California has laws regulating the allowable window tint on vehicles registered in the state. Understanding what level of tint is legal can help drivers avoid fines and citations. This article will examine the specifics around 20% tint legality in California.
What does 20% window tint mean?
Window tint percentages refer to the amount of light that can pass through the tinted film. 20% window tint means the film allows 20% of light to be transmitted. The lower the percentage, the darker the tint.
Here is how different levels of tint compare:
| Tint Percentage | Visibility |
| 20% | Lighter tint, still provides good glare reduction |
| 15% | Medium tint, significantly cuts glare |
| 5% | Very dark tint, drastically reduces light transmission and visibility |
As the percentage decreases, the tint gets darker. 20% offers moderate glare reduction while still allowing mostly clear visibility.
California tint laws
California law regulating auto window tint falls under the California Vehicle Code (CVC). The specific sections are:
- CVC Section 26708 (a) – Front side windows
- CVC Section 26708 (c) – Front windshield
- CVC Section 26708 (d) – Rear windshield and side windows
These laws establish allowable light transmittance percentages. The restrictions depend on which windows are being tinted.
Front side windows
For the front side windows, California law allows tint that has over 70% VLT (visible light transmittance). This means the tint can block up to 30% light.
20% window tint only transmits 20% of light. This is below the 70% VLT threshold, so 20% tint on front side windows would be illegal in California.
Front windshield
Tinting is restricted even more on front windshields in California. The law requires over 88% VLT for any tint on the front windshield.
This means the darkest tint allowed is 12% VLT. 20% window tint would again be too dark and illegal for a front windshield.
Rear windshield and side windows
For rear and back side windows, the regulations are more relaxed. There is no VLT percentage restriction from California law.
This means any darkness of tint is allowed on rear and back side windows, including 20%.
Why 20% tint is illegal on front windows
California prohibits 20% tint on front driver and passenger side windows for some important reasons related to safety:
- Visibility – Darker tint can significantly reduce visibility of the driver, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Clear visibility is essential for safely operating a vehicle.
- Glare reduction – While glare relief can be beneficial, California laws limit tint darkness to ensure enough light enters the vehicle cabin.
- Seeing drivers – Allowing darker front window tint makes it hard for police and others to see inside vehicles.
California and other states regulate tint to balance visibility needs for safe driving with glare relief benefits.
20% tint exceptions
While 20% tint exceeds the darkness limits for front side windows in California, there are some exceptions where it may be permitted:
- Medical waiver – Those with certain medical conditions like light sensitivity can get an exemption for darker tint.
- New vehicles – New cars sold with 20% factory tint on front sides may get a pass during the first year.
- Window replacements – 20% film may be allowed on replacements if the previous tint was damaged or worn out.
These exceptions are determined on a case-by-case basis. Having 20% front window tint still risks getting cited without special approval.
20% tint legality by window
To summarize the legality of 20% window tint in California:
| Window | 20% Tint Legality |
|---|---|
| Front Side Windows | Illegal – Max 30% light blockage allowed |
| Front Windshield | Illegal – Max 12% light blockage allowed |
| Rear and Back Side Windows | Legal – No restrictions |
Drivers with 20% tint on front side windows or windshields can be fined $25 per window, adding up to around $100 for a full tint. Repeat offenders may pay over $500.
Enforcing 20% tint laws
Police can enforce California’s window tint laws through traffic stops and citations. Officers may use a few methods to check for compliance:
- Eye test – Looking at the windows to evaluate if tint appears too dark.
- Tint meter – Device measures light transmittance percentage.
- Visual inspection – Checking for bubbling or peel that may indicate an illegal DIY tint job.
Those cited for excessively dark tint will be required to remove the film to get the car within legal limits. The citation fine will still apply.
Should you get 20% tint in California?
Here are some pros and cons of opting for 20% window tint in California:
Pros
- Good heat rejection and glare protection
- Adds privacy
- Can look stylish
- Legal on rear windows
Cons
- Illegal on front windows
- Can limit visibility
- Higher risk of being pulled over
- May need medical exemption
Going with 20% tint is ultimately a personal choice in California. Drivers will need to balance the benefits against extra risk of citations plus the hassle of potential film removal if cited.
Other legal tint options
For those concerned with complying with California tint laws, some good alternatives to 20% window film are:
- 70% tint – Legal on front side windows. Still blocks glare but ensures visibility.
- 50% tint – Darker tint that can be useful on rear windows while not going overboard.
- Clear UV block – No dark tint but filters harmful rays.
Lighter tint levels paired with darker film on rears can provide glare, heat, and privacy benefits while minimizing legal risks in California.
Conclusion
California has restrictions banning excessively dark tint on front side windows and windshields. 20% window film allows only 20% of light through, falling short of the over 70% VLT required for front sides and 88% VLT for windshields.
20% tint is permitted on rear windows, but drivers with darker front tint are at risk of citation and fines starting around $25 per window if pulled over. Some exceptions exist like medical waivers, but 20% front tint generally exceeds state limits.
Using lighter tint on fronts paired with darker rears provides a legally compliant option in California for drivers seeking glare, heat, style, and privacy benefits from window tinting.
