Tinted window laws are different in every state. If you are in Alabama, and want tinted windows, you will need to know all of the rules and regulations of the state. Alabama window tint laws were put in place in 1996, and have been strictly enforced since then. Find out what types of tinted windows are permitted here!
Alabama State Automotive Window Tinting Rules
How dark can window tint be in Alabama?
Tint VLT: Windshield: A non reflective tint is permitted only on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
Tint VLT: Front Side Windows: Must let more than 32% of light into the vehicle.
Tint VLT: Back Side Windows: Any level of darkness is permitted.
Tint VLT: Rear Window: Any level of darkness is permitted.
How reflective can window tint be in Alabama?
Tint Reflection: Front Side Windows: Cannot be more than 20% reflective.
Tint Reflection: Rear Side Windows: Cannot be more than 20% reflective.
Other Alabama automotive window tinting rules & regulations:
There are other restrictions when it comes to window tinting in the state of Alabama.
Restricted Colors: All color tints are legal and permitted in Alabama.
Side Mirrors: There are no restrictions.
Certificate Requirements: The manufacturers of the tinted film are required to certify the film that they sell in Alabama. You will need to be using certified film to tint your vehicle.
Sticker Requirements: A sticker of compliance is required for legal tinting between the film and the glass of each tinted window.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: The maximum penalty you can face is $100 and or 10 days in prison for a first conviction. If it is the second conviction in a year, then it may be $200 and 30 days in jail. For third or more offenses within a small time frame, the penalty will be $500 or more, and up to 3 months in jail.
Alabama Tint Law References
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency: Tinting Regulations:
https://www.alea.gov/dps/highway-patrol/alabama-tinting-regulations
Alabama Department of Public Safety: Window Tinting Regulations:
https://www.tinting-laws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Alabama-Tint-Law-Handout.pdf
Alabama Code Title 32, Chapter 5C: Window Tinting and Medical Exemptions:
http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/codeofalabama/1975/coatoc.htm
Exterior Window VLT Tint
How Much Does Car Window Tinting Cost In Alabama State?
The average cost of car window tinting in Alabama does depend where in the state you have this done. For the most part, in Alabama, the average cost to tint a window is about $20 to $50 per window.
However, in some cases, automotive window tinting can cost anywhere between $100 to $600 depending on the standard of the tint film, whether it is reflective, high performance, metallic or colored. In addition, the cost will depend on the make, model and type of vehicle.
You also have to factor in the cost of labor if hiring a professional to install the tinted windows, which will raise the price. In most places in Alabama, the cost of tinting a four door vehicle will be around $300.
How Does Car Window Tinting Work?
When you tint a window, a lightweight film is applied to the inside pane of the glass. It is not applied to the outside of the glass. This is to protect the tinting from wear and tear, flying debris, and harsh sunlight.
The first layer will be a strong polyester laminate which should improve the performance of the windows. The polyester is a transparent film.
The next film will have tinting agents like metals and dyes, which create the shading effect. This is the layer that blocks UV rays to protect your skin from overexposure to harsh sunlight.
What Is The Best DIY 35% Tinting Product?
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to find a tint that will actually work well on your car, especially if you buy it online. We have done a lot of research to figure out the best tinting product to apply to your vehicle yourself, and we recommend using the MKBROTHER.
Why Is This The Best?
We praise MKBROTHER so highly because of their easy-to-apply directions, their 99% UV blocking, and their scratch-resistant materials.
The MKBROTHER has a strong tint which allows in visible light but rejects the heat of the sun and the UV rays up to 99% while still sticking to the 35% restriction. This blocking doesn’t create a glare which means you won’t be distracted by the moving sunlight. The lack of glare also means that your vehicle’s interior won’t be affected by the sun rays, allowing it to stay showroom-ready for longer.
As the film is not made from metal fragments, you don’t have to worry about the tinting blocking any of your technology which normally relies on signaling.
How To Apply To Your Car
The tint is made of an adhesive film, which means all you need to do is apply the tint to the car’s window, with no special equipment on hand.
First, you need to clean the glass on your car to remove any impurities. Next, you want to cut the film to match your car’s window size. We would advise that you check their sizing section before buying, as you will want more than enough to cover your window.
After that, you can pull one corner of the tint’s protective layers to expose the adhesive. You will be given a spray solution. Spray this solution onto the adhesive side of the film and onto the inside of the window you are planning on tinting. At this point, depending on your state, you would apply the legalization sticker.
Lastly, you should place the film onto the window with the adhesive sides connecting. Then flatten out any bubbles which may have occurred in the process. If you have left any film on the edge of the window, you can cut it off with an extractor knife.
Pros & Cons Of DIY vs Professional Fitting
There is an obvious reason for doing a DIY fitting instead of hiring a professional, and that’s the price. DIY tinting is so much cheaper that it is definitely worth considering. This can help you either save money or allow you to buy better quality film without the higher charge that the professional will ask for.
However, there is a reason why professionals charge these higher prices. It’s because creating a seamless installation isn’t always easy. If you put the tinting on incorrectly, it won’t last as long, nor will it protect you as much as it should.
Medical Exemption
In some states, there may be medical exemptions where you are required to carry proof of your medical condition, and allowance for darker windows. Alabama state allows some vehicle owners to be medically exempt if they require darker window tints for their health. This will have to be proven and signed by a licensed physician. The Medical Exemption information for Alabama can be found here:
http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/codeofalabama/1975/32-5C-4.htm
https://www.alea.gov/dps/highway-patrol/alabama-tinting-regulations