers, To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Santa Ana Car Accident Lawyer
While 5% window tint is legal in California for rear windows, applying it to front side windows violates state law and can lead to penalties. Beyond the risk of a citation, illegal tint may also play a role in determining fault after a crash.
If you’ve been injured in a crash and believe illegal window tint played a role, contact Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers, today. We offer a free consultation with an experienced Santa Ana car accident lawyer to help you understand your legal options.
We serve Cobb County. Visit our office located in Santa Ana, California.
Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers
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