An Overview of The Ohio Window Tint Law
Window tinting laws refer to the restrictions on the darkness and reflectivity of window films that are permitted to be applied to motor vehicles. Some states and jurisdictions do not have any laws that restrict window tinting. Many others do have laws that restrict how dark or reflective window tint can be. Some laws restrict how far you can tint a window. Some laws restrict how light or reflective the tint must be. Whatever the law, it is important for every vehicle owner to know what the limits are in their state or jurisdiction.
Ohio does have various laws that apply to window tinting . Like all other states, the Ohio tinted window law is in place to ensure the safety of other drivers. According to one of the most recent Ohio tint laws:
"(C) All side windows of a motor vehicle shall be so equipped that upon application of a suitable measuring device, the light transmittance through the window films does not permit less than twenty percent of the light to be transmitted through the window."
As with any other state or jurisdiction, having your vehicle tinted slightly darker will not immediately land you a ticket. However, it is important that you abide by the tint laws at all times.
Legal Tint Percentage for Various Vehicles
Ohio window tinting laws regulate the darkness of tint for all vehicles on Ohio roadways. By tint darkness, we mean the "VLT" (Visible Light Transmission) percentage allowed on the windshield and the other windows of the vehicle. All window tinting film has a VLT that is labeled by the manufacturers, and which can be measured by an officer using a prismoteter. Vehicle manufacturers usually place a sticker on the lower edge of the driver’s side window, indicating the darkness of tint the vehicle came out of the factory with.
In Ohio, the law allows window tinting on vehicles as follows:
Windshield: No more than the top 5 inches or the AS-1 line (if police can find one), whichever is lower.
Brow band: A vehicle may have an opaque brow band on the uppermost part of the windshield, provided the band does not extend down past the AS-1 line when measured from the top of windshield.
Front side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in (not more than 50% VLT).
Back side windows: Vehicle may have tinted window(s) behind the driver’s seat, regardless of darkness.
Rear window: Vehicle may have tinted window, regardless of darkness.
SUV, minivan, van, or bus – No restrictions on tinting darkness.
Note that the vehicle can have no tint that reflects any light. Tinted films that reflect any amount of light are illegal already in Ohio. That is true even if the film does not exceed the VLT percentage requirements.
In addition to the tint restrictions listed above, the law prohibits any tint on the top 5 inches of the front windshield of a motorcycle.
Tinting laws are only enforced upon a police officer’s observance of a violation. It is common for officers to observe a tinted windshield only when they can see it from the back of another vehicle. If that is the case, the officer may pull the vehicle over and stop the violator for the tint violation, even though he was only observing it from behind the vehicle.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines and Penalties
Similar to other states, there are no points added to your driving record in Ohio for window tint violations. However, you can rack up some fines pretty quickly for being cited for violations. A first time offense in Ohio can result in a fine of $110. If you continue to ignore the window tint laws, you could be looking at a fine of up to $500. Not all is lost if you are cited for a window tint violation. In the state of Ohio, if you are able to show the court that you’ve removed or corrected the violation, there is a possibility of having the offense dismissed.
In some other states such as California, tinting your windows can also give rise to a form of illegal obstruction of view and the ticket is issued under California Vehicle Code Section 26708. This code section provides for a fine not exceeding $250. So, keep in mind the consequences can be much less severe in Ohio.
In Chicago, Illinois, the penalties for violating the window tint law currently include fines but it has been suggested that we begin to incarcerate repeat offenders. Since we do not want to go backwards here in Ohio, please be in compliance with law at all times.
Even though there is no point value assigned to this law, there could still be insurance ramifications. If you are pulled over for a window tint violation, there is an opportunity for the officer to check for license and insurance information; so, don’t be surprised if they pull you over for one reason and find an additional offense for which you are ticketed. To avoid further problems, make sure your license and insurance information is valid and up to date.
Limitations and Leading Exemptions
Despite the generally strict limitations on window tint in the state of Ohio, there are some important exceptions. Ohio law provides a number of exceptions to the above restrictions for: The law further states that a person operating or riding in a motor vehicle that is equipped with windows, windshields or other glazing that complies with the rules adopted under section 4513.241 of the Revised Code is not in violation by reason of that equipment. The law does not provide exemptions for the tint of windows on commercial vehicles in Ohio . Strictly speaking, all commercial vehicles must follow the same tint restrictions as consumer vehicles. However, the law federally mandates that windshields on commercial vehicles manufactured after 1993 are not subject to the tint rules. If a car is a commercial vehicle by U.S. Department of Transportation standards, it is free from the tint restrictions of Ohio law. Certain types of vehicles are exempt from the tint rules in Ohio as per Section 4513.241(B)(2).
How to Gauge Tint Levels
When it comes to compliance with the law, measuring window tint levels plays a crucial role in avoiding potential legal issues. Although optical manufacturers of window films have tint meters to take precise measurements of tint percentage and reflectivity, the average vehicle owner does not have access to this specialized equipment. However, there are a few practical methods vehicle owners can use to measure window tint levels.
A simple way to test window tint is the "light test." The light test is the most complete method of estimating tint levels. You can perform the light test by getting an inexpensive flashlight at a local home improvement store. You’ll also need a standard piece of paper, which will block most light. You then place the piece of paper over the window while shining the flashlight through it. If the light can pass through the paper and tint, then the tint is fairly likely to be legal. However, this method should be used with caution, as the flashlight size can create inaccurate results by skewing light patterns in the window. On the plus side, this method uses light and darkness to create more accurate results than other methods.
Another way to measure tint levels is to look for the "certificate of compliance," sticker. During the window tinting process, the installer must place a sticker in the lower corner of the driver’s side windshield. This sticker shows what sort of tint is present, the name of the company that manufactured the film, the name of the window tinting business, the date the film was installed and what the maximum legal limit is. You will also be able to find this sticker on the "drivers’ window" which should be just to the left on the drivers side at the top of the glass. This sticker must be present for the window tinting to pass inspection, as required by the law.
While most window film and tint manufacturers both sell and rent optical tint meters to their window film dealers, the average consumer does not have access to these devices. But, there are now a number of tint measuring devices available online that are relatively affordable, with decent accuracy. Most of these devices are hand-held meters that measure the level of infrared and ultraviolet, as well as the tinting percentage. Some of these meters can even calculate the percentage of light transmission through the film instead of merely displaying it.
If you are not confident that your tinted windows will make the grade, consider re-tinting your windows. A reputable and experienced window tint installer is familiar with the Ohio fluorescent rules. This means that it is less likely that your windows will have excess tint than would be the case with a less experienced window tint business. It is always recommended to ask your window film dealer about the tint percentage and reflectivity of the tint film you are considering.
Obtaining Professional Tint Services
While some choose to purchase their own equipment and film to tint their windows at home, it is always a better decision to hire a professional. In addition to the extra time and hassle it takes to do it yourself, you also need to keep in mind the fact that it is nearly impossible to pass inspection if you tint your windows yourself. In order for all justices of the peace, police officers and the director of Ohio public safety to get checks for window tinting, they must go through the Ohio inspector of motor vehicles, which is the only authority allowed to test window tint, this is true even for professionals. When a professional installs the tint on your windows, he or she must properly test your windows at the start by going to a light meter, they have the duty to show you that the sufficient visible light transmittance did measure more than 70%. If it does not, they need to find out why, and you will receive a full refund. A professional will also hold you accountable for your actions if you decide to remove , falsify, or destroy any documents necessary to install the tint. While home tints and tints in general are banned in Ohio for windshields, a professional will always follow these laws, as well as bill you depending on the price of your tint. A professional tint service can guarantee that your tint is legal and complies with Ohio tint laws. Not only this, but a professional service will also guarantee complete service, meaning cleaning and tinting the windshield, windows, and sunroof/roof. Hiring a professional tinting service gives you the guarantee that your windows comply with all legal guidelines. It ensures that all professional tint fittings are completely legal and compliant with Ohio tint laws installed quickly, and within hours. You can trust that nothing will be damaged during the tinting process. A professional tinting service will guarantee quality service without getting in the way of your every day schedule.