Alabama, like most states, has laws regulating how dark of a tint is allowed on vehicle windows. Determining the darkest legal tint in Alabama requires looking at the state’s window tint law and understanding how window tint darkness is measured.
Alabama’s Window Tint Law
In Alabama, the driver and front seat side windows cannot have aftermarket tint that reduces light transmission to less than 32%. For all other windows, the tint cannot reduce light transmission to less than 15%.
There are a few exceptions to this law. Medical exemptions allow darker tint for verified medical conditions involving exposure to sunlight. Vehicles registered in other states are exempt for up to 90 days after entering Alabama. Also, law enforcement vehicles can have darker tint for concealment needs.
Measuring Tint Darkness
Window tint darkness is measured by the percentage of visible light that can pass through the tinted glass or film. The higher the percentage, the lighter the tint. The lower the percentage, the darker the tint.
Most states’ tint laws, including Alabama’s, reference light transmission percentages to specify legal limits on tint darkness. For example, Alabama’s 15% minimum light transmission means a tint that blocks 85% of incoming light would be illegal for rear and backseat windows.
Putting it Together
Based on Alabama’s window tint law, the darkest legal tint darkness for different windows is:
| Window | Darkest Legal Tint |
|---|---|
| Driver and Front Passenger | 32% light transmission (68% light blocked) |
| Rear and Backseat | 15% light transmission (85% light blocked) |
So for most non-driver windows, the darkest allowable tint in Alabama blocks 85% of incoming light. That is equivalent to a darkness rating of about 5% visible light transmission.
Why Dark Tint is Restricted
Most states, including Alabama, restrict excessively dark tint to balance visibility and safety. Law enforcement needs to be able to see inside vehicles for security and traffic enforcement. Also, overly dark windows can create visibility issues for drivers, especially at night.
On the other hand, reasonable tint darkness provides benefits like UV ray protection, glare reduction, and privacy. Alabama’s law aims to allow those benefits while also maintaining sufficient visibility both into and out of tinted windows.
Enforcement of Tint Laws
Alabama law enforcement can issue tickets for overly dark window tint during traffic stops or vehicle inspections. Fines can range from $25 up to $200, and the violator will be required to remove the excess tinting or apply lighter tinting.
Some vehicles may have come from the factory with darker tint than Alabama allows, especially on rear windows. In those cases, the officer may issue a “fix-it” ticket allowing time to adjust tint darkness down to the legal limit.
Professional Tinting Recommended
To stay within Alabama’s legal tint limits, it is advisable to use a professional auto window tinting company rather than doing DIY tinting. Professional tinters are familiar with each state’s laws and can help select an appropriate darkness.
Trying to cut costs with DIY tint kits risks overdarkening beyond the legal limit. Professional tint shops also have high quality films that provide better heat and glare protection within legal limits.
Other Alabama Tinting Regulations
Beyond darkness limits, Alabama prohibits tint that bubbles, becomes delaminated, deteriorates, or otherwise provides an unsafe viewing condition. Reflective and mirrored finishes are not allowed. The visible light reflectance must be under 20%.
The tint darkness between the driver’s side window and the side mirror, as well as between the windshield and the AS-1 line at the top of the windshield, cannot vary by more than 8%. This ensures a relatively even viewing perspective.
Medical Exemption for Darker Tint
Drivers who have a medical condition involving ocular photosensitivity can apply for a medical exemption to use darker tint in Alabama. A doctor must verify the condition with documentation submitted to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
If approved, the vehicle can be registered for exempt status. The owner will be issued 2 placards to display on the rear side windows denoting the lawful use of darker medical tint.
Conclusion
In summary, the darkest legal tint in Alabama blocks 85% of incoming light for rear and backseat side windows. For the driver and front passenger windows, the darkest tint allowed blocks 68% of light. Exceptions can be made for medical exemptions approved by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Using a reputable professional window tinting service is the best way to stay within the law while getting maximum allowable UV protection and glare reduction. Overall, Alabama’s regulations aim to balance visibility needs with the benefits darker tint can provide.
