Ohio Window Tint Laws 2024

Window tint offers a variety of benefits, from reducing heat and glare to protecting your passengers and car’s interior. But before you get your windows tinted in Ohio, it’s crucial to understand the Ohio tint laws to avoid getting pulled over.

This guide will shed light on everything you need to know about the darkest legal tint in Ohio state.

Window tint laws in Ohio state were enacted in 2004.

Ohio Tint Laws:

The darkness of your window tint is measured by its Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which indicates the percentage of light allowed through the tinted window. Ohio tint laws have different VLT requirements for various vehicle types.

Legal tint darkness for sedans:

• Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
• Front side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
• Back side windows: Any darkness level is permitted.
• Rear window: Any darkness level is permitted.

Legal tint darkness for SUV and Van:

• Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
• Front side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
• 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 Ohio:

Car tinting laws within Ohio state do not allow tint reflection for any type of vehicle.

Tint Reflection for sedans:

• Front side windows: No reflectorized materials permitted.
• Back Side windows: No reflectorized materials permitted.

Tint Reflection for SUV and Van:

• Front side windows: No reflectorized materials permitted.
• Back Side windows: No reflectorized materials permitted.

Ohio Window Tinting Rules and Regulations:

• Side mirrors: No restrictions on side mirrors.
• Restricted Colors: There is no restriction about using any tint color by the Ohio car tinting laws.
• Certificates: Window tint laws require films to be certified by the manufacturer. Confirm with your dealer if they use certified window films.
• Stickers: A tint certification sticker is required.
• Medical exemptions: Ohio residents with a qualifying medical condition may be eligible for a window tint waiver that allows for greater darkness. Consult a doctor and your local BMV for details.

Medical Exemption Reference: Rule 4501-41-05 | Exemptions.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

• Citations: A citation for violating the tint law can lead to fines.
• Correction Orders: You may be issued a correction order, requiring you to remove the illegal tint or have it adjusted to meet the legal VLT specifications.
• Registration Denial: In extreme cases, your vehicle’s registration renewal may be denied until the tint violation is corrected.

Important Tips:

• Choose a Reputable Tinting Shop: opt for a licensed and experienced window tinting professional who uses high-quality film and adheres to tinting laws in Ohio regulations.
• Verify VLT Percentage: Before installation, ensure the chosen tint film meets the legal VLT requirements for your specific vehicle windows.
• Keep the Certificate Handy: Always keep the Certificate of Compliance in your vehicle as proof of legal tint.
• Consult a Professional: If you have any questions or uncertainties regarding the regulations, consult a qualified window tinting professional or the Ohio DMV.

• Ohio Tint Laws References:
• Section 4513.241 | Using tinted glass and other vision obscuring materials.
• Chapter 4501-41 | Transparent, Nontransparent, Translucent, and Reflectorized Materials on Windows of Vehicles

Information about Ohio State

Major cities in Ohio:

Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton, Parma, Canton, Youngstown, Lorain, Hamilton, Springfield, Kettering, Elyria, Lakewood, Cuyahoga Falls, Euclid, Middletown, Mentor, Mansfield, Beavercreek, Dublin, Newark, Strongsville, Fairfield, Findlay, Warren, Lancaster, Lima, Huber Heights, Marion, Westerville, Reynoldsburg, Grove City, Stow, Delaware, Brunswick, Upper Arlington, Gahanna, Westlake, North Olmsted, Fairborn, Massillon, Mason, North Royalton, Bowling Green, North Ridgeville, Kent, Garfield Heights, Shaker Heights, Medina, Hilliard, Barberton, Wooster, Sandusky, Xenia, Green, Zanesville, Riverside, Troy, Athens, Trotwood, Centerville, Avon Lake, Marysville, Wadsworth, Oxford, Alliance, Solon, Chillicothe, Piqua, Lebanon, Norwood, Berea, Springboro, Whitehall, Fremont, Ashland, Eastlake, Willoughby, Perrysburg, Medina, Wickliffe, Pickerington, Groveport, Broadview Heights, Defiance, Monroe, University Heights, Willoughby Hills, Sidney, North Canton, Van Wert, Tiffin, Brooklyn, Aurora, Streetsboro, Maumee, Middleburg Heights.

Counties in Ohio:

Adams, Allen, Ashland, Ashtabula, Athens, Auglaize, Belmont, Brown, Butler, Carroll, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Columbiana, Coshocton, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Darke, Defiance, Delaware, Erie, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Gallia, Geauga, Greene, Guernsey, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Henry, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Huron, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Lake, Lawrence, Licking, Logan, Lorain, Lucas, Madison, Mahoning, Marion, Medina, Meigs, Mercer, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Ottawa, Paulding, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Portage, Preble, Putnam, Richland, Ross, Sandusky, Scioto, Seneca, Shelby, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Union, Van Wert, Vinton, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Williams, Wood, Wyandot