Having window tint on your car can provide many benefits, such as reducing glare, keeping the interior cooler, and providing extra privacy. However, in Pennsylvania, there are laws regulating window tint and how dark the tint can be for front, back, and side windows. If your tint exceeds the legal limits, it is likely to fail a vehicle inspection in Pennsylvania. Understanding the window tint laws in Pennsylvania can help ensure your car passes inspection.
Pennsylvania Window Tint Laws
Pennsylvania follows the window tinting rules issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. These rules dictate the allowed levels of light transmission for various windows on a vehicle.
Here are the key facts on Pennsylvania’s window tint laws:
– The front windshield is not allowed to have any tint that reduces light transmittance.
– Side windows next to the driver and front seat passenger must allow at least 70% of light to be transmitted.
– Back windows behind the driver must allow at least 70% of light transmission.
– Any other side or back windows can have darker tint, allowing at least 35% light transmission.
– A medical exemption can be obtained with a doctor’s note for darker tint due to medical conditions.
– Mirrored or reflective tint that makes the windows opaque is not allowed on any windows.
As long as your window tint meets these requirements, it will pass a vehicle inspection. If it exceeds the allowed darkness levels, it will fail.
Getting Car Windows Measured
Since the tint laws focus on light transmission percentages, you’ll need to have the existing window tint on your car measured to know if it meets the legal limits. There are a few options for this:
– Use a tint meter or tint analyzer tool to measure the light transmission yourself through the windows. Hold the meter against the glass to get the percentage.
– Ask the tint installation shop to measure the levels after applying the tint. Reputable installers should do this automatically.
– Go to the inspection station or auto shop and have them measure your existing tint before inspection to see if it might pass or fail.
– Police can also measure window tint during a traffic stop if they suspect it is too dark.
Getting the tint professionally measured beforehand is the best way to know if your car will pass inspection in Pennsylvania due to tint.
Do Window Tint Laws Apply to SUVs and Trucks?
Yes, the same window tint restrictions apply for SUVs, trucks, and other vehicles with back seats. The front windshield must remain untinted. The front side windows next to the driver and passenger seats also must have 70% light transmission or higher.
The back seat windows and rear window can have darker 35% tint. But side windows behind the driver still must have at least 70% light transmission, even in trucks and SUVs.
Basically, any window beside the driver’s seat is subject to the 70% light transmission minimum requirement in Pennsylvania.
Medical Exemption for Darker Tint
Pennsylvania does allow exemptions from the window tint law for medical reasons. If you have a medical condition like lupus, migraines, or skin sensitivities that are negatively impacted by sunlight, you can qualify for an exemption.
To get a medical exemption for darker tint in PA, you must have your doctor write a prescription note verifying your condition. This note must be carried in your vehicle to show police or during vehicle inspection if needed.
With a valid medical exemption, you can have darker tint on the front side windows and windshield in Pennsylvania. But the tint still cannot be so dark that the windows are fully opaque. There must be some level of light visibility through the glass.
How Dark Can Back Window Tint Be in PA?
For back seat windows in cars, trucks, and SUVs, the darkest allowable tint in Pennsylvania is 35% light transmission. This means the tint can block 65% of incoming light.
Going darker than 35% on rear windows will likely lead to failing a state inspection. Keep in mind that side windows behind the driver still require 70% light transmission.
Here are a few tint percentages for reference:
– 20% tint is very dark, allowing only 20% of light through and would fail PA inspection
– 35% tint is the darkest legal limit for back windows in Pennsylvania
– 50% tint provides a nice balance of privacy without being too dark
– 70% tint is ideal for front side windows in PA to ensure passing inspection
So for maximum privacy in your backseat area while remaining inspection-legal, 35% is the optimal number to aim for in Pennsylvania.
What Percent Tint is Allowed on Front Windshield in PA?
Pennsylvania law prohibits any tint film or other material that reduces light transmission through the front windshield. So the front windshield must stay completely clear without any tint.
Exceptions are only granted with a valid medical exemption note from your doctor due to a health condition impacted by sunlight exposure. With the doctor’s prescription, you can get a special waiver to have some tint on the front windshield in PA.
But absent a medical waiver, the front windshield must remain 100% light transmission without any tinting of any kind. This differs from some other states that allow 70% tint on the full front windshield.
Can You Have Rain Guards in Pennsylvania?
Rain guards, also known as wind visors or window deflectors, are tinted accessories that attach above the window. They divert rain away from open windows.
The good news is rain guards are fully legal in Pennsylvania. They are not considered a form of prohibited tint since they allow full light transmission.
As long as the rain guards are securely installed and don’t impair driver vision, they are allowed on vehicles in PA. Rain guards can provide extra comfort with windows cracked open during wet weather.
Is It Illegal to Have Too Dark of Tint in Pennsylvania?
Yes, excessively dark tint that exceeds Pennsylvania’s light transmission limits is illegal. If police notice or suspect your window tint is too dark, they can stop your vehicle and measure the tint.
If the results show your window tint violates PA regulations, you can receive a traffic ticket and fines around $175. You’ll also have to remove the excessively dark tint to come into compliance.
Continuing to drive with illegal tint after a citation or failing an inspection due to tint puts you at risk of additional fines and penalties in Pennsylvania. Like all states, it’s essential to follow the laws and avoid overly dark tint.
How To Remove Window Tint
If your existing window tint exceeds Pennsylvania’s restrictions, you’ll have to remove some or all of the film to pass inspection. Here are some options:
– Take your car back to the tint shop and ask them to remove the old tint and reapply legal film. This costs $50-$150 typically.
– Use a razor to carefully scrape off the tint yourself. Be cautious not to scratch the glass. Clean any leftover adhesive with Windex or ammonia.
– Buy a tint removal solution at an auto parts store. Spray it on and let it soak in, then scrape away the tint film. May take some elbow grease.
– Hire a professional detailing service to handle the tint removal properly without damage, around $100-$200.
Taking extra dark tint off windows can be tricky. The easiest path is having the shop that installed it remove and replace it with legal Pennsylvania compliant tint.
Pennsylvania Approved Window Tint Shops
To ensure your new window tint application meets PA laws, use a reputable professional tint shop. They should understand the regulations and install compliant film.
Here are some top reviewed window tint shops in Pennsylvania:
– Tint World – 25 locations across PA offering lifetime warranties. Experts with high customer ratings.
– Premium Auto Styling – Services Philadelphia and suburbs. Wide selection of tint brands.
– Window Tinting Scranton – Serves NE PA. Ceramic tints, guaranteed quality installs.
– Pittsburgh Window Tinting – Multiple Pittsburgh area shops with guaranteed work.
– Harrisburg Window Tint – Solar reflective films. Lifetime durability.
Ask the tint shop to confirm the film they use will meet PA requirements. Also request they measure the light transmission when done to prove compliance.
Window Tint Facts and Statistics
Here are some interesting facts and statistics about window tinting:
| Percentage of US vehicles with tinted windows | 20% |
| Top benefit of window tint | Cooler interior temperature |
| Average cost of window tinting | $120 – $450 professionally installed |
| Most popular tint darkness | 35% light transmission |
| Ceramic vs. dyed tint comparison | Ceramic better heat reduction, dyed cheaper cost |
| Extra value from tint | $1000+ more for resale |
These statistics show millions choose to tint their car windows for benefits like cooler interiors in summer. But most have it done professionally and aim for medium darkness levels around 35% transmission. Overall window tint can add value and comfort when done legally.
Window Tinting Prices in Pennsylvania
How much does it cost to get car window tinting in PA? Pricing depends on the vehicle make and model, film type, percentage, and shop. Here are some typical starting prices:
| Sedans | $120 – $250 |
| SUVs and trucks | $200 – $350 |
| High-end/large vehicles | $300 – $450 |
Expect to pay around $25-$50 more for higher-end ceramic or carbon tints. Shop prices also range from small operations with lower pricing to high-end auto spas charging premium rates.
To get the best deal, get quotes from 3-5 well-reviewed tint shops in your area first. Let them know you plan legal tints for PA inspection.
Does Car Insurance Cover Window Tinting?
Unfortunately most car insurance policies do not cover window tinting or provide reimbursement for tint costs. Tinting is viewed as an elective accessory or customization.
A couple potential exceptions where insurance could assist with tint:
– If window glass needs replacement due to an insured claim, tint can be added to the new glass.
– Medical exemptions for special tint may qualify if supported by doctor documentation.
But in general, expect to pay for window tint installation from your own funds rather than relying on insurance providers. Always check your specific policy or call your agent to confirm either way.
Window Tinting Laws in Nearby States
Window tint laws in nearby states to Pennsylvania include:
| State | Front Side Windows | Back Side Windows |
| New Jersey | 70% max tint | Any darkness allowed |
| New York | 70% max tint | Any darkness allowed |
| Ohio | 50% max tint | Any darkness allowed |
| West Virginia | 35% max tint | 35% max tint |
| Maryland | 35% max tint | 35% max tint |
Pennsylvania matches New Jersey and New York with 70% light transmission for front side windows. But PA is stricter on back window tint at just 35% versus no restrictions next door. Delaware and Maryland also cap rear tint at 35% like Pennsylvania.
Window Tinting Rules in Major Pennsylvania Cities
Some Pennsylvania cities and counties have additional local ordinances that regulate window tint legality. Here are key tint rules in major PA metro areas:
| City | Key Window Tint Rules |
| Philadelphia | Follow state rules – no added city limits |
| Pittsburgh | No tint allowed on front windshield |
| Allentown | Medical exemption required for any tinting |
| Erie | Reflective tint prohibited |
| Reading | Maximum 25% tint on all windows |
| Scranton | No aftermarket tinting permitted |
Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and other PA cities tighten restrictions compared to state law. Always check for local variations in top Pennsylvania metro areas.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania does allow legal window tinting, though with limitations on darkness and location in the vehicle. The front windshield must remain tint-free, while front side windows need at least 70% light transmission. Back windows can have darker 35% tint. Excessively dark tint risks fines and inspection failure. Work with reputable PA tint shops and get existing tint measured to ensure compliance. Understanding the window tint laws and exceptions enables staying in compliance while benefiting from added privacy, UV protection and cooler interiors from legal tint.
