How dark can your car or truck windows be? What Florida law says about tinting them

Have you ever looked into the car next to you and couldn’t see the driver?

Window tinting isn’t just about making cars look cooler. By filtering out the rays, it helps block the glaring Florida sun and makes cars more energy efficient.

Ultra-tinted car windows are popular in South Florida. But they’re not always legal.

Your window tinting could even lead to an encounter with police if it’s not up to code (and if that happens, you probably shouldn’t fake a heart attack).

Here’s what you need to know about window tinting in Florida:

How is window tinting measured?

There are two main measurements: window tint darkness and window tint reflection.

Window tint darkness is measured by the percent of visible light allowed through the window. That’s called VLT: Visible Light Transmission.

Window tint reflection is measured by how much incoming light the window reflects.

What happens if you break the law?

Police officers can pull drivers over on reasonable suspicion and test the windows with a handheld device called a tint meter.

If your windows are too dark, you’ll be responsible for a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation. That means that your fine will be $116.

However, officers can fine you for each window that’s too dark, so the fines can add up.

What are the rules for window tint darkness?

In Florida, the law depends on what kind of vehicle you’re driving. It also depends on where the AS-1 line is on your windshield. It’s usually around five inches below the top of the glass.

For sedans, these are the rules:

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
• Front side windows: Must allow more than 28% of light in.
• Back side windows: Must allow more than 15% of light in.
• Rear window: Must allow more than 15% of light in.

For SUVs and vans:

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
• Front side windows: Must allow more than 28% of light in.
• Back side windows: Must allow more than 6% of light in.
• Rear window: Must allow more than 6% of light in.

What are the rules for window tint reflection?

For sedans:

• Front side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective.
• Back side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.

For SUVs and vans:

• Front side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective.
• Back side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.

What else you should know about window tinting in Florida

If any back windows are tinted, you’ll need dual side mirrors on your vehicle.

Florida prohibits any colored tint.

A sticker that identifies legal tinting is required on the inside of the driver’s side door jamb.

Some drivers are exempt from tint laws:

• Law enforcement
• Medical transportation
• Private investigators
• Drivers who receive a medical waiver from the Department of Highway Safety

This story was originally published August 18, 2023 at 1:03 PM.