Look a Little Deeper into Utah Window Tint Law
Utah’s motor vehicle code contains specific requirements for motor vehicle glazing (including window tint), as well as exemptions for these requirements in certain situations. For passenger vehicles in Utah, all automotive window tinting shall not be darker than 43% total reflectance or luminous reflectance. Reflectance effect results from the amount of light which is reflected off of the window surface, with a tint that reflects more light resulting in a darker tint, and a film that reflects less light resulting in a lighter tint.
Tint must also have a minimum visible light transmittance of 70% for the front windshield and 43% on all other windows of a multi-purpose passenger vehicle. Utah’s legal tint rules make no distinction between manufacturers’ tint or aftermarket tinting for passenger vehicles. Carrying an affidavit stating that the manufacturer’s tint film did not exceed the legal tint may serve to show compliance with these requirements.
Each owner of a vehicle with aftermarket tint that exceeds allowable levels may be issued a certificate of exemption by the Utah Department of Public Safety to allow for otherwise illegal tint to remain on the vehicle. Affidavits are available at the time of permit issuance of a vehicle , for a fee, to the vehicle owner and holder of the registration; however, at the time of sale of a vehicle, the dealer makes a choice for the registrant, in support of a dealer sales tax exemption.
Additionally, if you are a medical patient in Utah, you may apply for a medical window tint exemption permit through DMV. A qualified patient must provide proof from their physician that they have a serious medical condition, along with a vision inspection statement, and pay a fee for the permit.
In the case of law enforcement, officials cannot legally stop a vehicle for having tinted windows on vehicles that do not meet the legal tint requirements, unless of course there are other reasons for the stop. This rule extends both to safety inspections and to traffic stops, because the fact that the tint does not meet state specifications is not grounds for a citation for window tint. Registration may be denied in the event of a car failing an inspection due to window tint, as noted on the inspection report, until such time as the violation is remedied. However, a law enforcement officer has probable cause to stop a vehicle if they can see through the tint in the rear or passenger windows and confirm a possible violation of the law.
Legally Permitted Window Tint for Various Vehicle Glass
For sedans, SUVs, vans, and trucks, the tint limit for the front side windows is 43 percent. The tint limit for the back side windows on SUVs and vans is 6 percent. Light transmittance through the rear window of SUVs and vans must be 6 percent. The tint limit for the rear window of a truck is 20 percent. For sedans, SUVs, vans, and trucks, the tint limit for the windshield is 70 percent. The tint limit on the top of the windshield for sedans, SUVs, vans, and trucks may not extend more than the AS-1 line or decal that is placed by manufacturers upon production of the vehicle.
Exceptions and Exemptions Under the Tint Law
While the general rules on tinting are the same for almost every car in Utah, try to use a darker tint on a specific category of vehicle may be harder or easier. In Utah, the legal limits are different, for example, the tinting requirements for limousines are different than that of a sedan. Following are the exceptions to the tint laws:
Medical Waiver for Tints
Utah allows for a medical waiver of the law, which allows those who suffer from light sensitivity to tint the windshield and front windows to any darkness that suits their conditions, for health reasons. These waivers are hard to come by though and do require a medical examination and a specific application process that requires extensive medical documentation of your sensitivity and an explanation of why your condition requires that the glass be tinted completely. This is the only exception to the law. The only tint you are eligible for is a medical exemption.
Deadline for Complying with the Law
If you happen to have a car that does not comply with the tint laws, you have just 10 days from the date of your citation to comply or face fines and legal penalties.
Penalties for Violating the Window Tint Law
The Utah Department of Public Safety has guidelines and procedures in place for those who do not comply with these laws. For car window tint violations, failing to adhere to the regulations can result in a misdemeanor citation and fine.
Citations
If law enforcement observes a motor vehicle that is in violation of the Utah car window tint laws, a citation may be issued. The officer will write up the citation, and you will be required to appear in court to pay the appropriate fine and/or challenge the citation.
Fines
In the case of a rear window tinted darker than allowed, a $50 fine as a class B misdemeanor may be imposed. You will be given the chance to contest the ticket. If the judge does not agree with your side of the story, you can appeal to the district court. There is then a pre-hearing conference and hearing before a magistrate. If found guilty, you will have a criminal record for the rest of your life unless you have it expunged, at which point you will have to pay about $500 for this process, and wait at least 10 years.
Fine and Evidence of Correction
If a motorist is found to be in violation of the tint laws and safety inspection laws, he or she may be assessed a fine. The fine amount is dependent on the type of violation. If the violation is simply proper certification for all windows, the fine may be $20. However, if a violation involves "other" windows or the windshield, it can be $50. Instead of paying the fine, the tinted windows can be corrected and drivers can provide evidence to law enforcement that the problem has been corrected. To do this, motorists must supply a signed safety inspection certificate to the appropriate officers. Evidence of re-inspection and correction must be provided within 10 days of issuance of the notice of non-compliance. To avoid the fine, you need to meet the deadline for providing evidence that the problem has been fixed.
How to Select Legal Window Tint
To avoid any potential issues with law enforcement or fines, be sure to seek out window tinting products that meet all of Utah’s legal requirements when purchasing tint to have installed in your vehicle. In addition to seeking out window tinting products that meet the requirements of Utah law, the following are some recommendations that can help you to choose window tint that is in compliance with these requirements:
Ask a professional installer about products to determine whether or not they fall in line with Utah law and specifications. Consider having your window tinting film installed only by professional window tinting companies, as many of these companies are well aware of the most compliant window tinting films in Utah . Be informed. The Utah Department of Motor Vehicles provides information about how a car owner can determine if their window tint is legal, as well as resources for further questions and information. Request a written certificate of compliance at the time of installation that you can keep in your glovebox and present to law enforcement if you are stopped. Seek out window tinting products and manufacturers that have a record of producing compliant products. For additional information on vehicle window tinting in Utah—or to speak with a legal professional—contact Utah law firm Smoak Law, P.C.
Changes and Updates to the Window Tint Law
The tint on your vehicle’s windows can break or make the style of a car. It can also protect your interior, keep your car a bit cooler in the hot sun, and even offer a level of privacy. But it’s vitally important you get the amount of tint just right. You can get in trouble if the tint isn’t the right amount or isn’t the right color. And there are additional variables, such as whether the tint is carbon, metallic, or some other type that may or may not be legal.
The laws regarding window tint are always confusing. And they’re changing again in 2023. Each of the fifty states have different laws, which encompasses everything and everyone from police cars to taxis.
New changes were enacted at the start of the year. New laws regarding UVF components for tint were passed and took effect on January 1 in Utah. The new requirements dictate that the tint must have a UV protection percentage that blocks out 99% or more of ultraviolet radiation. In addition, the tint film must meet some of the same standards as other automotive-made products described by ISO. (Also ISO/IEC 17025).
There would seem to be two important purposes in making these changes. First, it would seem logical for most films available to consumers in Utah to comply with ISO anyway. Secondly, the old laws provided no parameters for the amount of UV protection a tint would have before making it legal or illegal. The hope is that these new laws will encourage people who live in the state to put tint on their vehicles since they can benefit from the ultraviolet protection.
But contrary to popular belief, ultraviolet radiation can’t be blocked by tint. It is typically woven into the film as opposed to actually blocking it.
The laws previously covered shading and reflectivity components, but none for UV protection. But there is an unlicensed package and it’s called your bedroom window shade. So, the new law encourages and educates consumers about the benefits of UV protection while making a problem worse.
It should be noted that there are other issues that could be problematic for vehicle owners. The laws were relatively good on aspect – allowing UV protection. But even in this area, deceiving information can be problematic.
Most other states have different forms of degrees for UV protection. For instance, North Dakota has a different shade for UV protection than Utah. And certain vehicles may not meet these laws unless they have tinted windows as opposed to having shades.
But beyond that, no tint completely prevents UV exposure. Even if you wear a hat, volcano sunglasses, and then UV sunglasses, you will still be exposed. Even a car window shade won’t completely prevent this from occurring. In addition, in some instances, UV exposure for some people is increased when in the passenger or backseat even if they wear a wide brim hat.
Then, as with previous years, if you were to obtain a black tinted visor on the top of your windshield that measures outside the VLT maximum levels, that could also be considered illegal. This includes having a hold or vent along the top that is made out of glass and can be tinted.
The new law has had its own issues throughout the year. In March, the Utah Highway Patrol held an educational session for the state’s law enforcement community, and by extension the public. But they never posted any suggested guidelines surrounding the tint regulations.
Unlike other circumstances where the legal community has been helpful or even instructed others to be mindful of what they do, this is at cross purposes. The lesson to be learned here: make sure you follow all of the guidelines for any state you pass through so you don’t take a chance on a ticket or worse. It’s best to stay in and go online and pay the fee to be conformable with all the laws, rather than risk too little or too much exposure.
Utah Window Tint Law FAQ
What is the maximum allowable percentage for window tint in Utah?
Utah law permits a maximum of 43% VLT or 27% window tint on the windshield and a maximum of 30% VLT or 15% window tint on the front side windows of your vehicle. The rear side windows and rear windshield may have any percentage of window tint that you desire however, most police officers will caution you if only 5% VLT or 5% window tint is placed on the rear side windows and rear windshield as likely violating the law.
How dark can window tint legally be in Utah?
The darkness of window tint is measured in terms of VLT or "Visible Light Transmission." VLT refers to the percentage of light that passes through the tinted window film. The remaining percentage is "Visible Light Reflection" or VLR. As noted, Utah law permits window tint that has a maximum of 43% VLT or 27% window tint on the windshield and a maximum of 30% VLT or 15% window tint on the front side windows of your vehicle . As to darkness of window tint, Utah law permits up to 15% VLR on automotive windows which would mean that the maximum amount of tint you could put on your windshield and front side windows would be 15% window tint.
What is the maximum amount of window tint permitted if my vehicle has side mirrors on both sides of the front windshield?
If your vehicle has side mirrors on both sides, Utah law permits you to have a maximum of 50% VLT or 50% tint on the windshield and 35% VLT or 30% tint on your front side windows.
What is the fine for having window tint that is too dark on my vehicle?
Under Utah law, the fine for having window tint that is too dark is $20 however if the tint is darker than 20%, Utah law requires the vehicle owner to purchase and display a sticker indicating that the vehicle’s tint is above the legal limit.