When it comes to window tint, the numbers represent the percentage of visible light that can pass through the tinted window. The lower the number, the darker the tint. 35 tint allows 35% of light to pass through while 30 tint only allows 30% of light to pass. This means that 30 tint is darker than 35 tint.
How Window Tint Numbers Work
Window tint comes in different levels of light absorption, referred to as VLT (Visible Light Transmission). The percentages represent how much light can pass through the tinted window. Here is an overview:
| Tint Percentage | Description |
| 70% | Lightest window tint, allowing 70% of light through. |
| 50% | Medium tint, allowing 50% of light through. |
| 35% | Dark tint, allowing 35% of light through. |
| 20% | Very dark tint, allowing 20% of light through. |
| 5% | Extremely dark tint, allowing 5% of light through. |
As you can see, the lower the percentage, the darker the tint will be.
Comparing 35% and 30% Tint
Now let’s directly compare 35% and 30% tint:
| Tint Percentage | Light Transmitted | Description |
| 35% | 35% | Allows 35% of light through. |
| 30% | 30% | Allows 30% of light through. |
Looking at the percentages, it is clear that 30% tint will allow less light through than 35% tint. This means that 30% is a darker window tint compared to 35%.
While the difference between 35% and 30% tint may seem small, that 5% difference in light transmission is noticeable, especially in direct comparison. 30% tint will appear visibly darker than 35% when viewed side-by-side.
Benefits of Darker Window Tint
So why would someone choose a 30% tint over a 35%? Here are some of the benefits of going with a darker window tint:
– Increased privacy – With less light able to pass through, a car’s interior is more obscured from outside view.
– Glare reduction – The darker tint will block more of the glare from sunny conditions.
– UV ray protection – More UV rays from the sun will be blocked with 30% versus 35%.
– Cooler interior – Blocking more sunlight helps keep the interior cooler in hot weather.
– Improved security – The extra tint darkness makes it harder to see valuables inside the car.
For these reasons, many drivers opt for the darkest legal tint they can get. However, tint darkness levels are restricted by law, which varies by state. Most states allow 35% tint on the front side windows but only permit darker tints on the rear windows.
Drawbacks of Darker Tints
While 30% tint has its advantages, going too dark does come with some downsides:
– Reduced visibility – With only 30% light transmittance, visibility is more impaired at night.
– Reflection issues – Very dark tints can cause more mirror-like reflections.
– Eye strain – Constantly being surrounded by darker conditions inside the car can cause eye fatigue.
– Police attention – Illegally dark tints stand out and attract traffic cops.
– Difficulty seeing inside – Police, toll booth operators, and parking garage attendants may have trouble seeing inside.
For these reasons, some argue that 35% tint offers the ideal balance of benefits without going to the extremes. But others simply prefer the styling and privacy of darker tint.
Legality Issues
When choosing between 35% and 30% tint, legality is an important consideration. As mentioned earlier, tint darkness is restricted by state laws, which can vary significantly across the country. Here are some guidelines:
– Front side windows – Most states allow 35%. Fewer states permit 30%, while some only allow 50-70% on front sides.
– Back side windows – Usually 15-35% is allowed on rear windows. A small number of states cap at 20-25% for rear sides.
– Rear window – Ranges from no tint allowed to any darkness is legal for the back window depending on location.
To avoid fines and ticketing, drivers should check their state regulations before applying darker tint. It’s also smart to carry a certificate from the tint shop proving the vehicle is compliant with local laws.
Conclusion
In summary, 30% window tint is unambiguously darker than 35% window tint. The lower light transmission percentage of 30% tint results in increased privacy, glare reduction, cooling, and security for your vehicle. However, 30% tint is not necessarily the optimal choice for everyone due to reduced visibility, reflections, legality issues, and aesthetics. Drivers should examine the pros and cons for their needs and check their state laws before choosing between 35% versus 30% tint. While 30% looks sinister, 35% tint still provides substantial darkening and may be the smarter choice.
