Due to the immense sunlight and bright, hot weather conditions that Hawaii faces, it is clear why so many road users want to tint their windows. However, you should be aware of the tinting laws and regulations in Hawaii. Hawaii window tint laws were first enacted in 1989, and remain highly regulated today. Read all about the restrictions below!
Hawaii State Automotive Window Tinting Rules
How dark can window tint be in Hawaii?
Tint VLT: Windshield: A non reflective tint is allowed only on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
Tint VLT: Front Side Windows: Front windows must allow more than 35% of light inside the vehicle.
Tint VLT: Back Side Windows: No restrictions – any darkness can be applied.
Tint VLT: Rear Window: No restrictions – any darkness can be applied.
How reflective can window tint be in Hawaii?
Tint Reflection: Front Side Windows: There must not be a metallic or mirrored appearance.
Tint Reflection: Rear Side Windows: There must not be a metallic or mirrored appearance.
Other Hawaii automotive window tinting rules & regulations:
There are other restrictions when it comes to window tinting in the state of Hawaii.
Restricted Colors: There are no specific colors that are banned or restricted.
Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is already tinted.
Certificate Requirements: Film and tint manufacturers are not legally required or obligated to certify that the film they sell in Hawaii is compliant.
Sticker requirements: There are no sticker requirements to identify and prove legal tinting in Hawaii.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: $250-$500 for vehicle owners, and $500-$1000 for businesses.
Hawaii Tint Law Reference
Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 291-21.5: The Regulation of Motor Vehicle Sun Screening Devices:https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0291/HRS_0291-0021_0005.htm
Exterior Window VLT Tint
How Much Does Car Window Tinting Cost In Hawaii State?
The average cost of car window tinting in Hawaii does depend where in the state you have this done. Places such as Honolulu may cost more, whereas smaller businesses in local towns can be more cost efficient.
That being said, auto window tinting in Honolulu can cost around $350 to $300 for the average vehicle. This cost would include the amount for tinting door windows, front windows, rear windows and the windshield with a dyed tinting film. In addition, it would include the cost of labor if you hire a professional to install the tinted windows.
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. However, Hawaii does not allow medical exemptions or exceptions when it comes to window tints, and the penalties for not complying is $250-$500 for vehicle owners, and $500 to $1000 for businesses.