In the Garden State, summers can turn your car into a greenhouse, making every drive uncomfortable.
But there’s a cool solution and the solution is applying tint to your car’s window while adhering to the New Jersey tint laws.
Thinking about getting your windows tinted in New Jersey? Before you rush to the nearest tint shop, though, it’s crucial to understand NJ tint laws. Why? Illegal tints can lead to hefty fines, failed inspections, and even trouble selling your car.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about the legal tint limits in New Jersey.
Window tint laws in New Jersey were enacted in 2003.
Understanding New Jersey Tint Laws:
The legal tint of darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which indicates the percentage of light that passes through the film. Here’s a breakdown of the legal VLT limits for different types of vehicles.
Legal tint darkness for sedans:
- Windshield: It is not allowed to tint the windshield.
- Front side windows: It is not allowed to tint the front side windows.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness level is permitted.
- Rear window: Any darkness level is permitted.
Legal tint darkness for SUV and Van:
- Windshield: It is not allowed to tint the windshield.
- Front side windows: It is not allowed to tint the front side windows.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness level is permitted.
- Rear window: Any darkness level is permitted.
Important Note: It’s crucial to remember that these are the minimum VLT requirements. You can have a lighter tint (higher VLT percentage) as long as it meets the legal limit. However, anything darker than the specified VLT is considered illegal.
Window Tint Reflection in New Jersey:
Car tinting laws in New Jersey state allow a certain percentage of tint reflection for all types of vehicles.
Tint Reflection for sedans:
- Front side windows: only non-reflective window tinting is allowed.
- Back Side windows: only non-reflective window tinting is allowed.
Tint Reflection for SUV and Van:
- Front side windows: only non-reflective window tinting is allowed.
- Back Side windows: only non-reflective window tinting is allowed.
New Jersey Window Tinting Rules and Regulations:
- Side mirrors: Both side mirrors are required in case of a tinted rear window.
- Restricted Colors: There is no restriction for using any tint color by the New Jersey car tinting laws.
- Certificates: No certificate is needed by the tint film manufacturers.
- Stickers: No sticker is needed for legal tint identification.
- Penalties: Violating the tint laws regulations for the first time, the fine shall be $1,000 and $5,000 for a second or subsequent offense. ( 39:3-75.3. Violations, fines )
- Medical exemptions: tinting laws allow medical exceptions. Drivers with medical conditions requiring protection from direct sunlight are eligible for a medical exemption from the tint restrictions. This is the only case when you can have your windshield and front side windows tinted.
Window Sun-screening For Medical Reasons
New Jersey Tint Laws Medical Exemption Form (PDF)
Tint laws reference: Title-13, Chapter-20, Subchapter-1: TYPES OF SUN-SCREENING, MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS.