If you’re a Floridian who drives, you’ve likely considered tinting your windows to protect yourself and your car from the sun. But did you know that window tint offers other advantages in addition to sun protection, like increased privacy and security?
Of course, there are some drawbacks to window tinting, like durability, visibility, and legality issues. So before you head to a local window tinting shop, here are a few things you should know.
What is “VLT”?
The darkness of window tint is based on its visible light transmission (VLT) percentage. This percentage is the amount of visible light that passes through the film. The lower the VLT% allowed, the darker the tint will be.
What are the window tint laws in your state?
Did you know that every state has its own regulations when it comes to car window tinting? In Florida, for instance, the laws state that:
Windshields
You can only have transparent windshield tinting in the top horizontal AS-1 part of the windshield. In Florida, it is against the law to tint your windshield, just like it is in any other state.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, medical or law enforcement vehicles are allowed to have tinted windows, and persons with certain medical conditions may be exempt.
Side Windows
[Front side] windows are eligible for sunscreening if, as measured on the nonfilm side, the material has a total solar reflectance of visible light of not more than 25% VLT and a light transmittance of at least 28% VLT when applied to and tested on the glass of the windows on the specific motor vehicle.
Rear Windows
Screening material consisting of a film which, when applied to and tested on the rear window glass of the specific motor vehicle, has a total solar reflectance of visible light not greater than 35% VLT. The light transmittance in the visible light range should be at least 15% VLT (6% VLT on buses, vans, SUVs, etc.).
Perforated (total reflectance of visible light of 30%-35% VLT) and louvered (does not reduce driver visibility by more than 50%) window sunscreening materials are also permitted.
Window Tint Color
It is illegal in most states to have an aftermarket auto tint that alters the original color of the window.
Additional Laws & Details
Dual-side mirrors are required if your rear window tint is dark.
Your driver’s door jamb must have a sticker identifying your car window tint as legal.
Law enforcement can use a VLT meter to check your tint level if you’re pulled over.
Florida’s VLT laws can result in a non-moving violation or citation, which may not exceed $500 for each citation (you can The manufacturers of tint films are not required to certify their product is legal in Florida. This is why you should always have your vehicle window tinted by an authorized, licensed, and trained professional!be ticketed for each tinted window!)
Are the benefits of tinting your luxury car’s windows outweighing the cons? Call Braman Bentley Miami at (786) 577-5218 to schedule service. For additional ways to maintain your Bentley luxury car, read our other Bentley service tips. We can help you install, replace, or even remove Bentley window tint in South Florida.