Getting your car windows tinted is a great idea. It lengthens the life of your upholstery and keeps your car cooler. But is there a limit to how dark they can be? Yes. Each state dictates the maximum amount of tint allowed. Go to http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r714/r714-160.htm#T13 to see the tint law for Utah.These limits are in place to make sure:

  • The driver can see accurate road conditions in all directions.

  • Drivers can see fellow drivers.

  • Police officers can see if passengers pull a weapon.

Note: If you need the windows darker for medical reasons, you can get a medical exemption.

If you move to another state, be sure to check their tinting law. You could get a ticket of over $100 if your windows are even 5% too dark. If you had your windows tinted in another state, you may have to have the tint removed in order to be in compliance with the law. Be aware that when you get your car inspected for safety and emissions for the first time in your new state, the mechanics will not automatically check that your windows are road worthy. So if you don’t know how dark they are, call and ask the auto shop if they use a tint-measuring device.

Your car is divided into three sections, with different rules for every section. Check it out:

Windshield

Tint is applied to the top and cannot extend below the AS-1 line. If you look on the side of your windshield about 5 inches down there is “A↓S1” printed on the window. It is used to keep shaded tints out of the vision line of taller people. Some windshields do not have an AS-1 line, so the law will always give an amount in inches as well. Utah law says the AS-1 line or 4 inches, whichever is lower.

Driver and passenger windows

These windows need to let more light in so that your view of what is around you isn’t hindered, especially at night. In Utah the tint maximum is 43%. Simply put, the window must let in at least 43% light. Reflective and metallic films are not allowed.

Backseat and rear windows

In many states, including Utah, the backseat and rear windows have no tint limit. So, let them be as dark as you want. However, if you do choose to tint these windows, Utah law requires that you have outside mirrors on both sides.

If you are more worried about keeping out UV rays, be assured you don’t have to have a shaded film to keep out UV light. Even though you can’t tint the majority of your windshield, you can have a clear film applied that will block out about 99% of UV rays.