Window tints provide many benefits over clear glass.
But there is a lot of complication around laws and regulations of window tints. Some states allow it, while others prohibit its use.
If you’re wondering about window tint laws in Pennsylvania, you have come to the right place. This article will discuss the Pennsylvania window tint law and everything around it in detail.
If you live in Pennsylvania, this article is for you.
They recently updated the Pennsylvania window tint laws in 2023. They originally enacted them in 1999.
What are Window Tint Laws? Why These Laws Exist?
Stipulations in law that underline the restrictions on various specifications of window tints are commonly referred to as window tint laws.
These laws determine if you can use window tints in a specific state or not. If yes, then what will be the allowable visible light transmission (VLT) percentage and reflectivity? The law also covers the penalties for violation and parties exempt from following it.
These laws exist for security and safety reasons. With increasing crime rates and car-jacking incidents, it is important for law enforcement personnel to be able to see the driver.
A dark tint enables criminals to get away without any identification. This is why, to ensure the safety of all citizens, window tint laws have been implemented in all states.
Additionally, a dark tint hinders the view of the driver. This is why the traffic administration authority ensures that drivers are able to see through glass properly.
What are the VLT% Restrictions in the State of Pennsylvania?
Visible Light Transmission or VLT percentage is the percentage of the visible light that passes through the glass window.
A lower VLT% means a darker tint since it allows a lesser percentage of visible light to pass through it. Similarly, a higher VLT% means a lighter tint since it allows a higher percentage of visible light to pass through it.
Almost all states, including Pennsylvania, have imposed restrictions on the VLT% of tints. VLT% restrictions can be divided into two main categories: passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
Let’s discuss both these categories in Pennsylvania according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Vehicle Window Tint Fact Sheet:
For Passenger Cars
For Front Side Windows: The Pennsylvania window tint law defines that a minimum of 70% visible light should be passing through the tint film on the front side windows. This is on the higher side if you compare it with other states such as Colorado, Montana, and New Mexico.
For Rear Side Windows: Similarly, the rear side windows should allow a minimum of 70% light through it. Pennsylvania is one of those states that impose restrictions on the VLT% of rear side windows. Otherwise, most states give free choice of tint darkness for rear side windows.
For Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
For Front Side Windows: The same rule has been applied to commercial and multi-purpose vehicles. According to Pennsylvania tint law, a minimum of 70% visible light should be passing through the tint film on the front side windows.
For Rear Side Windows: Only the rear side windows of commercial and MPV vehicles don’t have any restrictions on the VLT%. You can apply a tint with any darkness on the rear side windows of commercial and multi-purpose vehicles.
Can You Use Tint on Windshields in Pennsylvania?
Let’s see what the Pennsylvania tint law says about the use of window tint on windshields.
For Passenger Cars
Front Windshield: You can use a window tint of any darkness on the top 3 inches of your front windshield for passenger cars in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania tint law allows for tint film application over the complete front windshield. But it should allow more than 70% light through it.
Rear Windshield: You are allowed to apply a tint all over the back windshield of your passenger car in Pennsylvania. But it should let at least 70% light in.
For Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
Front Windshield: You can use a window tint of any darkness on the top 3 inches of your front windshield for commercial cars in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania tint law allows for tint film application over the complete front windshield. But it should allow more than 70% light through it.
Rear Windshield: You are allowed to apply a tint of any darkness all over the back windshield of your commercial and multi-purpose vehicles in Pennsylvania.
What are the Reflectivity Restrictions in Pennsylvania?
Reflectivity is slightly different from visible light transmission percentage.
Where VLT% decides the amount of visible light passing through the glass film, reflectivity is a measure of light dispersed or reflected by a tint film.
A lower reflectivity reflects less light from the window glass. Conversely, high reflectivity reflects more light.
Let’s see if there are any reflectivity restrictions in Pennsylvania.
Passenger Cars
For Front Side Window: According to the PA window tint law, the front windows should not have a mirrored or metallic appearance.
For Rear Side Windows: According to the PA window tint law, the rear windows should not have a mirrored or metallic appearance.
Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
For Front Side Window: According to the PA window tint law, the front windows should not have a mirrored or metallic appearance.
For Rear Side Windows: According to the PA window tint law, the rear windows should not have a mirrored or metallic appearance.
Can You Use a Colored Window Tint in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can use colored tints on your windows in Pennsylvania. No specific color has been explicitly banned in the tint laws of Pennsylvania. But it is illegal to use a tint film over the taillights, headlights, or license plate of your car in the state of Pennsylvania.
Is Anyone Exempt From the Pennsylvania Tint Laws?
Yes, according to the Pennsylvania Code Title 75 – VEHICLES, § 4524, people with medical conditions are exempt from Pennsylvania tint laws. Additionally, special vehicles, ambulances, and law enforcement vehicles are also exempt from the window tint laws of Pennsylvania.
However, if you’re using a special tint due to a medical condition, you must carry a note from a licensed dermatologist, optometrist, physician, or surgeon. Otherwise, when law enforcement pulls over, you might land in trouble.
Are there any Penalties for Not Complying With the Window Tinting Laws of Pennsylvania?
Yes, you may have to face a fine for not complying with the window tinting laws of Pennsylvania. You can be given a PA tint ticket of up to $110 for violating PA window tint law. Plus, you would need to remove the illegal window tint.
However, it is better to consult local law enforcement regarding penalties for violating window tint laws in Pennsylvania because penalties might be different in different counties.
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