To avoid getting pulled over by a Pennsylvania police officer, it’s worth it to get the facts on every Pennsylvania window tint law for 2024. Being familiar with all of the laws and regulations will prevent you from violating any laws and getting a ticket.
Automotive window tint helps keep the harsh sun from blinding you and causing skin damage while driving or riding as a passenger. Tint also keeps your car interior cool in the summer and darkens your windows enough so that it is harder to see through. Despite the many window tinting benefits of having shaded windows, state laws dictate how dark they can be. Pennsylvania has a few laws that limit the percentage of Visible Light Transmission or VLT allowed before it becomes a $110 fine.
Read the full article below to get the latest updates on every Pennsylvania window tint law to make sure you are within regulation.
Pennsylvania Window Tint Law for Sedans
The Pennsylvania window tint law is different depending on the type of vehicle you drive. All vehicles belonging to the government, law enforcement, and ambulances are exempt from these laws.
These PA tint laws are verified with the vehicle window tint fact sheet from PennDOT.
These are the tint laws for passenger cars, such as a sedan, van, or coupe.
- Font windshield: More than 70% visible light transmission, any darkness on the top 3 inches.
- Front side windows: Up to 70% VLT.
- Backside windows: Up to 70% VLT.
- Back windshield: Up to 70% VLT but dual side mirrors are required.
PA Tint Laws for Trucks
The PA tint laws for trucks differ some from the laws that regulate smaller vehicles, so double-check to make sure you are within the proper regulations depending on your vehicle type.
Below are the tint laws for trucks, SUVs, multi purpose vehicles, medium/heavy trucks & buses:
- Front windshield: More than 70% visible light transmission, any darkness on the top 3 inches.
- Front side windows: Up to 70% VLT.
- Backside windows: Any level of darkness is permitted.
- Back windshield: Any level of darkness is permitted but dual side mirrors are required.
Medical Exemptions
The Pennsylvania tint law medical exemption allows drivers to use colorless products that filter UV rays. The DMV works with the Medical Advisory Board to justify exceptions for darker tinting. Any person who requests a medical exemption can get their medical condition certified by a physician or optometrist.
To apply for a medical exemption or for questions regarding the medical exemption process, contact PennDOT’s Medical Unit at (717) 787-9662.
Additional Pennsylvania Tint Regulations
The front window tint laws in Pennsylvania dictate that windows cannot be metallic or mirrored. All reflective shades are prohibited on sedans, SUVs, trucks, and vans.
However, there are no restrictions on colors. When purchasing from manufacturers, they aren’t required to verify whether their products are certified in each state. Therefore, you will need a sticker that states it is within Pennsylvania law.
The taillight and headlight tint laws in Pennsylvania state that you cannot insert tinted or smoked tail light covers in Pennsylvania and drive on any state roads or highways.
You can legally alter the shading on them as long as you do not intend to drive them on any public roads.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The police can pull you over for having non-factory shaded windows or if they suspect it is over the limit of the 70% VLT. A PA tint ticket cost is $110 for violating any of the laws listed above.
If you are concerned that your new tint violates any PA tint law, you can check with the PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services or a local tint shop to verify your VLT%.
Get Quality Rayno Window Tint
At Rayno Window Film, we offer window tints of various VLT% and shades to best meet your needs.
Our Phantom Series tint is a nano-carbon ceramic film and the best tint in our lineup in terms of performance. Our hybrid carbon and ceramic blend allow for the highest in heat rejection to keep yourself cool and protected from the sun. For a more affordable option, we offer MonoCarbon. This is a true carbon film containing no dyes or metals but gives your glass a lasting tint shade that will not fade like dyed films.
For your windshield, we offer Platinum AIR7090. This expertly designed automotive tint is perfect for anyone looking for a lighter film capable of protecting you from 99% of the sun’s UV rays and 90% of its IR rays. Due to the light shade, this film can be applied to home windows, as well.
To have Rayno window film installed on your car windows, use our dealer locator to find the closest dealer shop in Pennsylvania near you.