There’s no doubt that cars with tinted windows look cool, but do you know the Illinois tint law? If you have tinted windows or plan to get your car windows tinted, you are in the right place. We’ve gathered all the legal information you need to know about Illinois window tint law.
Contents
First, Let me Explain What VLT Means?
VLT Visible Light Transmission is the percent of visible light that gets through your car windows. In other words, the lower the VLT%, the darker the tint gets. For example, 5 % would be a very dark tint. Furthermore, the state of Illinois has a different VLT% for front and back windows, as you can see below.
Legal Tint in Illinois – Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint allowed for the top 6.”
- Front side windows: 35% or more visible light transmission
- Backside windows: 35% or more visible light transmission
- Rear window: 35% or more visible light transmission
Legal Tint in Illinois – Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint allowed for the top 6.”
- Front side windows: 50% or more visible light transmission
- Backside windows: Any % VLT
- Rear window: Any % VLT
Illinois Window Tint Law – Regulations
Illinois Window Tint – Medical Exemption
The driver must obtain a Certified statement or letter written by a physician licensed to practice in Illinois.
For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult IL state law below.
ILLINOIS- TINTED WINDOW CERTIFICATION -PDF
Side mirrors
If the back window is tinted, drivers need side mirrors.
Color Tint
Illinois tint laws explicitly ban no colors of tint.
Window Tint Certification / Label
Label or certification isn’t required.
FAQ – Window Tint Illinois
- Can you tint your front windshield in Illinois? yes, non-reflective tint allowed on the top 6.”
- How dark can you tint your windows? Any VLT allowed for multi-purpose vehicles (backside and rear windows only)
- Are tinted windows illegal? Depending on whether you follow the rules or not, please check the infographic on this page for more details.
- Is it legal to have tinted windows in Illinois? Yes, it is legal, as long you comply with the limits and rules.
- Is 5% tint legal in Illinois? Yes, ( back-side and rear windows); check the infographic above.
Benefits of Window Tinting
Window tinting blocks up to 99% of the UV rays. The car interior cools by 60%. It also can help protect from ultraviolet radiation and help protect your car’s interior from cracking or fading and looking worn-out. Another great benefit is the level of privacy, which can prevent someone who walks by to peer inside.
Car Window Tint Cost
In general, the cost may vary; for example, a basic tint for a sedan car using the classic film can cost less than $150 per vehicle. However, suppose you want a top-quality film such as ceramic window tint. In that case, it can cost up to $400 per vehicle. Of course, all depend on different factors (number of windows, type of tint, warranty). On the other hand, a cheaper option for professional tinting services is a DIY tint kit, which usually costs less than $100.
Sources
ILLINOIS STATUTES – WINDOW TINTING
Note: Keep in mind that Illinois tint laws can change daily and may be interpreted differently in your city or county. To be sure, we recommend double-checking our information with your local DMV or Law Enforcement Authorities.