North Carolina Tint Law Overview
North Carolina, a state that has long been known for its insight into the public’s safety, is a state which has not adopted the VLT ( Visible Light Transmission ) tint laws until The General Assembly of North Carolina has passed H1043 on July 13, 1999. The law which went into effect on 1-1-2000 allows most passenger vehicles to have window tinting. According to the law, each window, shall have a tinting device which permits at least thirty five (35) percent of light transmittance, except when the tint applies to the rear windows and the windshield. Rear tinted windows may have maximum tinting of thirty five (35) percent or more. In the case of the windshield tint, the film should not be darker than thirty (30) percent or the film should not be rated as more than 15% of light transmittance. Window tint on the windshield may be on top of the film for a distance of five (5) inches in height.
It’s been seen time and time again when the patrol officer stops the vehicle for inspection purposes; the officer will proceed to ask and want to see the doctors’ prescription paper for having tint on the windows. In some cases, officers will test the tint of the window and then confiscate your tint upon having a tint dosage which raises their suspicion the tint darkness is within illegal limits. It does not take a rocket scientist to point out that the tint remedies the fact that ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause injury to the skin and that the tint protects eyes from glare. Some of the persons who have purchased new cars are now having to replace all their factory tinted windows and reinstall clear glass at a great expense.
When a person decides to place any type of tinted film on the windshield, they should be aware of the fact that the windshield must not have a colored tint. The top strip of tinted film may be covered on the windshield but, over the tinted film, only the factory tint band can be tinted. The window tint could have a visual light transmittance (VLT) rating not less than 35% , plus a manufacturer’s dot matrix or engraving, and an additional 5% VLT rating that may be found on the shaded band. The top band is to be no longer than five inches along the top of the windshield as being marked or classified by the manufacturer when the vehicle is manufactured.
You should be alert to the fact that the tint placed on the front driver windows and front passenger windows shall not exceed a VLT of thirty five (35) percent. However, the tint placed on the rear driver windows and rear passenger windows can be tinted thirty five (35%) percent or more. The tint placed on the back windows in vehicles that are manufactured without factory installed window tint can be tinted thirty five (35%) percent or more.
Before you begin installing any type of tinted windows onto your vehicle you should keep in mind that many car dealerships will not service vehicles that have tinted window glass. Mechanic may refuse to service the vehicle if improperly tinted windows have been installed. Mechanics may avoid services to your cars because of the shadows cast from tinted windows preventing the mechanics to see the vehicles VIN Number. The VIN Number gives vital information to assist the mechanics to successfully do their jobs such as identifying the vehicle replacement parts as needed, if ever a part needs to be replaced.
Don’t forget; the maintenance department at the police station may have window tint testers that are used to check the percentage of light on tinted windows on vehicles stopped for violations. This will help police officers determine if the tint is illegal.Claims for damages against retail establishments will not be allowed once an order is given against the tint manufacturer. Let’s make this planet a greener planet and comply with the laws. Take heed to the restrictions if having window tints is a substance that makes a bad impression on you or others. Let’s respect the rules and avoid the possible penalties and fines.
Legal Tint Darkness for Different Windows
The law in North Carolina has different requirements for how dark the tint can be on various types of vehicles. First, let’s start with sedans or other passenger vehicles. For these, any window except the windshield can be tinted. Windshields can only be tinted to 35 percent or over. We regularly receive calls from people who are under the impression that they can tint their windshield. We wish they could, but unfortunately the law does not allow it. For SUVs and trucks, the tint can be 20 percent on the first window. The back windows can be tinted so that the left side and right side (driver side and passenger side) windows of an SUV or truck can be totally black. These are more commonly referred to as "limo tint." Again, we want to stress that the front two windows on any vehicle must be a percentage above 35 percent and can not be tinted out all the way.
Front Windshield Vs. Front & Rear Windows
In North Carolina, different rules may apply to the tinting of the rear windows and the front windows of a vehicle. Generally, there are fewer restrictions when it comes to the amount of tint that is allowed on rear windows. This is because window tinting is often used to shield vehicles from the sun, which can be quite a nuisance in some areas.
But because rear window tinting is sometimes "too effective," it can pose safety hazards because it can impede a driver’s rear visibility. For this reason, front window tinting laws are stricter than the rules that apply to rear tinting. If a front window is tinted, whether entirely or partially, it must meet the state’s visual light transmission standards.
Under North Carolina General Statute 20-127, the law applied to the tinted windows of a vehicle is as follows:
"(a) The Division of Motor Vehicles may issue a certificate exempting a motor vehicle registered in this State from the requirement that the windshield, or any portion thereof, shall be equipped with safety glazing so long as the safety glazing complies with the following (i) the film is at least 70% light in total visible light transmittance and meets the criteria as set forth in the United States Department of Transportation Federal Specification No. ANSI Z26.1 and (ii) a Certificate of Labeling (CMVSS 205) is affixed to the automobile by the seller of the film at the time of installation."
As you can see, special circumstances apply to the tinting of the front windows of vehicles. In addition to this North Carolina law regarding tinting, federal law also applies. Vehicles that were purchased before January 1, 1982 must have a window film that "has a total light transmittance of more than 85%" in the front windshield.
Before you tint the windows of your car, familiarize yourself with not only other legal requirements but also with any exemptions from this tint requirement. For instance, if window tinting restricts the driver’s field of vision, or if the tint on the front windows renders the windshield ineffective at detection of objects during the nighttime hours, the windows will not pass inspection and exemption may be granted. But although these exemptions may sound enticing, they may only be used "to accommodate a visual perception problem as verified by the Division of Motor Vehicles or a qualified doctor or optometrist." The bottom line is that window tinting on the front windows of a car should be legal — but not so dark that it compromises safety or imposing an undue burden on the driver.
North Carolina Tint Medical Exemption
In addition to the exception that allows front window tint for commercial and law enforcement vehicles, there is also a medical exemption for passenger vehicles. Under Section .0201(a)(3), a registered owner may apply for an exemption if they or any of their passengers have medical conditions that warrant darker windows. As stated in the window tint rules, Unusual treatment for a medical condition is not dealt with by the regular body of doctors. In such instances of treatment it can be appropriate to allow special equipment and to allow deviation from standard rules and regulations. The eye care community strongly believes tinted glass should be permissible in such instances. What’s important to note here is that the law is designed to make it possible for those with physicians’ recommendations for tinted windows to drive without being cited. It does not mean that everyone who has tinted windows will be able to avoid having their windows inspected. Each vehicle is subject to inspection under G.S. 20-127. "No person shall drive any vehicle upon a highway when the tint on the vehicle’s windshield, side window, rear window, or other window does not possess a sign or sticker indicating that it has been approved as provided in [the tint] rules." This means that you will need documentation from your medical doctor if you’re going to have darker windows than the law lumps in under medical exceptions. In the event you receive a tint ticket, the officer will likely ask you for proof of medical exemption when your vehicle reaches the Traffic Enforcement Unit office. This will include your medical doctor’s office documenting that you are, in fact, receiving treatment that warrants darker windows. When it comes to darker tints with medical exemptions in North Carolina, conscious compliance is highly recommended. If the officer must go through an appeals process to determine whether the tint is legal and whether a medical exemption applies, you could be cited and fined and required to remove tints that are still noncompliant, in addition to the cost of legal fees to obtain a district court hearing to ask for reconsideration of the rule violation. Bottom line, it’s just easier to have your doctor’s office on board from the get-go.
North Carolina Tint Penalties
If you are found to have illegal window tint on your vehicle in North Carolina, you may be subjected to a number of penalties. First and foremost, you may receive a ticket for illegal tint, which can result in a violation of NCGS § 20-179, and incur fines and points assessed to your driving record. Secondly, the officer who pulls you over may issue you an inspection repair order (IRO) requiring you take your vehicle to get new tint that is compliant with state law. If you fail to do so , you may be issued another ticket. This is considered failure to comply with an order given to you by a law enforcement officer and can be charged as a violation of NCGS § 20-161.3. Penalties tend to be pretty steep for illegal tint so it’s important that you check your windows and windshield before installing any aftermarket films. Make sure you understand the percentage of visible light required to be let into your car and that you are in compliance with this law. If you are not in compliance, you will have to fully remove the film, as briefly outlined earlier, before you attempt to get your vehicle inspected. Otherwise, you will fail your inspection and may receive additional tickets.
How To Choose a Compliant Tint Shade
Now that you understand the window tint laws in North Carolina, how do you go about choosing something that is compliant with the law? One rule of thumb is to always work with a professional that is familiar with the law and understands the state regulations.
The most important detail to keep in mind while you are working with a professional or choosing a tint is that visibly tinted is a must—limiting light transmittance is simply not an option. Ask to see samples of the tint options they have available and request to see their source material to ensure you are purchasing and installing a higher standard tint—solvent or dye-based.
To guarantee that your tint meets the legal requirements, it is a good idea to take your vehicle to an authorized window film dealer who is certified by the International Window Film Association (IWFA). The IWFA certification is the leading standard in the window film industry and certification signifies expertise in installation, state-by-state regulations, and solution suggestions for the client’s preferences and needs.
Be aware of the options available to you and always follow the tinting rules in North Carolina to avoid any issues with law enforcement.
The Changing North Carolina Tint Law
They say death and taxes are the only two certainties in life—and maybe I’d add tint laws to that list too. These regulations are constantly changing, as you’ll find evidence of should you ever look up a specific state law online. It seems the only thing that stays the same is the fact that there will forever be gray areas in any tint law.
Not only do your local laws vary from those in neighboring counties and states, but every year there’s new legislation that makes you reconsider tinting your vehicle at all. Keeping up-to-date with the law and your professional tinting options can be more than a little confusing.
The tint law here in North Carolina, like most other legal requirements, is subject to change without notice, as long as your law enforcement officer is willing to issue you a citation. Worst case scenario, if the tint movie you’ve chosen doesn’t meet the specified NTMA, or you’ve had another incident, you’ll be legally forced to remove the tinted window and start over, or face the possibility of paying a hefty fine. The best case scenario, you think your tint meets the law, only to find out it doesn’t (which is often the case). Given these possibilities, I’d recommend placing a call every year to check out the current tint laws should you ever have your heart set on getting a new piercing .
There’s nothing to be gained from tinting your windows to within 1% of the law as most of us have to literally squint to see anything through the tinted glass of the vehicle, I’d advise against that too. Stick with 50% tint at the very darkest, and stay with the law.
In other words, it pays to stay in the loop. Not only do you want to ensure your vehicle remains on the right side of North Carolina tint laws, but you should also skip over additional fines or citations by avoiding getting a ticket for your tint levels.
If you’re wondering exactly where to find those updated tint laws, we have all the resources you need:
An online search for your tinting needs? There’s an app for that. (Or, at least, a web-based tool.) The American window film organization has tons of helpful resources, including research, performance data and legal information. You’ll find North Carolina tint laws, up-to-date tint rates, and more are just a tap away. Download it today and you’ll have all the tinting details you need on the fly.
If you’re looking to remain on the safe side of North Carolina tint laws, keep up-to-date with your local legislation and tinting options offered by the pros in your area. If you’re unsure of whether you can tint your vehicle, give your local tinting professional a call before you decide to make the move.