There’s no doubt that cars with tinted windows look cool, but do you know the Pennsylvania tint laws? 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 PA 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 Pennsylvania has a different VLT% for front and back windows, as you can see below.
Legal Window Tint in PA – Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield: 70% or more visible light transmission
- Front side windows: 70% or more visible light transmission
- Backside windows: 70% or more visible light transmission
- Rear window: 70% or more visible light transmission
Legal Window Tint in PA – Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield: 70% or more visible light transmission
- Front side windows: 70% or more visible light transmission
- Backside windows: Any VLT %
- Rear window: Any VLT %
Pennsylvania Tint Laws – Regulations
Pennsylvania Window Tint Law – Exemption
Below are the exemptions to Window Tint requirements.
- Law Enforcement – Vehicles that are maintained by a law enforcement agency and used for law enforcement purposes.
- Government vehicles
- Ambulance
Pennsylvania Window Tint law- Medical Exemption
Any person requesting an exemption for medical reasons shall have his physical condition certified to the department by a licensed physician or optometrist.
Side mirrors
side mirrors required if the rear window tinted
Color Tint
no restrictions
Window Tint Certification
no needed
Label
Must have a label on the window to which it is applied, containing the name of the material manufacturer or a registration number and the statement, “Complies with VESC-20.”
FAQ – Pennsylvania window Tint Law
- Can you tint your front windshield in Pennsylvania? yes, 70% or more visible light transmission
- What is the Legal Tint in PA? It varies depending on the window of the vehicle. For more details, please check the infographic located on this page.
- Is 20% tint legal in PA? Yes, for back-side and rear windows (multi-purpose vehicles only).
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
PENNSYLVANIA – WINDOW TINTING -LAW AND RULES
PENNSYLVANIA-DOT-FACT-SHEET-WINDOW-TINT-PDF
Note: Keep in mind that Pennsylvania 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.