North Carolina DMV Car Window Tints: Percentage, Laws & Exemptions

Main Points

• In North Carolina, car windows must have a minimum of 35% Visible Light Transmission (VLT).
• Windshield tint is permitted only on the top 5 inches and must have a VLT of 70%.
• People with certain conditions can get medical exemptions that allow for darker tints.
• Reflective tint can’t be more than 20% reflective for both front and back side windows.
• If you don’t follow the rules, you could be fined and have to remove the illegal tint.

North Carolina Window Tinting Rules Explained

North Carolina has specific car window tinting laws. The rules are there to make sure drivers can see well enough, while also giving them some privacy and keeping the car cooler. If you’re thinking about tinting your car windows in North Carolina, it’s important to know these rules.

Primarily, the state requires that a specific percentage of light must be able to pass through the windows of any vehicle. This percentage is referred to as Visible Light Transmission (VLT). The VLT percentage demonstrates the amount of light that can pass through the window tint film and glass.

Vehicle Categories and Tinting Rules

The regulations for window tinting are different depending on the category of vehicle you have. For example, passenger cars have different rules than multi-purpose vehicles such as SUVs and vans. It’s important to understand the specific rules for your category of vehicle.

For sedans, the front side windows need to let in more light than the back side and rear windows. However, for SUVs and vans, the rules for the rear windows are less strict.

Legal Limits for Tint Percentage and Reflectivity

It’s important to know the legal limits for tint percentage and reflectivity to make sure your car is in compliance with North Carolina law. Here’s what you need to know about the specific requirements for different windows:

Windshield Tint Percentage

Windshield tinting in North Carolina is subject to strict regulations. According to the law, only the top 5 inches of the windshield can be tinted, often referred to as the “AS-1 line.” The tint applied to this area must have a VLT (Visible Light Transmission) of no less than 70%, meaning it must let through 70% of the light.

Front Side Windows Tint Percentage

In North Carolina, the front side windows of any vehicle should have a VLT of at least 35%. This means that 35% of the light must be able to penetrate through the tint film and glass combined. This rule is to ensure that drivers have a clear view of their surroundings.

Back Side Window Tint Percentage

The rules for back side windows are a bit more lenient than those for the front side windows. Passenger cars must also have a VLT of at least 35% for the back side windows. SUVs and vans, however, have a bit more wiggle room and can have darker tints.

Percentage of Tint for the Rear Window

The rear window of passenger vehicles must meet the same VLT standard as the rear side windows, which is at least 35%. For SUVs and vans, the rear window can have a darker tint, as long as the vehicle has two side mirrors.

Limits on Reflectiveness

In addition to the VLT percentages, North Carolina also has rules about how reflective window tints can be. Reflective tints can help reduce glare and heat, but they can’t be more than 20% reflective on the front and back side windows. This limit helps to avoid excessive glare that could interfere with other drivers.

Who Can Apply for Medical Exemptions

In North Carolina, if you have a specific medical condition that requires you to reduce your exposure to sunlight, you may be eligible to apply for a medical exemption for window tinting. This would allow you to have darker tints than are usually allowed.

Conditions such as lupus, photosensitivity, melanoma, and other skin conditions worsened by sunlight exposure may be eligible for a medical exemption. It’s crucial to check with your doctor to see if your condition qualifies.

In addition to this, you will also need to get a signed statement from a licensed physician or optometrist to confirm the medical need for darker window tints. This document is a critical part of the application process.

• Lupus
• Photosensitivity
• Melanoma
• Other skin conditions worsened by sunlight

How to Apply for Medical Exemptions

Applying for a medical exemption for window tinting in North Carolina is a multi-step process. Here’s what you need to do:

• Get a signed statement from a licensed physician or optometrist that verifies your medical condition.
• Complete the Tinted Window Waiver Application Form that you can get from the North Carolina DMV.
• Send the completed form and the physician’s statement to the DMV.

When your application is reviewed and approved, you will get a permit that allows you to put darker tints on your car windows. This permit must always be in the car and shown to law enforcement when they ask for it.

It is critical to remember to renew your medical exemption permit as needed, which is usually every 2 to 5 years, based on the conditions established by the DMV. If you fail to renew the permit, you may face fines and the possibility of having the tint removed.

This is a sample of what the DMV might ask for:

“You will need to fill out a Tinted Window Waiver Application Form and include a statement from your doctor that verifies the medical need for darker tints. If your exemption is approved, you will receive a permit that is valid for 2 to 5 years.”

Requirements for Medical Exemption Documentation

For your medical exemption application to be successful, you must provide all necessary documentation. This includes:

A written declaration from a certified doctor or optometrist explaining your medical condition and the necessity for darker window tints. The declaration should contain the doctor’s contact information and medical license number.

Finish filling out the Tinted Window Waiver Application Form. Be sure to complete all sections accurately and legibly to avoid any processing delays.

What Your Car Needs to Have to be Legal with Tint

North Carolina has specific laws on window tinting for vehicles. These laws are in place to make sure that your tint doesn’t interfere with your ability to drive or with the visibility of the people inside your vehicle.

Two Side Mirrors

In North Carolina, if you have tinted back windows on your car, you are legally required to have two side mirrors. This is to make sure you can see the road and other cars well enough, even if your back window is very dark from the tint.

Let’s say you own an SUV with a rear window tint that’s darker than 35%. In this case, you’re required to have side mirrors on both sides of the vehicle. This is a safety precaution to make up for the limited visibility through the back window.

Prohibited Colors

In North Carolina, there are certain colors of window tint that are not allowed. In particular, red, amber, and yellow tints are not permitted. These colors can be a distraction to other drivers and may affect your ability to see clearly.

Keep it simple and stick with standard tint colors such as black, gray, and green to avoid running afoul of state regulations. Using prohibited colors could get you fined and require the removal of the illegal tint.

Exceptions and Deviations to Tint Laws

Despite North Carolina’s stringent rules on window tint percentages and colors, there are a few exceptions and deviations to keep in mind.

• Medical exceptions that allow for darker tints
• Varied rules for passenger vehicles and SUVs or vans
• Allowed reflective tints with up to 20% reflectiveness

Knowing these differences can assist you in selecting the appropriate tint for your car and remaining within the law. Always check the most recent state laws or consult with a professional tinting company to make sure you’re in compliance.

Keep in mind, there may be extra rules in your local county. So, it’s crucial to double-check with your local DMV to see if there are any unique requirements where you live.

Pros and Cons of Window Tinting

Window tinting has a number of advantages, but it also has a few disadvantages. Knowing both can assist you in deciding whether or not to tint your car’s windows.

Why Tint Your Car Windows?

Tinting your car windows has many perks. Some of the most significant advantages are:

Privacy: With tinted windows, you and your passengers can enjoy a heightened sense of privacy as they make it more difficult for others to see into your car.

Lowering the Temperature: Window tints can dramatically decrease the heat inside your car, providing a more pleasant experience in hot climates.

UV Protection: Top-notch window tints can ward off up to 99% of damaging UV rays, shielding your skin and keeping your car’s interior from losing its color.

Disadvantages of Incorrect Tinting

Although window tinting offers numerous advantages, incorrect tinting can cause several problems:

Decreased Sight: Overly dark tints can obstruct your vision, particularly at night or in dimly lit situations, leading to a higher likelihood of collisions.

Legal Consequences: If you don’t follow the state’s tint laws, you could face fines, penalties, and be forced to remove the illegal tint.

Resale Value: If the tint is not installed properly or does not meet the regulations, it can reduce the resale value of your car.

Why You Should Understand Safety and Legalities

It’s crucial to grasp the safety and legal ramifications of window tinting. Dark tints can impair visibility, particularly at night or in low-light situations, raising the likelihood of accidents. As a result, complying with the state’s tinting laws is critical for your safety and the safety of other drivers.

Also, if you don’t follow tint laws, you could face legal consequences. Police officers can give you a ticket, and you might have to take off the illegal tint. If you keep breaking the law, you could face even bigger penalties.

Wrapping Up on North Carolina Window Tint Laws

The window tint laws in North Carolina are in place to strike a balance between privacy, comfort, and safety. By being aware of and complying with these rules, you can reap the rewards of window tinting without running into legal problems or jeopardizing safety.

Why You Should Stick to Legal Tint Limits

Sticking to the legal tint limits isn’t just about avoiding a fine. It’s about making sure you can see properly when you’re driving, which is important for your safety and the safety of other road users. Legal tints strike the right balance between privacy and visibility, so they’re a smart choice for any driver.

The Influence of Tint Laws on Safe Driving

Tint laws exist to ensure that all drivers have a clear view of their surroundings. Dark tints can make it hard to see other cars, people, and road signs, particularly at night. By adhering to the legal tint limits, you can contribute to your own safety and the safety of others on the road.

North Carolina Car Window Tints Laws Summary

Commonly Asked Questions

Is 20% tint legal in North Carolina?

No, it’s against the law to have a 20% tint on passenger cars in North Carolina. The state law mandates that front and back side windows should allow at least 35% Visible Light Transmission (VLT). However, SUVs and vans are allowed to have darker tints on the rear windows as long as the vehicle is equipped with dual side mirrors.

What is the maximum legal tint in North Carolina?

The maximum legal tint for passenger cars in North Carolina is 35% VLT for both front and rear side windows. For the back window, the same 35% VLT is allowed unless you have an SUV or van, where darker tints are permitted with dual side mirrors.

Is a sticker required to show that my tint is legal?

Indeed, in North Carolina, a sticker is required to show that your tint is legal. This sticker should be positioned between the film and the glass on each tinted window. It serves as evidence that your tint meets state standards and can help you avoid penalties during traffic stops.

Which medical conditions are eligible for window tint in NC?

In North Carolina, medical conditions such as lupus, photosensitivity, melanoma, and other skin conditions that are worsened by sunlight are eligible for window tint exemptions. A licensed physician or optometrist must confirm the medical need for darker tints.

What happens if I break the window tint laws?

If you’re caught with illegal window tint in North Carolina, you can expect to pay a fine. The amount can change, but you might also be asked to take off the illegal tint. If you’re caught more than once, the punishment could be worse, including bigger fines and possible legal trouble.

Knowing and adhering to North Carolina’s window tint laws allows you to take advantage of tinted windows and remain safe and law-abiding while driving.