Hey there, Connecticut drivers! Planning to tint those windows? I got you. Let's dive deep into the world of window tints in our beloved state, Connecticut. Back in 1994, our state thought, "Let's make some rules about this!" And so, the window tinting laws came into existence. Stick with me, and I'll walk you through the essentials and the nitty-gritty of these regulations.
Visible Light Transmission: What's the Deal?
You might hear this term 'VLT,' which is short for Visible Light Transmission. In simple words, it's all about the percentage of sunlight that gets to pass through your car windows. Now, here's where things get a tad tricky. The acceptable percentage of light varies based on whether you're driving a sedan or you're the proud owner of an SUV or van.
For Sedans, Here's What You Need to Know:
Windshield: You can sport a non-reflective tint, but only above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
Front Side Windows: Keep it breezy! They need to let in more than 35% light.
Back Side Windows: Same rule - more than 35% light.
Rear Window: Go wild! Choose any darkness you fancy.
And for SUVs and Vans:
Windshield: Just like sedans, non-reflective tint is good to go above the AS-1 line.
Front Side Windows: Let the sunshine in – ensure it's more than 35%.
Back Side Windows & Rear Window: Here's where you get some freedom - choose any shade you prefer.
Reflection Matters Too!
You want your tints to reduce that annoying glare, right? Keep an eye on the reflection levels permitted in Connecticut.
For Those Cool Sedan Drivers:
Front Side Windows: Reflectivity? Keep it below 21%.
Back Side Windows: A tad more leeway here - not more than 27% reflective.
As for the SUV and Van Gang:
Front and Back Side Windows: Same rules apply. Keep the reflection under 21% for the front, and not beyond 27% for the back.
Don't Forget These Additional Pointers!
Connecticut, being as thorough as always, has a few more pointers for us:
Side Mirrors: Rocking a tinted rear window? Ensure you have dual side mirrors.
Colors: The good news? No colors are off-limits!
Tint Variance: There's a little wiggle room with a 3% light transmission tolerance.
Certificates & Stickers: Ensure your tint film is certified in Connecticut. Also, look out for that legal sticker between the film and glass.
Medical Exceptions: For some medical conditions, Connecticut gives a nod for up to 20% VLT tint film.
Remember, my friends, always double-check these details. You never know when rules might vary from one county to another. And hey, a quick chat with your local DMV or the friendly neighborhood law enforcement never hurts.
By the way, just so you're in the loop, our tint law info was last spruced up in 2023. Found an error or got an update? Holler at us so we can make things right. Safe tinting, Connecticut!