Illinois Window Tint Law: What You Need to Know Before You Tint 

Thinking about tinting your car windows? It’s a great way to enhance your vehicle’s appearance, increase privacy, and protect yourself and your car’s interior from harmful UV rays. But before you roll up to Bridge Autoworks to get your windows tinted, it’s crucial to understand the Illinois window tint law to avoid getting ticketed. 

Here’s a breakdown of the legal limits for window tinting in Illinois:

Passenger Vehicles (Sedans, SUVs, Vans) 

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed along the top of the windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. 
• Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in. 
• Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in. 
• Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in. 

Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) 

MPVs (vehicles with more than 10 passenger seats) follow the same rules as passenger vehicles, with one exception: 

• Back Side Windows: Any darkness can be used. 
• Rear Window: Any darkness can be used. 

Trucks 

Trucks follow the same rules as passenger vehicles with one exception: 

• Back Side Windows: Any darkness can be used. 
• Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Important Considerations: 

• Reflection: Illinois law prohibits any metallic or mirrored appearance that reflects more than 35% of light. 
• Side Mirrors: If the rear window is tinted, dual side mirrors are required.
• Medical Exemptions: Certain medical conditions may qualify you for an exemption to the tint law. You’ll need to provide a signed statement from a licensed physician or optometrist to law enforcement. 
• Sticker Requirements: Tint shops are required to apply stickers identifying the legal tint percentage on each window. 

Penalties for Non-Compliance: 

Driving with illegal window tint can result in a citation and fines. It’s important to remember that law enforcement officers can use tint meters to measure the darkness of your window tint on the spot. 

Benefits of Legal Window Tint: 

Even within legal limits, window tint offers many advantages: 

• UV Protection: Blocks harmful UV rays that can damage your skin and fade your car’s interior. 
• Glare Reduction: Reduces glare from the sun and headlights, improving driving safety. 
• Heat Rejection: Keeps your car cooler in the summer, reducing strain on your air conditioning system. 
• Privacy: Enhances privacy and security by making it more difficult to see inside your vehicle. 
• Appearance: Gives your vehicle a sleek and stylish look.

Why Choose Bridge Autoworks? 

At Bridge Autoworks, we are experts in Illinois window tint law. We use only high-quality films that meet all legal requirements and offer a variety of shades and options to choose from. Our experienced technicians will ensure your window tint is installed perfectly, providing you with all the benefits of window tint while keeping you on the right side of the law. 

Ready to get your windows tinted? 

Contact Bridge Autoworks today to schedule an appointment and get a free estimate. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about Illinois window tint law and help you choose the perfect tint for your vehicle. 

References: 

• Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/12-503): This is the primary source for Illinois window tint law. You can find the full text of the law on the Illinois General Assembly website. 
• Illinois Secretary of State: The Illinois Secretary of State website provides information on various vehicle-related laws and regulations, including window tinting.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. If you have specific questions about Illinois window tint law, consult with a legal professional.