Window tint can take the look of your vehicle to the next level, and it can also help keep your vehicle cool in the hot Georgia summers. Although a dark tint can make your vehicle look great, Georgia has tint laws in place that restrict how dark the tint can be.
Before you pay to get your windows tinted, make sure you understand the Georgia tint laws and how they apply to your vehicle. Keep reading below to learn all the details.
What Is Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Reflectance?
When reading the tint laws, you may see the terms “visible light transmission” and “reflectance.” It is crucial that you understand what these terms mean in order to understand the tint laws. Visible light transmission (VLT) is the percentage of light that can pass through the tint. For example, 25% tint allows 25% of the light to pass through the tint.
The lower the number, the darker the tint will be. On the other hand, reflectance is the amount of light reflected off the tint. Higher reflectance means that the tint will have a mirror-like finish. When the reflectance is too high, this can be distracting to other drivers and could potentially create dangerous situations and car accidents.
What Are Georgia’s Window Tint Laws?
If you are considering getting your windows tinted, you need to know the rules. Otherwise, you might find yourself getting citations, fines, and even being forced to remove your tint. The tint laws in Georgia state that you must comply with these rules when tinting your windows on passenger cars:
- Front windshield: Tint allowed on the top six inches, or above the AS-1 line. Tint must be non-reflective.
- Front side windows: Tint allowed with a minimum VLT of 32%. This means that your tint must allow 32% or more light to pass through. Light reflectance must be no more than 20%.
- Rear side windows and rear window: Tint must be no less than 32% VLT, just like the front side windows.
The rules for trucks and SUVs are a little different. For trucks and SUVs, the windshield and front side window rules are the same as those for passenger cars. However, rear windows and the rear windows in trucks and SUVs may be darker.
Exceptions to the Window Tint Laws in Georgia
There are a few exceptions that can allow you to get a window tint that is darker than the typical 32% rule. The most common exceptions to the window tint rules are:
- Law enforcement vehicles
- School buses
- Limousines
- Medical exceptions
These exceptions are limited and apply only in specific circumstances, so most drivers must still comply with Georgia’s standard window tint laws.
How Do You Get an Exception to Georgia’s Tint Laws?
If you have certain medical conditions, you may be granted an exception to the tint laws. In order to get a medical exception to the tint rules in Georgia, you will need:
- To complete the application for an exemption
- Vehicle information, such as year, make, model, VIN, and license plate number
- A signed attestation from your doctor or optometrist
- Payment
You must keep a copy of your approved application in your vehicle. You will need to show this to law enforcement in case you are pulled over for your window tint. Keep in mind that your exemption will need to be renewed every four years, and this requires getting a new statement from your doctor.
Potential Penalties for Window Tint Violations in Georgia
Believe it or not, window tint violations can carry significant fines. However, a first offense typically just results in a “fix it” ticket. This means that you may owe a small fine and must show proof that the tint has been removed.
However, repeated violations can lead to misdemeanor charges, increased fines, and additional legal consequences. In some situations, noncompliant window tint could also become a factor in determining liability if it contributes to a car accident.
Contact Starks Byron, P.C. To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Kennesaw Personal Injury Attorney
Understanding Georgia’s window tint laws can help you avoid costly penalties and ensure your vehicle remains safe and compliant on the road. If you have questions about your rights after an accident or believe illegal window tint contributed to a crash, speaking with a qualified attorney can help you understand your legal options.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Starks Byron, P.C. to schedule a free consultation in Kennesaw, GA today.
We proudly serve Cobb County and its surrounding areas:
Starks Byron, P.C.
1275 Shiloh Rd NW Ste 2710, Kennesaw, GA 30144
(404) 795 5115
