In Florida, window tinting-related legal regulations allow manufacturers’ A-1 line tinting. It must incorporate characteristics of an adequate amount of light to pass through in the case of a front windshield. Also, the tint must be non-reflective, and it is advised not to go for any darker solution as there is no prescribed limit. It is not allowed to use tinted film on the lower part of your windshield- about five inches from the top. This regulation is imposed by the relevant law listed in Section 316.2952(2) of the Florida Statutes.
Having said that, non-reflective tint material is allowed to be used to get burn protection and protection from glares. It also assists in ensuring driving safety while encountering sunlight’s rays. Additionally, tinting is allowed for passengers with certain medical conditions. But it must incorporate above the AS-1 line set by the manufacturers.
Is Front Windshield Tint Legal in Fl?
In Florida, tinting your front windshield is prohibited by the State laws. It’s illegal to tint the front windshield with material below what’s called the AS-1 line: a nano-carbon-ceramic one can work better. In simple words, the tinting material may roughly shade around 5 inches from the top.
However, we, the Floridians, both the drivers and cops, know the devastating nature of the blazing Florida sun. It allows some law enforcement personnel to often allow the use of clear window tint to help reduce glare. But, it should, or better to say, not expect this consideration for every case. In many situations, it can welcome tickets or legal consequences.
Additionally, we inform that there are medical exemptions that permit having windshield tinting for individuals with certain medical conditions. Here, the considered medical conditions are Albinism, Vitiligo, Dermatomyositis, Xeroderma pigmentosum, Lupus, and Other autoimmune diseases. However, in this case, it is better to obtain medical authorization for a specialized window tint that’s acceptable in Florida.
To get such documentation, one can contact your nearby Florida DMV office. They will provide information on whether there is any need for a certificate from a doctor or just a window tint exemption sticker, which will be enough to adhere to Florida’s window tint laws. There is the online application form for the Florida sun screening medical exemption.
Nonetheless, while the general rule is no tint on the front windshield, there are some exceptions and practical considerations to be aware of. Be sure to check the specific regulations and any potential exemptions before going for tinting the front windshield in Florida to avoid any legal troubles.
How Much is a Windshield Tint Ticket in Florida?
The answer to this question isn’t a straightforward yes or no. It hinges on the type of window tint you’ve applied to your vehicle. While tinted windows are generally permissible, not all levels of tint comply with the law.
In Florida, the cops carry a tool named VLT meter. It is used to measure the amount of light passages through. The officers use a VLT meter to determine how much light can pass through the tinted windows. To explain, the lower the VLT percentage, the darker the window appears.
Here, multiple consequences can take place. First, Florida’s tint laws are relatively relaxed due to the scorching heat. Still, in certain conditions, the relaxed context is not applicable to ensure safety. Suppose a police officer can’t see inside the vehicle during a stop, and he or she assumes that it poses a safety risk. In that case, the officer can take action against the driver.
Here, the law enforcement has the authority to search your vehicle. The penalty for an illegal window tint violation typically results in a fine of approximately $116 per citation. And most importantly, officers may opt to issue a citation for each excessively tinted window. In this case, multiply 4 X $116.
Finally, there is an alternative and polite solution by approaching the officer politely. And promise to get rid of the illegal tinting work within 24 hours. Long story short, to avoid these substantial fines and the inconvenience of removing or redoing your window tints, consider taking Tint Solutions from a high-quality shop like ours.
Things You Must Know for Windshield Tinting in Florida
To avoid facing legal issues related to tinting, consider the points.
- Do not use tinting below the manufacturer’s AS-1 line on the windshield.
- Tinting should not significantly obstruct the driver’s visibility. This means that any tint applied must be very light and transparent.
- Florida has specific VLT requirements for different windows. Front-side windows allow over 28% of visible light to pass through. So, ensure that.
- In the case of a medical condition that requires additional protection from the sun, it is better to collect certification from a medical professional.
- While lighter tints are less likely to attract attention from law enforcement, so try to use them as much as possible.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Dark Tints in Your Windshield?
Dark tint work welcomes many problems. Here, we inform you of such issues.
Reduced Visibility
Dark tinting triggers reduced visibility of road signs, other vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards. Here, the result is the entrance of a very small amount of light to the vehicle that makes driving tougher, especially at night or in low-light conditions. Safety Concerns: Deeply shaded tinted windshields obstruct your ability to react quickly to deal with the changing road conditions.
Legal Issues
Florida has specific laws regulating windshield tinting and using dark tints that go beyond legal limits, resulting in fines and penalties.
Interference With Electronic Devices
Some advanced safety features in modern vehicles, such as lane-departure warning systems, often cannot function due to a dark tinting job.
Impaired Communication
Tinted windshields can hinder communication between drivers and law enforcement officers during traffic stops. Officers may need to see inside your vehicle for safety, and excessively dark tints can make this difficult.
