Tinting Windows Legally in North Carolina

An Overview of Window Tint Laws in North Carolina

An overview of the regulations concerning window tint is as follows:
Front windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, or within 5 inches of the top of the windshield , whichever is longer.
Any darkness level is permitted on the front passenger window and the driver’s side window.
A maximum of 35% tint darkness is permitted on any other windows.
Rear window
Tinting is permitted at any darkness level on any window behind the driver’s seat.
Reflectivity
Any window may be tinted providing that the tint does not reflect more than 20% of light, irrespective of the angle of the window.
Mirrored tint is permitted on the exact same conditions.

Fines and Imprisonment for Violation

If you are caught driving around North Carolina with a car that has non-compliant window tint, understand up front that doing so is a violation of the law under G.S. 20-127 and G.S. 20-135.4A. You may even be pulled over for violating the tint law. A window tint violation is typically written as a traffic citation in the form of a Uniform Citation and Complaint. Both of these laws are considered non-willful violations, so a violation of these two laws is a simple Infraction – rather than a Misdemeanor or Felony like many other traffic-related laws in NC. But, the law provides for stiff penalties on infractions such as window tint. Under G.S. 14-3, there are authorized penalties of up to 120 days in the county jail in addition to up to $1,000.00 in fines (as this is a Class I crime according to G.S. 14-3.1). However, under G.S. 20-135.4A penalties are ordered pursuant to G.S. 20- 179 and these include: If you plead guilty to the window tint violation – or are found guilty of the window tint violation at trial – you will be ordered to pay an assessment of $90.00 to the N.C. Department of Public Safety. Generally, this is in addition to any costs and fines that may come from the court costs & fines section of the ticket. Therefore, the legal penalties from a window tint violation in North Carolina can effectively be hundreds of dollars (hundreds of dollars in addition to any civil penalty that might have resulted from a judgement at traffic court). Each violation of G.S. 20-127 is punishable by a fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00). If a person has been previously convicted of violating the provisions of this Article and is subsequently found guilty of another violation, that person is subject to being fined not less than two hundred dollars ($200.00). A first violation of G.S. 20-135.4A shall be treated as an infraction and is subject to a penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). A second or subsequent violation by the same person or organization is a Class 3 misdemeanor. A person or organization who is in violation of this section shall be subject to a fine of two hundred dollars ($200.00), or seventy-five dollars ($75.00), in the discretion of the judge. The judge may suspend the penalty, in which case the defendant must comply with this section.

Exceptional Cases and Unique Rules

Medical exemptions are available in North Carolina for individuals with limiting conditions, such as lupus or porphyria, who can demonstrate that the sun poses a danger to their health. Individuals who wish to take advantage of this exemption must apply for a special purpose plate from the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The application form requires a physician’s statement regarding the individual’s condition. Approved applicants may then apply to the DMV for a medical exemption sticker to be affixed to the inside of the driver’s side windshield.
While the exception for glazing does not apply to motorcycles, special considerations may be available for these vehicles by obtaining a special motorcycle blind-spot mirror sticker issued through the DMV.
Van is subject to the normal glazing provisions for vehicles, including the new unused passenger car which come off the showroom floor.

Taking a Reading for Tint Levels

Each passenger vehicle windshield in North Carolina must allow at least thirty-five percent light transmission, and no tint can appear more reflective than a standard window without tint. The front driver and passenger windows of the vehicle can also have a maximum of thirty-five percent light transmission and no tint reflecting more than five percent of the light. As does the windshield, the rear driver and passenger windows must have a minimum of thirty-five percent light transmission but do not require a level of reflectivity. Law regarding the tint levels on SUVs and vans are slightly different, these vehicles require a minimum of thirty-five percent light transmission and no more reflectivity than five percent, however, these can have tinted glass installed on them in the manufacture process (factory tinted). There are also additional restrictions regarding sedans or other vehicles with a wider window opening. These vehicles are required to have either clear , untreated glass, tinted glass which provides a light transmittance of thirty-five percent, or tinted glass bearing in the manufacturers’ name of the tinting material on each piece of glass tinted.
A light tester is used to measure the tint levels of the windshield and windows of the car. It measures how much light is getting through the tint of the window. Only three percent of the light is allowed to be blocked, therefore, the tint on the window should be no more than thirty-seven percent. There are various types of light testers, however, to determine whether or not your car is in compliance with the law, it is best to have a professional do the testing. The law in North Carolina is extremely strict on tint regulations and it is possible that you may have done everything correctly, but the tint tester determines the tint percentage is out of compliance.

Where to Get Your Tint Done Legally

When you’re considering professional window tinting for your vehicle that conforms to North Carolina State Law, it’s important to choose a qualified company with a reputation for quality work. However, all that glitters isn’t gold. There are a lot of fly-by-night guys out there who won’t think twice about getting you the lowest price with a tint that doesn’t meet legal standards and could lead to a ticket. Here are some tips for finding the right legal tinting service in North Carolina: Ask for a demonstration of how the tint looks on another vehicle. A reputable service will have no trouble providing this for you. Request a written estimate and scan it carefully. Look for any fine print that makes exceptions to their estimate. In the worst case scenario, you don’t want to be surprised by a final bill that exceeds your expectations. Verify that they are licensed and that the tinting materials they use are compliant with North Carolina law. Check reviews online and on social media. You want to find a company that has a long track record of positive reviews from satisfied customers.

Commonly Asked Questions

As a follow up to yesterday’s post, here are some of the most common questions I receive about legal window tint in North Carolina:
Q: What is the benefit of getting legal tint?
A: The benefit is that when you go to get new tint applied or change the tint on your car, you are saving yourself the hassle of having to take the tint off anytime a law enforcement officer pulls you over and inspects the tint. You won’t have to worry about what tears and scratches are left behind on your windows when you have to remove the tint, only to apply another tinted film to your windows.
Q: Will I be ticketed for being in possession legal tint?
A: No. If you have legal tint on your windows and you get pulled over, it would be a waste of the officer’s time to write you a ticket for legal tint . If for whatever reason you are written a ticket after all of your windows pass an inspection, contact an attorney. The ticket should not hold up in court.
Q: Do the exemptions make a difference?
A: Yes! However, in order to be exempt, you have to pass a screening via a light transmittance meter. When you go to a certified tint shop, they will have a light transmittance meter and can screen it for you. If you do not pass the screening, you cannot be exempt from the tinted window laws even if you have a valid medical exemption. For more information on the window tint laws in North Carolina, visit the North Carolina General Assembly and inquire on their website.