Alaska Window Tint Law Summary
Window tinting is a protective film applied to vehicle windows to reduce glare from sunlight and to increase privacy, security, and protection from UV rays. However, Alaska, like other states, recognizes the need to set certain limits on how much tint can be used. This is primarily because excessive tinting can impede the driver’s ability to see other vehicles and pedestrians on the road, especially in low-light conditions. Thus, the state of Alaska has established specific standards for motor vehicle window tint.
Alaska’s window tinting laws are primarily based on Nash v. State, which was a case before the Alaska Court of Appeals that challenged the use of window tint in Alaska. The court ruled that while window-tinting technology has unique benefits, those benefits cannot override the need for safe driving. Therefore, Alaska law currently establishes a legal limit on the tint that must be applied to the driver’s windshield and front passenger windows of a vehicle. It also sets out other regulations for rear windows and the rear windshield.
Currently , Alaska tinting laws restrict the degree of tint on vehicle windows both on the front side windows and the windshield as well as the rear side windows, back side windows, and rear windshield. These restrictions are applicable to all vehicles including sedans, SUVs, vans, trucks, and even some commercial motor vehicles such as semi-trucks. For all window tint laws, non-reflective tint is allowed above the AS-1 line or the top five inches of the windshield, whichever is longer. Beyond the AS-1 line, only a 14% tint is allowed on the windshield. The side windows must have at least 70% visible light transmittance and the tint cannot be more than 35% reflective. As for the rear-side windows, they must also have at least 70% visible light, but no reflection is allowed. The back-side windows must have at least 40% visible light and cannot be more than 35% reflective. The rear-window tint cannot exceed a 20% reflective tint.
Permitted Window Tint Darkness in Alaska
In Alaska, the Department of Motor Vehicles specifies that window tint should comply with the Federal Standards for Winshield and Windows and Roof Panels. That means the tint levels should be the same as the Federal guidelines for tinting, and additional rules are in place for tinting windshields with a manufacturer’s sticker. Alaska does not mention any tint percentage requirements on the windshield or other windows, nor do they mention reflective percentages on windows, although it seems likely they would follow the federal guidelines for reflectiveness.
Manufacturers’ stickers in the tinted band at the top of the windshield must not be tinted. This is a good rule to remember when you are thinking of having your windshield tinted—if you need those stickers, don’t have tint added there.
Looking at tint percentages in Alaska, you’ll find something relatively straightforward. According to the Alaska DMV, here are the legal tint percentages for each window but one on passenger cars:
•Windshield: only a non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line
•Front windshield, driver’s side window and passenger side window: 70% VLT or greater
•Rear window: 20% VLT or greater
•Rear side windows: 20% VLT or greater
Again, keep in mind that you cannot have a tinted band above the lower tint line on the windshield (i.e., the AS-1 line) and it must be non-reflective tint. This may also be true for the driver’s side and passenger side windows—although the DMV does not seem to specify it. You may want to check into that before any tinting is done.
For larger multi-purpose vehicles (think SUVs, min-vans and pick-ups), Alaska’s tint regulations are slightly different. The only tint percentage mentioned by the DMV is for the back windows. The regulations state:
•Tint is allowed if: Window(s) allow more than 20% of light in. Light must be allowed in through the third window. However, the first two windows must allow no less than 70% of light through. This is not simply a vehicle manufactured to allow a specified amount of light in, but a light intensity manually measured.
It appears, although it is not explicitly stated, that the rest of the windows would follow regulation for passenger cars, although you would have to double-check on that. As before, remember that the reflective percentages will likely follow federal guidelines.
Finally, although most tint shops will not perform the tinting themselves, having your window tinting done by a person certified in the state of Alaska is a good way to go. They have likely received the training required to know the legalities of tinting in Alaska and will be able to make sure you receive proper tinting.
About Alaska’s Exemption and Special Conditions Rule
While the regulations create a general prohibition on and restrictions for tinting automobile windows in Alaska, there are exemptions and special conditions which may apply. Law enforcement and emergency service vehicles, for example, are granted certain special conditions that allow some leeway in window tinting restrictions. Emergency vehicles, when being used for emergency services, are allowed some alterations to the discussion of tint laws. Medical exemptions may be granted in the cases of individuals with photosensitivity conditions which may be made worse by sunlight exposure.
The Alaska State Legislature provides references to such exemptions in one of their publications. The Alaska State Legislature has set forth limitations on the type of use to which an automobile, van, wagon, truck, or bus may be put. Being used as a public or private vehicle for hire, or a taxi, is among the uses for which window tinting is not permitted. Allowing for obvious reasons, tinting for the front windshield is also restricted. Retrofitting an existing vehicle seat with a seat cover may not be considered retrofitting for the purpose of exemption from tint restrictions. Certain changes to glass used in cooking heat may violate Alaska Code under Sec. 28.35.200.
The Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles provides the form Application for Medical Exemption from Window Tint Requirements. There are also exemptions for blinds, drapes, and other things that fully obstruct the view while in operation. The form can be obtained by contacting Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles. These are a few examples of exemptions to the general rule prohibiting excessive window tinting.
Alaska’s Penalties for Non-Compliance
But, as with all things in life, the rule of universal law applies: there are consequences to non-compliance. Alaska drivers found with non-compliant window tint could face up to a $500 fine on their first occurrence. The second offense could yield a penalty of up to $1,000. That can add up quickly; costs for window tinting these days run between $100-400 on average depending on the type of film applied. Where you apply window tint makes a big difference too. As such, the best course of action for Alaska drivers is to know what they can and can’t do before they even begin shopping for tint. Of course, there are a number of other factors that will come into play such as type and make of vehicle driven, as well as preferences for heat rejection, glare reduction, UV ray blocking, energy efficiency and color hue. All in all, given that there are no exceptions for those who simply don’t like the look of factory tinted rear windows on the driver and passenger windows, most Alaska drivers shouldn’t face issues in meeting Alaska’s current window tinting laws.
How to Choose Legal Window Tint in Alaska
When selecting window tinting services, drivers must be vigilant to ensure compliance with Alaska’s window tint laws. Here are some tips for choosing legal window tint:
- Know The Law: Drivers should familiarize themselves with Alaska’s window tint laws before selecting a tinting service. This will help them know what to look for in a legal tint.
- Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the tinting service questions about their products and services. Make sure they are knowledgeable about the legal limits for tinting in Alaska.
- Verify Compliance: Before having your car tinted , make sure the service provider has a written guarantee of compliance with Alaska’s window tint laws. This should include details on the type of tint being used, as well as the amount of visible light that is allowed to pass through the tint.
- Check Reviews: Look for reviews online from previous customers to get an idea of the quality of the tinting services and products offered by the provider.
- Visit In Person: Visit the shop in person before having your car tinted to see their work and get a feel for the level of service offered.
By following these tips, drivers can ensure that they select a tinting service that will provide legal and high-quality window tint for their vehicles.
Common Questions About Window Tinting Laws in Alaska
Is window tinting legal in Alaska?
Yes, window tinting is legal in Alaska. However, there are strict limitations on the amount of tint you can put on your windows.
Does Alaska allow reflective tint on cars?
The front side windows must allow at least 70% of light in. The rear and the back side windows both must allow 40% of light in. You can have any amount of reflective tint on your rear windows. The windshield can have no more than a 5-inch strip of tint across its top.
Can you get pulled over for having tinted windows in Alaska?
If your front side windows do not allow in at least 70% of light, then yes, you can get pulled over for having tinted windows in Alaska. Officers of the Alaska State Troopers have the right to issue a citation for window tint that they believe does not meet state standards.
What is the darkest legal window tint in Alaska?
The darkest legal tint you can put on your rear windows in Alaska is 40%. If you want even darker window tint than this, you will need to have a medical exemption or some other valid reason. For the front side windows, the darkest legal window tint is 70%.
Upcoming Changes in Alaska Window Tint Law
It’s essential to recognize that window tinting laws are not written in stone. Legal language is constantly evolving, and legislators may modify laws as new information and technology emerges. One possible area of change for window tinting laws in Alaska could be the consideration of safety features for law enforcement and other emergency personnel. Currently, no specific exemptions exist for emergency vehicles in most states, including Alaska. However, as car technology advances and law enforcement agencies consider new technologies for safe and efficient operation, window tinting exemptions could be revisited and modified to reflect these changes.
Another potential change in Alaska’s window tinting laws could involve the consideration of medical exemptions for individuals with specific health issues or who require eye protection from bright sunlight. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), medical conditions are protected information that cannot be shared without the written consent of the patient . A medical exemption program would have to be created and respected by law enforcement personnel to avoid discrimination against those who sincerely need tinted windows for health reasons.
Window tinting laws also tend to evolve in accordance with the rapid development of technology. For example, other states have had to reevaluate exemptions for electrical window tinting, which is capable of adjusting the reflectivity of the windows based on environmental factors like temperature and the reflection or absorption of sunlight. Alaska may eventually join the trend of modifying window tinting laws in accordance with technological advancements.
In summary, exclusion exemptions, medical exemptions, and changing technology are likely to serve as the two catalysts for any future developments necessary to modify window tint laws in Alaska. Classes of vehicles with high safety requirements may be exempt from some window tint laws for their electrical, mechanical, or aesthetic properties. And medical exemptions will likely be evaluated even more closely to ensure that Northern and remote areas of Alaska can provide the most comprehensive and accessible medical services for those with visual impairments.