What Constitutes Legal Window Tint in Arizona?
In Arizona, the legal definition of window tinting is governed by state law and regulated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). The regulations apply for all tinted car windows, including those in the front windshield and the side windows of all vehicles. Reflective colors are not allowed on any motor vehicles.
For sedans, SUVs, vans and trucks – tint on the front windshield cannot be more than 33%. On the front-facing windows, color tint cannot be more than 33%. Color tint on the rear windows – any darkness level is allowed. For SUVs and vans – on the back windshield, any darkness level is allowed. The rear windows may carry any degree of window tint or reflectiveness.
At the rear windows , on sedans, vans, SUVs and trucks, any degree of tint or reflectiveness is allowed, with no limitations.
In practice, some law enforcement officers have been known to view very dark tint on a vehicle – especially the front windows – as problematic. When it comes to reflective films, some law enforcement officers consider them too reflective, even though they sit within the guidelines above. This can lead to tickets and accusations of "excessive tint."
Arizona has very specific laws that state that manufacturers of tint must certify the degree of tint it provides. Vehicle owners should ask to see this certification before having the tint installed.
Why Arizona has Regulations on Tinting Windows
Arizona’s tint regulations are about safety, visibility and protection. Though tint is enjoyed for its classy appeal, consider the importance of seeing out of your car and being seen driving as a matter of public safety. Drive safely and legally for your own protection as well as that of other road users. Survival follows preservation of one’s own life, and a tinted windshield that cannot be seen through could put you in danger. If your tint is too dark, you can get distracted from normal driving because of not knowing who is around you. If everyone drives with tinted windshields, visibility becomes a problem and bad things happen. Don’t do that. Survive by driving safely and not by creating your own tint law violation danger.
In Arizona, there are over 100,000 accidents per year on our highways and city streets. We have an estimated 6,500 people seriously injured and 300 killed as an almost weekly occurrence in road accidents. Visibility issues from excessive window tint causes an unknown number of accidents, injuries and deaths that are not reported as having been related to window tint visibility. Kicking sand in the wind blown direction has more effect on the ear compared with getting it blown directly in your face, but it is all sand.
Your ability to see clearly out of your vehicle windows is important for your safety and that of everyone else on the road. It is not just your safety, and it could save your life and those you love. The bottom line is that tinted windows are unsafe when the tint is too dark. Arizona window tint regulations help prevent serious accidents and special injuries that can damage or destroy lives.
Types of Windows Arizona Regulates for Tint
Arizona law regulates tint on the following windows:
Front Side Windows
The front side windows, the windows to the left and right of the driver and passenger that are adjacent to the windshield, can have any darkness of tint as long as the window has a non-reflective tint strip along the top of the window up to 5 inches wide. Arizona law does not have any restriction on how much light transmits through this window.
Back Side Windows
The back side windows, the windows to the left and right of the driver and passenger behind the B pillar and the C pillar, can have any darkness of tint. Arizona law does not have any restriction on how much light transmits through these windows.
Rear Windows
The rear windows, the windows behind the B pillar on the left and right side of the vehicle and the window that is rear facing, can have any darkness of tint. Arizona law does not have any restriction on how much light transmits through this window.
Windshield
The front windshield, the window in the front of the vehicle that is adjacent to the steering wheel, must have at least 70% visible light transmission. The windshield can have any darkness of tint as long as there is a non-reflective stripe that goes from the top of the window down not more than 5 inches.
Reflections
The front side windows, back side windows, rear windows, and the windows of SUVs and vans behind the B pillars cannot have reflective tint—any tint that is mirrored or shiny. The windshield also cannot have mirrored or shiny tint.
Tips on How to Follow Arizona Tint Laws
To ensure that your tints are compliant with Arizona law, it is highly recommended to seek the services of a professional tinting service to properly install and apply your car window tints. When you bring your vehicle into the service provider, they will perform a test on your window tints to determine whether they meet the visible light transmittance (VLT) of 33 or greater, including the tinted windshield. If your window passes the test, an identification certificate will be provided and must be placed in the vehicle and kept with the vehicle at all times. This certificate will include the name, address and telephone number of the installer, as well as identifying the date the window tint installation was performed. A written statement will also be issued to certify that the vehicle complies with Arizona’s tint laws . While not required by law, this written certification is filed with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. As is the case with many other states, Arizona vehicles are subject to periodic inspections where automobile tinting may be challenged for compliance with legal standards. It is important to have your tinting applied and certified by a reputable service provider that is well versed in the complexities of tinting laws in the state. Not every tinting provider is certified by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. You can check a provider online to ensure their certification. A simple Google search will allow for verification of the provider’s credentials. Any vehicle registered for operation in Arizona must follow of the guidelines outlined in the Arizona Department of Transportation regulations for the State of Arizona.
Penalties for Not Following the Laws
Failure to adhere to Arizona’s Window Tint Laws can lead to multiple negative consequences. Failure of any kind is met with a legal consequence in Arizona. This is especially true when dealing with the tint of your vehicle’s windows. If an officer suspects you are in violation of the law, he or she is likely to pull you over and inspect your windows. The law requires police officers to pull you over if he or she suspects you are in violation of the tint laws. The duty also requires the officer to test your vehicle for visible light transmission through your window. The inspection is done through the use of a window tint meter.
If you are found to be in violation, the window tint meter will record the VLT of each window in violation and notify the Department of Public Safety (DPS). A Notice of Violation is then sent to the owner of the vehicle. Owners receive notices even when the violation was committed by another person. The Notice of Violation informs the owner that he or she has ten days to either replace the illegal window tint or have a police officer inspect the vehicle. The Notice of Violation also explains the offense committed as well as the consequences of non-compliance. All window tint metering is done at no charge to owners. If the vehicle passes the inspection the notice and test results are sent to the DPS by the officer completing the inspection. The DPS will note a response in its system. If the officer is not satisfied, a civil penalty will be assessed to the owner of the vehicle. The civil penalty is one of the laws negative consequences. Vehicle owners can be penalized $500 if their vehicles’ window tint fails inspection. If the Officer returns to the same vehicle inside the predetermined time frame and observes that the vehicle has not been repaired in fifteen days the owner is subject to an additional penalty of $500. In addition a Notice to Appear (hearing date) is mailed to the vehicle owner’s last known address. A civil penalty of $300 will be assessed if the vehicle owner fails to appear at the date listed on the notice. Furthermore, the Department of Motor Vehicles will expire the registration of the vehicle unless the owner pays the civil penalty and serves his or her compliance notice on the department within fifteen days of the officer inspection. Your vehicle will be subject to impound until a positive inspection is completed and all fines paid.
Tips to Have the Right Window Tint
When selecting window tint for your vehicle, there are some important factors to consider to ensure that what you choose will comply with Arizona law while still providing functional benefits and the aesthetic qualities you want.
Understand the law. In this instance, the law is actually fairly straightforward-there are legal limits on how dark the tint can be (obviously darker tints provide more privacy, but these add heat and cost more). Be aware that the law applies to each window in the vehicle, including those behind the driver. Be sure to ask any installer about their knowledge of the law and request documented proof of tint specifications that qualify under the law. Feel the film. Different films have varying textures and strength. You’ll want to make sure that the film you choose has a quality texture and won’t tear easily or peel off the windows. Since the film’s ability to block UV rays from the sun is key , you’ll need to know its heat rejection features as well. Consider whether the tint you have in mind won’t become cumbersome due to changing temperatures. Research installation. Many shops and garages do window tint installation, but you’ll want to be sure that you go through a business that has experience specifically in tint installation (not just a mechanic or general shop). Some businesses provide a warranty for their work, which protects you should issues arise. Also, look for an installer who has had success working with the tint you’ve chosen. Consider UV protections. Cooler interiors due to reduced heat entry, privacy for you and your belongings within the vehicle, and protection from elements such as golf balls, flying debris, stray baseballs and other outdoor nuisances can be gained through window tint. However, the amount of UV rays that will not enter through your tinted windows is a huge factor in whether you should get the tint at all. Choosing ceramic films can help provide your windows with high heat rejection while maintaining visibility.