Tint Question?

[radio5boro]

Hey guys i wanna tint my 03 G35 sport coupe.. i already found out from this shop that it'll be $150... i went to Speed World on queens boulevard in Queens, New York.. i just wanna know like how does the rating go like wat does the percentage mean, ie- like if 35% meant 35% is tinted or does it mean 35% is wat ur allowed to see through. but wat my real question is wat do u guys think is the best tint percentage for a G35 coupe. i want it dark but not tooo dark where the cops r gonna bother me all the time. My G's color is brilliant silver. thanks for your help.. i really wanna get this done this weekend..

[Number1gsxxr]

I'm not positive but I think most tints are measured in VLT or visible light transmission. So a 35% tint means 35% of the light can pass though.

[g35sedanlover]

the rating is visible light transmission (VLT). The lower the number, the darker it looks.

[champagneG35]

Well I for one feel my windows are dark enough and I bought it off the Infiniti lot this way. No cop has bothered me about it yet. I was actually looking at mine and a co-workers the other day side by side through the front window. He has a white 05 coupe with the same beige interior and honestly I think my front window has an ever so slight tint as well (it souldn't be cause it's illegal to tint the front) but it was slightly harder to see my seats than his cause it looked darker from the front even. Perhaps an illusion but his sunroof and rear were tinted too can't remember if his side windows were.

Anyway click on my signature thumbnail and let me know if you think it's dark enough for you and I'll see if I can find out the tint rating on it

[radio5boro]

i want the rear and the side windows to be darker.. like u cant see in the car from a far but once u get closer u can see inside somewhat.. im thinking about 25%.. my friend told me he has 35%.. but u can still see inside his pretty clearly..

[W661335PF]

US DOT requires 70% visible light transmission (VLT) for window tinting on the windshield and the windows to the immediate left and right of the driver. But this is only for commercial vehicles. For private cars, each state is different with some states being 20% max. Check with your state regs as each state has unique rules with a 5-10% variance between states possible. Our answers won't help you... and mine will be useless since I'm not even an American.

Here's a state-by-state summary that may help:

# USE AT YOUR OWN RISK !!!!!! Percentage Numbers represent amount of light transmission.Example : 35% means 35% light transmission.Also known as VLT or Visible Light Transmission.# Film - Amount of light that is required to pass through window film.Example : 35% Film means that the film must pass through at least 35% visible light.# Net - Amount of light that is required to pass both the car window and the tint film.# MPV - A vehicle such as a recreation vehicle such as a pickup truck including GMC Suburbans, Nissan Pathfinders, Extra Cab Trucks# When info is given, it is in the format of :Windshield / Front Side Windows / Rear Side Windows / Rear-Back Window / Year PassedWhere :NO - No Film is AllowedANY - Any degree of tinting is allowedAS-1 - On the windshield, there is a mark that says "AS-1" toward the top that defines that the tint cannot go below.UnDef - Nothing defined in the law.FMVSS 205 - A regulation that is found in the Code of Federal Regulation. The regulation is found in 49 CFR 571.20535 % Film - Light that is measured on the film alone35 % Net - Light that is measured both through the film and car window

Example

4 inches / 35 % Film / 15 % Net / 5 % Net / 1994

A tint brow on the windshield cannot go no lower than 4 inches, 35% film may be applied to the front side windows, 15% light must go through the combined window film and windows for the rear side windows and 5 % light transmission is required on the rear back window and film combined. The year 1994 is the year that the law went into effect. Alabama6 inches / 35% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1996

Note : MPV Vehicles are exempt behind the front side doors.

Alaska5 inches / NO / 40% Net / 40% Net / 1994

Note : MPV Vehicles can have any degree of tinting behind the front side doors so long as they comply with FMVSS 205. Mirrored tint is prohibited.

Enforcement Note : Tint regulation does apply to non-Alaska registered vehicles. State Troopers write fix-it tickets which requires "repair" within 5 days and the City of Anchorage will write $150 tickets for the violation.

ArizonaUnDef / 35% Film / ANY / ANY / 198?

ArkansasUnDef / 25% Net / 25% Net / 10% Net / 1994

Note : MPV's are allowed 10% Net tint on rear side windows

Enforcement Note : Tint law applies only to AR registered vehicles and vehicles from other states that have NO tint law which is now moot since all 50 states have some type of tint law with Wyoming being the last to pass a tint law.

CaliforniaNO / NO / ANY / ANY* / 1987 ?

Note : If the rear-back window is tinted, left and right rear-view mirrors are required.

Medical exemption allows for tint or other shading material is allowed on the front side doors if it allows at least 35% of the light to go through, readily is removable and cannot be used at night.

Enforcement Note : Out-of-State cars driven in California are required to be in compliance with the CA Tint law.

Colorado2 Phase Law:4 inches or AS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / 19894 inches or AS-1 / 27% Net / 27% Net / 27% Net / 1989

Note : No mirrored tint is allowed.

Enforcement Note : The fine for being in violation is $50 and the driver is not usually required to fix the windows. Tint shops are not allowed to tint cars beyond state law. State patrol carries light meters along with some local towns but they don't worry about window tinting unless it is very dark such as limo tint (5%).

ConnecticutComplex / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1995

Note : MPV Vehicle windows behind the front side doors are exempt so long as they meet FMVSS 205. The Windshield can have a tint strip at the top. The amount is determined by a complex formula as defined in Sec 14-99g, Subsection C, part 11 as written by an East Coast lawyer.

DelawareAS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / 199?

District of ColumbiaNO / NO / 50% Net / 50% Net / 1994

Enforcement Note : Can apply to out-of-state motorist, no out-of-state exemption defined in statute.

FloridaAS-1 / 28% Net / 15% Net / 15% Net / 198?

Note : MPV Vehicles windows behind the front side doors must allow for 6 % Net light transmission.

Enforcement Note : Law enforced by the use of light meters and can apply to out-of-state motorist.

GeorgiaNO / 32% Net / 32% Net / 32% Net / 2005

Note : New law went into effect that can be enforced on out of state vehicles as well as Georgia registered vehicles. Penalty is up to $1000 and/or 12 months in jail as a misdemeanor.

On Jun 8, 2004, the Georgia Surpreme Court threw out GA's tint law since it discriminated against GA residents by not applying to non-residents. Look for the non-resident exemption to be repealed next year which would reinstate the tint law.

This can have ramifications for other states who exempt non-residents from their tint laws. Legislation was sponsored in the 2004 session to remove the non-resident exemption but failed to pass.

GuamANY / ANY / ANY / ANY / 1978/9

Note : It was illegal to have tint but the tint law was declared unconstitutional as noted in the court decision part.

HawaiiNO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 198x

Enforcement Note : Illegal tint on cars can be a reason to be failed in the state safety inspection.

IdahoAS-1 / 35% Film / ANY / 35% Film / 1993

Note : Mirrored tint is illegal. Medical exemption ia available. Cars with window tint that are considered illegal can apply for a waiver between June 30, 1992 and Jan 1, 1993.

IllinoisNO / NO / ANY / ANY* / 1984 ?

Note : If window tint is applied to the rear-back window, a right and left rear-view mirrors are required. Cars before 1982 model year are exempt from IL tint law.

Indiana30% Film / 30% Film / ANY / 30% Film / 1995

Note : Darker tint is allowed for medical reason only as attested to by medical doctor or eye doctor.

Enforcement Note : Out-of-state motorist can be ticketed for being in violation of IN tint law but are usually left alone. Law enforcement usually enforces the tint law on the front side windows. Most law enforcement do not know that the rear-back window is included in the law. Some local towns will fine motorist $200 for violation as well as requiring them to fix it.

Legislation: HB1282 which will basically outlaw window tint. It would ban any tint that would go beyond Federal Standards which is 70% visible light transmission. Violation would fall under an enhanced penalty of a Class B infraction which has a max fine of $1000.

IowaAS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / Unknown

Note : A pending bill in the legislature would mandate light transmission on all windows of at least 70% (Basically no aftermarket tint allowed). Puts the federal window tint regulation into state law.

Enforcement Note : Iowa is spotty on enforcement but can enforce the law against out-of-state motorist such as writing a fix-it ticket.

KansasAS-1 / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1987

KentuckyAS-1 / 35% Film / 18% Film / 18% Film / 1988

Note : MPV Vehicles can have 8% Film behind the front side doors.

LouisianaAS-1 / 40% Net / 25% Net / 12% Net / 199x

MaineNO / 50% Film / 50% Film / 50% Film / 198x

Enforcement Note : As the law is read, it can be applied to out-of-state cars. A car with tint that is more dark than allowed by the state can fail safety ispection.

MarylandNO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1993

MassachusettsNO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net

Enforcement Note : People with 35% tint have been given tickets for tinting due to light meters reading less than 35% since car glass can have from 70% to 90% window tint.

Michigan4 inches / 4 inches / ANY / ANY / 198x

Note : Changes to the law has been discussed such as allowing for 35% tint on the front side windows but the State Police would push hard for a complete ban on tint if it got through and they have the political power to do it.

Enforcement Note : Michigan State police will give the 3rd degree look to any car that is not in compliance with MI tint law but will usually leave out-of-state motorist alone.

MinnesotaNO / 50% Film / 50% Film / 50% Film / 198x

Note : Darker tint is allowed with Medical Exemption.

MississippiAS-1 / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1989

Enforcement Note : Illegal window tint can be a reason for failing the yearly state safety inspection.

MissouriAS-1 / 35% Net / Any / Any / 2002

Enforcement Note : New law removed out-of-state exemption but don't know how the MO State Highway Patrol will deal with that ?

Tint is NO LONGER part of the State Safety Inspection, a plus for MO residents.

Additional Note: Took effect Feb 14, 2002. Original law banned tint on the front side windows but allowed anything behind and then changed in 2001 for 35% NET on ALL windows and in 2002 changed to 35% NET on front side windows but once again, anything behind goes !

MontanaAS-1 / 24% Net / 14% Net / 14% Net / 1991

Note : MPV Vehicles windows behind the front doors are exempt from tint law. Cars before Oct 1, 1991 that were registered in Montana and had tint that would be considered illegal under the law can continue to have any kind of window tint but the registration must indicate a tinted window waiver and the waiver can no longer be applied for. Those who have waviers can continue to use them and when the car is sold, the waiver is good for the next owner.

A permit for dark tint can be applied for if needed for security or medical reasons.

Enforcement Note : Montana Law enforcement is lax on enforcing the tint law but there is a heavy fine if enforced and maybe required to be fixed.

NebraskaAS-1 / 35% Film / 20% Film / 20% Film / 199x

NevadaAS-1 / 35% Film / ANY / ANY / 1993

Note : There is a medical exemption for the tint law.

Enforcement Note : Tint law does not apply to 1993 or older model cars that had tint applied before July 1, 1993.

New HampshireNO / NO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 198x

Enforcement Note : Having illegal tint can mean the failure of the state safety inspection.

New JerseyNO / NO / ANY / ANY / 198x

Enforcement Note : Illegal window tint can be the reason for failing state safety inspection.

New MexicoAS-1 / 20% Net / 20-% Net / 20-% Net / 1997

Note : Local law takes precedence over state law. The most liberal tint law in the country. MPV, trucks, buses can have anything behind the front side windows. Tint done before Jul 1, 1997 is exempt from the law.

New YorkNO / NO/ NO/ NO / 1993

Note : Very strict law. Replacement glass that is tinted is allowed if and only if the original windows were tinted as well. Medical exemption is provided for with permission from Commisioner of Motor Vehicles.

North CarolinaAS-1 / 32% Net / 32% Net / 32% Net / 1996

Enforcement Note : Illegal tint is a reson to fail state safety inspection. Out-of-state cars must be in compliance with tint law in the state where registered.

North DakotaAS-1 / NO / ANY* / ANY* / 1989

Note : If windows behind the front side doors are tinted, a right and left outside rear view mirror is required.

Enforcement Note : The tint law may be applied to non-resident cars as written.

Ohio5 inches / 50% Film / ANY* / ANY* / 2004

Note : Director of Ohio DPS determines what degree of tint that is legal on motor vehicles in Ohio. The tint law has been known to be enforced on out-of-state cars in some towns.

Revised from 50% on all windows before. Mirrors on both sides are required for the dark tint.

OklahomaBefore 1996 Model Year :AS-1 or 5 inches / 25% Net / 10% Net* / 10% Net* / 1995

1996 Model Year and after :AS-1 or 5 inches / 25% Net / 25% Net / 25% Net / 1995

Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt from the tint law. Outside right and left rear view mirrors are required if tint is darker than 25% net for pre-1996 vehicles. Law enforcement and government owned vehicles are exempt.

Oregon6 inches / 50% Film & 35% Net / 50% Film & 35% Net / 50% Film & 35% Net / 1996

Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt as long as they are in compliance with FMVSS 205.

Government and Law Enforcement vehicles are exempt from the tint law. If ordinary people are required to obey this law, it should definitely apply to government and law enforcement vehicles.

Enforcement Note : Tint Law may be applied to out-of-state vehicles.

PennsylvaniaNO / NO / NO / NO / 1996 for 1998 model year and after NO / NO / ANY / ANY before 1998 Model Year

Enforcement Note : Illegal tint on cars can be a reason to be failed in the state safety inspection which was struck down in court.

Rhode IslandNO / NO / NO / NO / 1993

Note : MPV's are exempt on windows behind the front side windows but the windows must comply to FMVSS 205 which is usually 30% VLT.

Government and Law Enforcement vehicles are exempt from the tint law. If ordinary people are required to obey this law, it should definitely apply to government and law enforcement vehicles.

South CarolinaUnDef / 27% Net / ANY / *27% Net / 1993

Special Note : If the rear-back window was tinted darker than 27% VLT before 1/1/93, it continues to be legal as long as it is the original tint. There was also a bill to require 50% VLT on front side windows and rear-back effective 1/1/99. If the Rear-back window was done before 1/1/99, it must have at least 27% VLT. It never got out of committee but with many sponsors, it can be counted on to be back.

South DakotaUndef / 26% Net / ANY / 11% Net / 1991 ?

Note : The defined numbers include an enforcement tolerance of 9%. The numbers are the absolute darkest that is allowed. Violation is a Class 2 Misdemeanor.

TennesseeNO / 35% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 198x

Note : MPV's and SUV's can have darker tint behind the front side doors such as extended cab trucks.

TexasBefore 1988 Model Year:AS-1 / 35% Film / 20% Film / 20% Film / 1988

1988 Model Year and after :AS-1 / 35% Film / 35% Film / 20% Film / 1988

Enforcement Note : Illegal window tint can be the reason for failing state safety inspection. State DPS carry light meters especially around the Mexican Border.

UtahNO / 43% Net / ANY / ANY / 2002

Note : Previous laws allowed only 28% tint behind and prior, nonthing was allowed on the front side windows and anything behind.

Enforcement Note : Illegal tint can be a reason to fail safety inspection. The tint law can be enforced on out-of-state cars. Violation is a Class C misdemeanor.

VermontAS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / 198x

Enforcement Note : Tint law can be applied to out-of-state registered cars. The fine is $120.50 with no points.

VirginiaAS-1 / 43% Net / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1993

Enforcement Note : Tint law may technically be applied to out-of-state registered cars. There is HB 1563 which would make the law apply to VA registered cars only. The bill did not pass. VA State Police opinion on out-of-state cars with tint that does not comply with VA law.

Washington6 inches / 32% Film / 32% Film / 32% Film / 1989

Note : MPV Windows behind the front side doors are exempt.

Enforcement Note : Tint law applies to non-Washington registered vehicles.

West VirginiaAS1 or 5 inches/ 35% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1991 ?

WisconsinNO / 50% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1996

Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt. The new tint regulation is defined under the Tran-305 administrative rule.

Enforcement Note : Tint regulation applies to non-Wisconsin registered vehicles but out-of-state motorist are normally left alone for tint.

Additional Notes : 2 demerit points are assessed for tinted window violation. Revisions to the regulation is being considered this fall and comments can be sent to B. Bird at the Wisconsin DOT. One of the proposed revisions is exempting out-of-state cars that are temporarily in Wisconsin such as tourist.

WyomingAS-1 / 28% Net / 28% Net / 28% Net / 1997

Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt. There is a medical exemption which allows for window film as dark as 25% light transmission.

I came across a newspaper article located at Laramie County Community College. The article which mentions the new law.

Alberta15cm / NO / ANY / ANY / ????

British Columbia7.5 cm / NO / ANY / ANY / ????

Enforcement Note : Tint law applies to non-residents.

Manitoba15 cm / 45% Net / 30% Net / 30% Net / 19??

New BrunswickNO / NO / ANY / ANY / 19??

New Foundland15 cm / Vague / ANY / ANY / 19??

Northwest TerritoriesNO / NO / ?? / ?? / 19??

Enforcement Note : Tint law applies to non-residents.

Nova ScotiaNO / NO / NO / NO / 19??

OntarioVague / Vague / ANY / ANY / 198x

Note : Has vague law. Law simply says that the windshield and front side windows cannot be tinted to the extent that people and contents inside cannot easily be identified from the outside.

Enforcement Note : Tint law applies to non-residents.

Prince Edward Island15 cm / NO / ANY / ANY / 19??

Quebec15 cm / NO / ANY / ANY / ????

Enforcement Note : Tint law may apply to non-residents.

Saskatchewan15 cm / NO / ANY / ANY / 19??

[Cali 2 Balti G]

Also keep in mind that 35% is often referred to as legal. The film itself may be - but the minute you apply it to an auto window the result is often illegal.

Why?

Because most glass comes from the factory with some level of green, blue or other color tint already. Combine that with the 35% tint and you are letting somewhat less than 35% light through - on my car which was tested by State Troopers the percentages ranged from 29 - 33 or 34.

[radio5boro]

****.. i live in new york.. oo well im still doing it this weekend

[drklnk]

I'm taking my G in tomorrow to get it tinted, so I'm in the same boat as you, I found this graphic helpful:

http://www.ziebart.com/pdfs/State_Tinting_Laws.pdf

[ArEs23x]

I have 25% tint now and im not completely satisfied cuz its still a lil see thru so I think once i get 20% I should be a lil more satisfied with it

[soul_hfk]

great write up Dos Lobos...... i have 35%

[radio5boro]

yeah ive been thinking of gettin 25% on all side windows and 15% on Rear Window. i hope thats not tooo dark..

[99QX4]

****.. i live in new york.. oo well im still doing it this weekend

I live in NY too...and have 20% on my G, 35% is too light for my personal taste. I live on Long Island and the cops here are usually not too bad....

[ArEs23x]

^ have you been thinking about the question i asked u earlier? haha

[G_whizz]

^ have you been thinking about the question i asked u earlier? haha

She's taken horndog!!

[joe603]

lol!

[zozoka1212]

That's a good map for it. Joe and G . We should put this in sticky for next time.

Zozo

[1sickG]

go with 20% not too dark and not too light

[radio5boro]

20% on all side windows and rear or what?

[99QX4]

I say 20% (if that's the % your comfortable with) all around....i don't particularly like the front windows different from the rear. I think it looks better the same percent all around (unless it's an SUV then u can get away with it, but not on a car and especially not on a coupe).

[phil4watching]

i have 15% on mine. i like it except for the back glass. its not as dark as i wished. i would recommend 10 or 5% in the back and a 5% strip on the front glass!!

[Hookm36]

I have 30% on the sides and small sides, and 20% on the rear. Regardless of what percentage you go with, PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE go with the same on the sides and the small sides.........because of how close these are to each other, if the small window is darker than the side, it will not look good.......you can have the rear as dark as you want, but keep the small sides and the sides the same %........i hate seing cars that you can see a huge difference in tint...it doesnt look preportional (spelling?) and it doesnt blend well.

that is my 0.02.

[BrandAidDesignG35]

I just tinted mine with straight up limo tint 15%. cost 300 bucks for 3 rear windows, but it looks bad ***, It went from a grandfathers sedan to a sports car, but it'l look even betterwith the exhaust and front lip and 20"zzz etc. etc=.

[Rivalry]

I have had my windows tinted at 15% for over a year. 35% is the legal amount for windows around here, though not once have I been asked about it.

Most of the time, cops won't make it a point to mess with you unless they are already in a bad mood. Just drive safe!