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Window Tinting Laws in Illinois Explained – See What’s Legal In 2024

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Window Tinting Laws in Illinois Explained – See What’s Legal In 2024

Getting your windows tinted is a popular car upgrade, but you should comply with the Illinois window tint laws. Being pulled over by the cops because of dark tint is not worth the money and hassle.

Window tint laws in Illinois are more complex when compared to other states. Therefore, to make the most of your Illinois window tint experience, we will review what’s legal and what’s not.

We recommend getting a legal shade so you can still enjoy the many benefits of window tint. They keep the sun out of our eyes, offer privacy, look good, and help keep car upholstery from fading. However, none of this matters if you’re running the risk of violating Illinois law. 

Keep reading to learn about the IL tinting laws.

Illinois Tinting Laws 2024

illinois tint laws

Illinois window tint laws vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive. Law enforcement, ambulances, or government vehicles are exempt from these laws. The “tint darkness” is measured by the visible light transmission (or VLT). It is the percentage of light allowed through your automobile’s window. 

Illinois car tint laws for sedans and coupes include: 

  • Windshield: Top 6 inches of the windshield can be non-reflective tint.
  • Front side windows: Must allow over 35% VLT.
  • Backside windows: Must allow over 35% VLT.
  • Rear window: Must allow over 35% VLT.

Illinois car tint laws for SUVs and vans include: 

  • Windshield: Top 6 inches of the windshield can be non-reflective tint.
  • Front side windows: Must allow more than 50% VLT.
  • Backside windows: Any percentage of darkness can be used.
  • Rear window: Any percentage of darkness can be used.

There are some additional Illinois vehicle tint laws to be aware of:

  • Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is darkened. 
  • There aren’t any restricted colors of tint banned by Illinois law. 

Headlight and Tail Light Tint Laws

It is illegal to have any tinted material on your tail lights or headlights in the state of Illinois. This includes any aftermarket tinting film or plastic covers. The only exception to this rule is if the vehicle came with factory-tinted lights from the manufacturer. You may be subject to a fine if caught with tinted tail lights or smoked headlights.

Illinois Tint Law Medical Exemption

If you have a medical condition requiring window tinting, you may be eligible for an exemption from Illinois’ window tinting laws. To qualify for the exemption, you must provide documentation from a licensed physician verifying that you have a medical condition that necessitates the use of window tinting. Once you have obtained the required documentation, you must submit it to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. If your exemption is approved, you will be issued a special sticker that must be affixed to your vehicle’s windshield.

For more information on the medical exemption process, contact the Illinois Secretary of State’s office at 800-252-8980.

Here is the tinted window certification from the Secretary of State.

Window Tint Fines

There are other important laws you must abide by to avoid being pulled over and given a hefty fine. Failure to comply with any of the rules and regulations described here is at first punishable with a fine of $50-500. The second violation, or a class C misdemeanor, is $100-500. 

If you continuously fail to abide, consequences will only worsen, so save yourself time, energy, and money by abiding from the get-go.

Choose A Legal Tint From Rayno

Now that you know Illinois’s car window tinting laws, what tint should you get? Rayno Window Film offers a variety of window tints to suit your needs.

Rayno Phantom Series is our best car tint that combines the advantages of carbon and ceramic materials together for superior performance. Customers previously had to choose between carbon or ceramic window film. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, forcing customers to compromise no matter which material they pick. With our nano carbon ceramic tint, you don’t need to sacrifice one for another and have the benefits of both. It blocks 99% of UV rays, up to 90% of heat, reduces glare, and keeps its color for years.

If you are looking for a more economical option and may not need the most advanced protection, we offer MonoCarbon. This is our true carbon film that has no dyes or metals. It blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays and does not fade over time like dyed films.

Finally, our option for front windshields is the Rayno Platinum AIR7090 which fits nicely on curved glass. This is the best option for anyone who wants a lighter film that can protect you from 99% of UV rays and 90% of IR rays. 

Get Quality Window Tint You Can Trust at Rayno

Professionally applied window tinting film protects you and removes any concern that your automobile’s film would result in a ticket. Unfortunately, the window tinting law in Illinois is more complicated than in other states, illustrating how important it is to have your car’s windows correctly tinted by a professional tint shop.

With these points in mind, you’ll be well on your way to tinting your vehicle, all while complying with Illinois tint laws.

Find your nearest Rayno tint shop in Illinois by using our deal locator.