Do you want to add a touch of style and sun protection to your car with window tint? Pennsylvania has specific laws in place to ensure safe visibility on the road.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about Pennsylvania tint laws, keeping your ride cool and legal.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Pennsylvania’s window tint regulations, ensuring you stay legal and avoid any potential issues.
Window tint laws in Pennsylvania were enacted in 1999. The darkest legal tint in Pennsylvania is 70% VLT for each window.
Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania tint laws have different VLT requirements for various vehicle types.
The legal tint darkness in Pennsylvania varies depending on the type of vehicle you drive:
Legal tint darkness for sedans:
- Windshield: Allow more than 70% of VLT, Any level of darkness on top 3 inches.
- Front side windows: Allow more than 70% of VLT.
- Backside windows: Allow more than 70% of VLT.
- Rear window: Allow more than 70% of VLT.
Legal tint darkness for SUV and Van:
- Windshield: Allow more than 70% of VLT, Any level of Darkness on top 3 inches.
- Front side windows: Allow more than 70% of VLT.
- Backside 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 Pennsylvania:
Car tinting laws in Pennsylvania state allow a certain percentage of tint reflection for all types of vehicles.
Tint Reflection for sedans:
- Front side windows: No mirrored or metallic appearance.
- Back Side windows: No mirrored or metallic appearance.
Tint Reflection for SUV and Van:
- Front side windows: No mirrored or metallic appearance.
- Back Side windows: No mirrored or metallic appearance.
Pennsylvania 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 about using any tint color by the Pennsylvania car tinting laws.
- Certificates: No certificate is needed by the tint film manufacturers.
- Stickers: A tint certification sticker is required.
- Medical exemptions: Medical exemptions for special medical circumstances that require a special window tint are allowed.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
- Citations: Drivers in Pennsylvania breaking the window tint law (exceeding 70% VLT) will face a $100 fine for non-compliance.
- 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania DMV.
Tints Laws Reference:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Tint Fact Sheet
Pennsylvania Code Title 75. Section 4524
PA Code. Title 67, Chapter § 175.67. Glazing.
Information about Pennsylvania State
Pennsylvania, nicknamed the Keystone State, joined the United States on December 12, 1787, as the second state after Delaware. Bordering Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, and Lake Erie, Pennsylvania offers a diverse landscape, from the Appalachian Mountains to rich farmland. This historical state played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and remains an influential economic and cultural center in the U.S.
Capital
Harrisburg
Population
12,961,683 (2023)
Area
46,055 mi² (119,283 km2).
Major cities in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Scranton, Bethlehem, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Altoona, York, Wilkes-Barre, Chester, Williamsport, Easton, Lebanon, Hazleton, New Castle, Johnstown, McKeesport, Hermitage, Greensburg, Pottsville, Sharon, Butler, Washington, Meadville, Bloomsburg, Oil City, Nanticoke, Uniontown, Sunbury, Lock Haven, Warren, DuBois, Kingston, St. Marys, Elizabethtown, Franklin, Coatesville, Carnegie, Jeannette, Lower Burrell, Carbondale, Monessen, Duquesne, Lititz, Lewistown, Waynesboro, Darby, Lansdale, Columbia, Connellsville, Bristol, Middletown.
Counties in Pennsylvania
Adams, Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Venango, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming, York.