Illinois SOS Tint Laws: Window Percentage, Legal Limits & Insurance Guide

Key Takeaways

• Illinois law requires more than 35% of light to be let in through front side windows.
• On multi-purpose vehicles, back side windows and rear windows can be as dark as you want.
• Tinting is only allowed on the top 6 inches of windshields.
• Medical exemptions for darker tints are available but require proper documentation.
• Violating tint laws can lead to fines and affect your vehicle insurance rates.

Illinois Window Tint Laws Overview

The window tint laws in Illinois are in place to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. These laws are overseen by the Secretary of State (SOS) and specify how much light must pass through your vehicle’s windows. This is known as the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage.

Why are there Window Tint Regulations?

There are several justifications for window tint regulations. First and foremost, they guarantee that drivers have sufficient visibility, which is essential for safe driving. Furthermore, these regulations allow law enforcement officers to see inside vehicles during traffic stops, which helps to ensure their safety.

Key Aspects of Illinois Tint Laws

The tint laws in Illinois are very particular about the permitted VLT percentages for various windows and kinds of vehicles. The front side windows must let in more than 35% of light. This is to make sure that drivers have an unobstructed view of their surroundings. For the back side windows and the rear windows, the rules change depending on the vehicle type.

Why You Should Follow the Rules

Abiding by these laws isn’t just about steering clear of fines; it’s also about guaranteeing your safety and the safety of others on the road. Disobeying these laws can result in accidents due to poor visibility and can also lead to penalties that could impact your driving record and insurance premiums.

“In Illinois, if you have any tint on the rear window, it must have dual side mirrors.” This requirement ensures that drivers can still see behind them even if the rear window is heavily tinted.

Legal Window Tint Percentages

It’s important to understand the legal window tint percentages for different types of vehicles to stay in compliance with Illinois laws.

Sedans

The front side windows of sedans must let in more than 35% of light. This is to make sure that drivers can see the road clearly and without any obstructions. The rear side windows and the rear window can be as dark as the driver prefers, allowing for some level of customization.

SUVs and Vans

The rules are a bit different for SUVs and vans. The front side windows must still let in over 35% of light. However, the back side windows and rear windows can be as dark as you want. This allows for more privacy and sun protection for passengers in the back seats.

Regulations for Tinting Windshields

The rules for tinting windshields are more stringent. In the state of Illinois, only the top 6 inches of the windshield can be tinted. This is commonly known as the “eyebrow” and is intended to minimize sun glare without blocking the driver’s line of sight.

Exceptions and Medical Exemptions

These rules do have exceptions, particularly for medical reasons. Certain individuals may require darker tints due to medical conditions that increase their sensitivity to sunlight.

How to Qualify for Medical Exemptions

In order to qualify for a medical exemption, you must have a medical condition that necessitates darker window tints. This condition must be certified by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.

How to Apply

To apply for a medical exemption, you’ll need to provide certain documents to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. These documents should include a letter from your doctor explaining your medical condition and why you need darker window tints.

Required Paperwork

In addition to your doctor’s note, the Secretary of State’s office may require you to complete certain forms. It’s a good idea to make copies of everything you submit for your own records.

Regulations for Windshield Tinting

Illinois has stringent rules when it comes to tinting your windshield. The only portion of the windshield that you can tint is the top 6 inches, which is often called the “eyebrow.” This is so you can reduce the sun’s glare without blocking the driver’s sight. It’s important to follow this rule to avoid fines and keep your vehicle in line with state laws.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

Disobeying the window tint laws in Illinois can lead to a variety of penalties. Knowing what these penalties are can help you stay out of legal trouble and save money.

Penalties for a First Offense

If it’s your first offense, you might get off with a warning or you could be fined. The fine can be anywhere from $50 to $100. You may also have to get rid of the illegal tint and make sure your car is in line with state laws.

It’s important to quickly take care of any violations to prevent additional penalties and issues.

Penalties for Repeat Offenses

Penalties for repeat offenses are more severe. Fines can increase significantly, often ranging from $100 to $500. In some cases, repeat offenders may face additional consequences such as points on their driving record or even suspension of their vehicle registration.

Thus, it’s vital to keep your car in line with tint laws to steer clear of these increasing fines.

Effect on Car Insurance

Breaking window tint laws can also affect your car insurance rates. Insurance companies may see repeated violations as a sign of reckless behavior, which could result in increased premiums. In some situations, your insurance company may even refuse to insure your car if it has illegal tints.

Staying within the bounds of tint laws helps you prevent these negative effects on your insurance and ensures that you keep a good relationship with your provider.

How to Stay Legal

Staying within the bounds of Illinois’ window tint laws is easy if you take a few simple precautions. Following these steps can help you avoid fines and keep your vehicle street legal and safe.

Getting Help from Professional Installers

• Find a good window tint installer who knows the tint laws in Illinois.
• Ask others for recommendations or read online reviews to find someone you can trust.
• Make sure the installer uses good quality materials that are up to state standards.

Professional installers can give you good advice on what’s legal and help you pick the right tint for your car.

Choosing the Right Materials

When tinting your windows in Illinois, it’s crucial to pick materials that are legal in the state. This means using tints that meet the VLT percentages outlined in Illinois laws. You should also steer clear of reflective or metallic tints, as they may not be allowed.

If you use approved materials, you can keep your vehicle within the law and avoid any problems with the police.

Abiding by the Illinois window tint laws is simple if you take a few necessary steps. By doing this, you can prevent fines and make sure your vehicle is safe and within the law.

Keeping up with the Law

Because laws can change, it’s important to stay informed about the latest rules. You can do this by regularly visiting the Illinois General Assembly website or by talking to your tint installer. Staying informed about the rules can help you avoid accidentally breaking the law.

Extra Rules

In addition to the VLT percentages, there are some other rules you should know about to make sure you’re completely following Illinois window tint laws.

Reflective Tints

Window tint has the ability to reflect incoming light, reducing glare and heat. However, Illinois window tint law only allows a certain level of window reflection with tint. It’s important to be aware of this, as too much reflection can be against the law.

Requirements for Side Mirrors

According to Illinois law, if you have tint on your rear window, your vehicle must have two side mirrors. This is to make sure that you can see behind you even if your rear window is heavily tinted.

Permitted Discrepancy

A slight discrepancy in the VLT percentage is permitted to make up for any inaccuracies in the measurements. This discrepancy is put in place so that small deviations do not lead to fines. However, it is still recommended to stay well within the legal limits to avoid any problems.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is the legal limit for window tint in Illinois?

• Front side windows must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Back side windows and rear windows can have any level of darkness on multi-purpose vehicles.
• Only the top 6 inches of the windshield can be tinted.

How can I get a medical exemption for window tint?

To get a medical exemption, you need a letter from a licensed healthcare provider detailing your condition and the need for darker tints. Submit this letter along with any required forms to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office for approval. Once approved, keep the documentation in your vehicle at all times.

What happens if you break the window tint laws?

If you break the window tint laws for the first time, you may get a warning or a fine between $50 and $100. If you break the laws again, you could get a higher fine, points on your driving record, or even have your vehicle registration suspended. Breaking the window tint laws could also make your vehicle insurance rates go up, which means you would have to pay more money.

Is reflective tint allowed on my windows?

Illinois window tint laws allow for a certain amount of window reflection. However, too much reflection can be against the law. It’s always a good idea to check with a professional installer to make sure your tint is within state guidelines.

Does my car need two side mirrors if my back window is tinted?

Yes, according to Illinois law, if your back window is tinted in any way, you must have two side mirrors on your vehicle. This is to make sure that you can still see what’s behind you even if your back window is very dark.

Staying informed about Illinois window tint laws and adhering to these guidelines allows you to enjoy the benefits of tinted windows while staying compliant with state regulations. The aim is to enhance your driving experience without compromising safety or legality.

• 1. Regulations Regarding Window Tint
• 2. Laws for Vehicles in Illinois
• 3. Comprehensive Guide from Unlimited Auto Style
• 4. Official Documentation from Illinois General Assembly