North Carolina has had window tint laws since 2001 and was the 37th state to introduce them. To help you navigate these rules and regulations, we have compiled as much information as possible below. Use this to determine if you should tint your windows and how dark they can be tinted!
North Carolina State Automotive Window Tinting Rules
How dark can window tint be in North Carolina?
Tint VLT: Windshield: a non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or the top five inches, whichever comes first.
Tint VLT: Front Side Windows: up to 35% tint darkness.
Tint VLT: Back Side Windows: up to 35% tint darkness.
Tint VLT: Rear Window: up to 35% tint darkness.
How reflective can window tint be in North Carolina?
Tint Reflection: Front Side Windows: cannot be more than 20% reflective.
Tint Reflection: Rear Side Window: cannot be more than 20% reflective.
Other North Carolina automotive tinting rules and regulations:
Restricted Colors: red, amber, and yellow-colored tints are not permitted. All other colored tints are legal.
Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if your back window is tinted.
Certificate Requirements: manufacturers do not need to certify their film before it is sold in North Carolina.
Sticker Requirements: stickers to identify legal tinting in vehicles windows are not required.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: fines are available for vehicles that do not follow the requirements stated above. There are also fines for medically exempt vehicles that do not comply with the terms of their permit.
California Tint Law Reference
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/emissions-safety/Pages/window-tinting.aspx
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/downloads/Documents/tinted-window-waiver.pdf
Exterior Window VLT Tint
How Much Does Car Window Tinting Cost in North Carolina State?
The cost of car window tinting in North Carolina can vary dramatically! The cost will vary depending on the film used, the dealership, and the number of tinted windows. Usually, the more windows tinted, the higher the cost.
It’s worth shopping around and doing some research beforehand to find the best price possible. Constant your local dealerships for a price, but also, don’t be afraid to shop around. Often you can find a bargain in a nearby town or city, but be sure to consider the travel costs of this.
Set a clear budget and stick to it as close as possible to find an affordable car window tinting in North Carolina!
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
For those that need it, under a medical waiver, you can tint your windshield with up to 70% VLT. You will need to apply for these waivers and have them signed by a licensed physician in North Carolina. Once approved, you will have a permit enabling you to tint your windshield darker than the legal requirement.
The permit will last between 2.5 years to 5 years and is issued by N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles Medical Review Program. You will get a sticker that must be displayed in the lower left-hand corner of your rear window. If you do not display this sticker, you can receive a fine!