Window tinting laws in the US states varies according to the vehicle types and several states permit different VLT levels based on vehicle classification.
Window tint rules differ significantly if you are driving Passenger Car or Multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) type vehicle. We have highlighted the rules and regulations for Passenger car and MPV vehicles in each state’s window tinting legislation.
Federal Standard no. 205 about Glazing Materials shows the requirements of sun screening or tinting materials for Multi-purpose vehicles and sedan type vehicles. Furthermore the requirements for installing the aftermarket tint types and AS line marking for front windshield are also provided.
What is a Passenger Car?
A Passenger car is the type of motor vehicle, other than a motor cycle, intended to carry not more than 9 persons including the driver. Moreover, Passenger car contains two axles and not more than four wheels.
Before applying window tint on a car, it is essential that you must check the window tinting rules in your state to avoid legal action and fines for breaking them. If you install unlawful or illegal window tint, you may get caught by the police or law enforcement agencies, who are allowed to test the window tint with tint reader and tint tickets shall be issued.
Types of Passenger Car
There are different sorts of passenger cars classified according to their body styles:
- Sedan – Four door and traditional trunk.
- Coupe – Two door car with a trunk.
- Sports Car – Generally Two seater with a low ground clearance.
- Station Wagon – Similar to sedan with extended roof and hatch door at the rear end.
- Hatchback – Compact Sedan with a rear flip up door instead of trunk.
- Convertible – Option to open or close the passenger cabin roof.
All of the passenger automobiles listed above are categorized as sedans in each state’s window tinting laws.
What is Multi-purpose vehicle (MPV)?
A multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is a car that is meant to have greater passenger room space than a normal car. Due to more seating space as compared to standard vehicles, Multi-purpose vehicles are excellent choice for families or groups of people. SUV is also a type of Multi-passenger or multi-purpose vehicle, We have indicated tinting laws for SUV and Sedan type vehicles.
Types of MPV Vehicles
Multi-purpose vehicles types are listed as below:
- SUVs
- Camper Vans
- Vans
- Trucks
- Pickups
The above listed MPV vehicles are categorized in SUV and MPV type vehicles in the window tinting laws for each US State.
According to tinting regulations, back side windows and rear window can have lower Visible light transmission percentage for MPV type vehicles. Some manufacturers deliver the vehicles with factory installed tints, darker than a standard car window.
How to identify vehicle types?
In 1954, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated that vehicles show a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) label that identifies the manufacturer, country of origin, vehicle model, engine size, and type. The VIN also reveals the year of manufacture and the serial number of the vehicle.
Vehicle identification number can be found on lower left corner of the dashboard and it is visible from outside of the vehicle through front windshield. The third letter or number of the Vehicle Identification number is used to identify the type of vehicle if it is Passenger Car or Multi-purpose vehicle etc.