We all know that when it comes to customizing your ride, black tint gives an extra perfection to appearance but there are a lot of advantages that also make it a great idea. Tints can block UV rays, allow privacy, reduce glare, and provide a variety of other benefits. However, going overboard with the black tint might get you into legal issues as well as put you in danger while driving. Is it legal to have tinted windows on all vehicles, and can SUVs have tinted windows?
SUVs are permitted to have tinted rear windows because they are passenger vehicles with only the front windows and windshield required for the driver to see properly. The remaining windows are mostly for the comfort of the passengers, not for the driver’s view.
If you’re wondering, why do SUVs have tinted rear windows, this may sound odd because four-door cars want tint for the same reason, yet they aren’t allowed to have it, let alone as dark as an SUV. So, we’ll talk about why this is and how it varies by state.
Do SUVs Have Tinted Windows?
In a nutshell, the answer is Yes! Some time ago, tinted windows were once exclusively available as factory options on sports cars and sedans. Today, SUV tint has gradually become a common feature.
Why Are SUVs Allowed to Have Tinted Windows?
Have you ever noticed that almost all SUVs, even if they are just regular SUVs have tinted windows? The distinction between SUVs and other vehicles is made by determining if the vehicle is a single-passenger or multi-passenger vehicle. From history of the first SUV, SUVs are built to accommodate more passengers and frequently has three rows of seating, which means there are additional windows.
Regular cars on the other hand have fewer windows because they have two rows of seating which can hold up to four or five people. However, the amount of windows isn’t the issue; it’s how the driver is supposed to use them that matters.
The driver of a car is expected to be able to see clearly out all of the vehicle’s windows. This is due to the vehicle’s reduced size and the fact that all of the windows are close enough to see out of.
Can SUVs Have Tinted Windows?
In an SUV, the driver is thought to only need to see out of the windshield, front and passenger windows, and the rear window. The farthest seat in the third row may have a small window or an expanded second-row window, however these windows are assumed to be unsued by the driver.
What Is Factory Tint on SUVs?
Vehicles that have had their windows tinted by the original manufacturer are referred to as factory tinted. Factory tint, also known as “Privacy Glass,” and is achieved using an electrical technique known as “deep dipping,” in which the inside of vehicle glass is dyed with a dark color.
Most new trucks and SUVs come with factory tint on the rear half. Factory window tint is added to provide privacy to passengers and personal goods from strangers, it has a common visual light transmission (VLT) of 15 percent to 26 percent and a very different set of properties compared to window films.
To avoid breaking the law, factory tint is only applied to the rear half of the vehicle’s windows because most states have a VLT legal limit for the front driver windows and windshield.
The Cons of Factory Tint
The primary benefit of factory tint with a low VLT is that it provides privacy for passengers and personal goods. Unlike aftermarket window films which are able to block 99% UVA and UVB rays, factory tint does not provide the same UV protection or heat reduction capabilities
UVB rays cannot permeate any type of glass, even non-tinted glass, thus factory tint solely protects against UVB rays. In other words, you should apply aftermarket window films if you want to reduce heat in your vehicle, reduce cancer-causing UV radiation, and reduce harm from shattered glass in an accident.
The Pros of Aftermarket Tint
1. Heat Rejection
While Window Films generally do better than factory tint, their heat rejection properties depend on the tint type, shade, and quality. Window films can offer more than 90% UV protection as well as heat rejection.
2. UV Protection
UVA rays cumulatively is dangerous when they penetrates deep into the skin, it can speed up aging process. According to studies, North American drivers had a higher likelihood of skin cancer on their left side as a result of exposure while driving.
That’s why the Skin Cancer Foundation advocates using window tint as part of a complete skincare regimen. This is something that a factory tint would never be able to do. So, why should you put up with this risk when you don’t have to?
3. Reduce Theft
Thieves are always on the lookout to take what they see. A window tint will not only improve your car appearance and make it cool, but it also blocks the view of your car’s interior and also safeguard it from thieves. If a thief can’t see into your car to check if there’s anything valuable inside, they’ll just themselves the stress and go on to the next vehicle.
SUV Tint Laws
The laws regarding window tinting vary by state. As a result, it’s a good idea to check your state’s laws to be sure you’re following them correctly.
Each state may have its own tinting regulations, which might make it difficult to know what is permitted. Some states will allow a tint up to a particular degree, but nothing darker.
While it depends on the type of vehicle you’re driving, the backside windows and the rear window can be tinted to any degree, and a minimum of 33% of light must enter through the front side windows. There’s also a medical exemption that allows you to go darker if it’s medically essential (but it involves paperwork and doctors).
The SUV tint laws NY mandates that a vehicle’s windows must allow at least:
- 75 % of light through the front windscreen
- 70 % of light through the front side windows
Can you take drivers test with tinted windows
You can take a test in a car with tinted windows as long as the tint is within whatever your local jurisdiction’s laws are. However, there are some conditions like; the car in question has to be currently registered, and nothing should have been altered since registration.
You must also ensure that the car is lawful so that neither you nor the examiner receives a ticket. The examiner will not risk a ticket by riding with you if your back window is tinted illegally.
Can you tint SUV front windows?
The front windscreen, as well as the two windows on either side of the driver, must have the proper degree of tint. If your vehicle’s front windows are extensively tinted, you could face police charges. This could be a prohibition notice, which prevents you from driving until the excess window tint is removed, a fixed penalty notice, or a court summons.
Window tints will reduce your visibility of more vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, especially in low-light situations. Visibility issues are especially acute at dawn and dusk, as well as during the commencement of poor weather when light levels change rapidly.
How Much to Tint Windows?
Perhaps you’ve lately seen a car with a good window tint and thought to yourself, “I wish I could do that to my car.” Fortunately, buying a window tint isn’t as complicated as you would believe.
For ordinary, non-reflective tint film, car tinting can cost anywhere from $50 to $600. Expect to pay closer to $100 to $800 for a more streamlined aesthetic, such as what you get with ceramic, metallic, or other specialized films.
The price will be determined by a variety of criteria. This will include the make and model of your car, as well as the type of vehicle you have, the number of windows you want to be tinted, the type of tint you want, and the size of your windows. One of the most important cost factors is the type of material and technology used in a window film.
SUV Window Tint Cost
SUVs having wider windows, as well as being larger and higher, which will affect cost. As a result, window tinting for SUVs will cost between $250 and $750. The cost of a film varies depending on its type, location, and retailer.
Conclusion
As to the question, can SUVs have tinted windows? You should keep in mind that, not every state follows the same set of rules. So, it’s critical to be aware of and understand the regulations and laws that govern how dark your vehicle’s windows can be.
Choosing the correct brand while staying within a budget might be tough. Having your windows tinted by a professional is a great way to avoid running afoul of the law.
