Let's talk tint (%) for the front side windows

[710-oil-614]

35% shield. 20% fronts. 20% added to rear factory tint to bring it to about 5%

35% windshield?!

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[HenryFord]

50 states and 50 different rules on what is allowed for the tint. Some states are very strict in their enforcement of the tint laws. I would check to see what your state allows. I have lived in states where they aren't very strict in the enforcement so everyone just does what they want(but you can still get a ticket if the officer decides he needs a busted tail light to pull you over), but I have been other places that they actually do a tint check before you can register the vehicle. In most places the restrictions don't apply the the back and rear windows, but they do set limits on the front and windshield.

 

[710-oil-614]

That factory tint is 50 state legal. In most states it is illegal to tint the side windows because it prevent LEO from seeing into the vehicle. I witnessed a cop bust a driver's window out because it was too dark. He had a window tool on a long stick. He broke the window and with gun drawn ordered the driver out of the car.
" In Virginia, the maximum tint allowed on front side windows of passenger vehicles is 50% VLT (Visible Light Transmission). This means the tint must allow more than 50% of light to pass through. For rear side windows and the rear windshield, the limit is 35% VLT "

It is not illegal in most states to tint the side windows. It just matters how dark they can be tinted as you've mentioned in your state's laws.

 

[710-oil-614]

I did 20% tint on the front to as closely match to rear sides as possible and then 70% (which is what the windshield already is) film on the windshield. Ceramic film that reflects 91% of IR.

Installer was pushing a 50% film for the windshield but I find my current set up to already be dark enough at night I wouldn't want any darker on the windshield.

Can't believe some of you have 35% on the windshield!!!

 

[Gullzway]

35% windshield?!

50% is perfect for the windshield.

I've had to do mine twice. Had to have it redone when they replace my windshield from a rock crack 12 days after I bought the truck, and about 5 days after I had it tinted.

 

[Manollo3]

It's been over 3 years so I do not remember but the tint contractor for my dealership (I partially paid with points) knew and matched. He did front and back. I had ceramic with UV plus 99% infrared to cut down on heat on all but windshield. I was thinking 35% front doors and 20% rear doors and back glass. Would have to pull paperwork and verify. If done again would do 5% with UV and 99% infrared also on windshield (I think the 5% is mainly a CYA and not actually that much).

Appreciate that information. Will be getting with the tint shop as well.

 

[Dr.Me]

I will get some ceramic tint in the next couple of weeks for both of my front windows. Would like to have it matched with the rear windows or maybe a little bit lighter. What percentage are the factory rear window? Thank you.

Your windows have etchings that tell you

 

[ElMikey]

35% windshield?!

Yup. 50 was too light in my opinion. I haven’t had any visibility issues with 35

 

[Mav23XLT]

I went with 20% all the way around, not including the windshield.

 

[Larrythelunatic]

Leave your back/sides and rear (bed) windows alone.
Tell the tint guy that you want to ceramic tint the front/sides as close as is legal in your state. Ask for a certificate stating so, in case a LEO challenges it. Mine gave me one, issued by the manufacturer.
Also, get a darker ceramic tint above the AS1 line on your windshield.
You will be AMAZED at the difference how much cooler your truck will stay.

 

[Bobby Chapman]

I'm curious what % tint are you folks doing on the front two side windows? It's clear (no pun intended) that the back two side windows are darker than the front two sides so I'm wonder what % tint did you have done to darken up the front two side windows? I think the rear (back) window is tinted fairly dark too so not sure I would want to tint the that one or the windshield. Any pics would be helpful too. I would think that tinting both the front side windows with a high quality ceramic tint would help keep the heat out. Thoughts?

Check with local state laws ,for every state is different. Please do this ,tickets
are expensive . I had a friend who had them tinted to dark, $170.00 TICKET ,and he had to take front windows tint off within a certain period of time and go to police headquarters to prove he did it. Like I said could be expensive, so for sure Google tint laws in your state, PLEASE.

I had tint shop do all windows with front strip, within all legal limits in Florida for $325.00, just so I would never have the hassle of what ifs.

 

[710-oil-614]

Leave your back/sides and rear (bed) windows alone.
Tell the tint guy that you want to ceramic tint the front/sides as close as is legal in your state. Ask for a certificate stating so, in case a LEO challenges it. Mine gave me one, issued by the manufacturer.
Also, get a darker ceramic tint above the AS1 line on your windshield.
You will be AMAZED at the difference how much cooler your truck will stay.

The darkness of tint doesn't stop heat from getting.

I have a full windshield ceramic film (70%) that reflects 91% of IR and it does make a massive difference.

 

[RRaynor2]

I went with 80% ceramic on all glass. It added almost no "tinting" to the vehicle and you can't tell it was tinted at all. The Ceramic I got was LLumar Air 80, which does a good job at cutting the IR coming in (heat) and eliminates all the UV. I'm very happy with it.

One thing to note is that with Ceramic you'll see a rainbow effect if you wear polarized sunglasses inside.

I don't have pics because you can't tell anything was done to the vehicle. LLumar Air 80 is almost optically clear.

 

[ZABSMAV]

Here are specific rules regarding light transmittance and reflectivity in the state of Utah:

Front side windows must allow at least 35% light transmittance, while the rear side and back windows have no specific VLT% requirements, but must not be reflective or metallic.

The top 4 inches of the windshield can be tinted, but below that, a minimum of 70% VLT is required. Reflective or metallic tint is prohibited on all windows.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 35% of light to pass through (a VLT of 35% or more).

Back Side and Rear Windows: No specific VLT% requirements, but must not be reflective or metallic.

Windshield: Tinting is allowed in the top 4 inches or above the AS-1 line, but below that, a minimum of 70% VLT is required.

Reflectivity: Metallic or mirrored appearance is not allowed on any windows.

Medical Exemptions: There are no medical exemptions for window tint in Utah.

Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if any windows behind the driver are tinted.

Stickers: Stickers are not required to identify legal tint.

Penalties: Violations can result in fines and/or "fix-it" tickets requiring the tint to be corrected and proof of compliance to be provided.

 

[710-oil-614]

But as soon as you cross a state line you could be ticketed for the tint. That's why Ford and every other make puts 50 state compliant. The reason in some states for restriction of dark tint on the front side windows is police being shot because they can't see the gun. Not sure if it is a real problem or the excuse the state gave.

It has never been an issue for me when traveling all over the US and my fronts are always 20%. Only time it ever was an issue is when I couldn't get my truck to pass inspection in NC and had to remove the tint on the front windows when I moved from Ohio.

I'm not saying it can't be an issue, I've just never experienced in well over 200k miles of traveling.

Also if you get pulled over.......roll your window down. Put your hands on the steering wheel, help diffuse the situation.

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