Hey there, fellow Hoosier! Anderson here, and if you're thinking about giving your car a fresh new look with some window tinting, you're in the right place. Let's dive deep into what Indiana says about dressing up your car windows, shall we?
A Quick History Bite
Indiana rolled out its car window tinting laws back in 2003. Time sure flies, doesn’t it?
Shades and Reflections: What’s the Deal in Indiana?
Alright, here’s the crux of the matter: it’s all about the VLT or the Visible Light Transmission. Sounds fancy, right? It’s just a technical way of saying how much light should be able to pass through your tinted windows.
For the Sedan Owners Out There:
Windshield: You can have non-reflective tint, but only above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
Front Side Windows: Keep it above 30% transparency.
Back Side & Rear Windows: Same story here; 30% is your magic number.
For the SUVs and Vans Crew:
Windshield: Just like sedans, non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Front Side Windows: Let in more than 30% light.
Back Side & Rear Windows: Here’s where it gets interesting! You have flexibility with the darkness but only a few (albeit, vague) inches from the top.
Reflections can be a killer, especially during those sunny Indiana days. So, there's a cap on how reflective your tints can be:
Sedans & SUVs/Vans: Your front and back side windows shouldn't reflect more than 25% of incoming light. Keep it cool, not blinding!
The Nitty-Gritty of Indiana's Tinting Rules
Indiana, being the lovely state it is, has a few other guidelines in place:
Mirror, Mirror: No restrictions here! Look at yourself all day if you want.
Color Your World: Indiana doesn’t ban any tint colors. Rainbow car, anyone?
Certificates: If you’re buying tint film, check with the dealer. The manufacturers should have certified that film in Indiana.
Sticker Shock: No need for a sticker to prove your tint's legality.
Health First: If you've got medical reasons, Indiana might just allow you some special tinting privileges.
Ouch, That Hurts: Penalties can range from Class A to Class C infractions.
And a tiny heads-up: local interpretation might vary, so do double-check with your county or local law enforcers. A quick chat could save you some hassle down the road.
A Note from Yours Truly
Our intel on Indiana’s tinting laws was updated this year, 2023. But remember, the world's always changing. If you spot something off or outdated, give us a shout. Let's keep each other informed.
Stay cool and tint on, Indiana!