Pennsylvania finalized their window tint legislature in nineteen ninety-nine and it became state law the same year, which made it the thirty-third state to pass specific window tint laws and regulations. We’ve compiled all of the available legal information to help you make sure that if you do have window tints fitted, you’ll be fully, and legally, complainant with state law.
Pennsylvania State Automotive Tinting Rules
How Dark Can A Window Tint Be In Pennsylvania?
Windshield: Pennsylvania doesn’t permit any windshield tints.
Front Side Windows: Any tints fronted on the front side window of a vehicle must allow more than seventy percent of light in
Back Side Windows: Tints fitted to both back side windows must allow more than seventy percent of light in.
Rear Window: The rear window, if fitted with a tint must allow more than seventy percent light to enter the vehicle
How Reflective Can Window Tints Be In Pennsylvania?
Front Side Windows: No metallic or reflective tints are allowed to be fitted to any vehicle
Back Side Windows: No metallic or reflective tints are allowed to be fitted to any vehicle
Other Pennsylvania Automotive Window Tinting Rules And Regulations
Restricted Colors: There are no restricted tint colors in Pennsylvania
Side Mirrors: If the rear window is tinted, dual side mirrors are required to be fitted to a vehicle.
Certificate Requirements: Film sold in the state does not need to be certified by the manufacturer.
Sticker Requirements: There isn’t a legally specified area for the sticker to be fitted, so driver discretion is advised. If in doubt, contact the DMV for further advice.
Medical Exemption: Special tints are medically exempt under state law. Any and all details can be found by consulting specific state laws.
Pennsylvania Tint Law References
Pennsylvania Vehicle Window Tint Fact Sheet
Pennsylvania Code Title 75 – Vehicles
Pennsylvania Code Chapter 175 Title 67
Exterior Window VLT Tint
How Much Does Window Tinting Cost In Pennsylvania?
The cost of automotive tinting in Pennsylvania varies slightly from dealership to dealership. If you need to have your old tints removed before the new ones can be fitted, you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of three hundred and fifty dollars for an average four-door family sedan. If you just want tints fitted, the cost is a little less and shouldn’t be more than two hundred and fifty dollars.
All prices include labor costs and materials at fully insured and registered body shops, auto specialists, and garages, and while they may vary from location to location, and depend on the materials being used (film, ceramic or metallic tints) usually fall within the specified parameters.
How Does Car Window Tinting Work?
Window tinting consists of applying a tinted film onto the window surface glass. The film is placed on the inside of the window instead of the outside, allowing it to be more protected from the elements.
The window tint film is made from polyester laminate with another layer over the top of it. This extra thin layer is made up of the tinting agent chosen, such as metal, dye, ceramic, or more. This second layer is the one that is responsible for protecting the inside of your car from harmful UV rays and bright light.
What Is The Best DIY 70% Tinting Product?
There are plenty of 70% tinting films on the market, and it can be difficult knowing which is the best for your vehicle. From extensive research, we have found that the best 70% tinting product is the G Greenfilm Static Cling Window Tint 70% Window Film.
Why Is This The Best?
This tinting film only blocks 17% of visible light, which is considerably less than other tinting films on the market. This keeps your car bright and safe while you still benefit from its high-quality UV blocking technology.
The manufactured PVC film is lightweight and able to stick to your window through static instead of glue, making it easy to install. You don’t need to worry about enlisting the help of a professional with this 70% film!
Nanotechnology blocks up to 99.9% of UV rays as well as 85% IR. This film offers an impressive amount of protection to you and other passengers without blocking too much of the natural sunlight.
The manufacturer of this tinting film also offers an installation kit to purchase separately, making it even easier for you to apply to your windows.
How To Apply To Your Car
Applying the G Greenfilm Static Cling Window Tint could not be easier, with the manufacturer only needing three steps to explain it fully. However, you should cut your film before applying it to the windows.
This film comes in seven different sizes, so make sure that you opt for the correct roll of film to sufficiently cover your car windows.
Once you have cut all of the window shapes from your tinting film, it is time to apply the tint to the window.
The first step is to clean the window with a high-quality window cleaner, ensuring that there are no streaks or dust left. Next, spray both the window and film on both sides with the specialized solution.
Apply the film to the window, as straight as possible, to the window. It doesn’t matter which side of the film you use.
Now use a squeegee to remove the solution from under the film, using firm pressure. Make sure that no bubbles are left underneath the film and that it is completely applied to the glass. You will need to leave this to dry for several days.
Pros & Cons Of DIY vs Professional Fitting
For starters, DIY fitting is cheaper and more economical than having it professionally fitted. You also have more of a say of which film to go for depending on your budget if you were to DIY the job yourself.
However, fitting window tints is not easy, and therefore you might be left with poorer results if you were to DIY it rather than using a professional. If you made a mistake, repairing it can also be very expensive. You also won’t get a warranty on the tint like you would if you were to use a professional, so DIYing the job can actually cost you more money in the long run if you were to do a bad job.
Professionals might be more expensive, but they are likely to have much more experience than you. They’ll also have access to more films in terms of technology and colors. You are also more likely to get a warranty on your purchase.
Medical Exemption
Pennsylvania does allow medical exemptions to allow drivers who need to fit darker window tints to their vehicles. Drivers need to talk to their physician about how to apply for the exemption and file the necessary paperwork to be granted a certificate.
If the application is successful, the certificate that is issued needs to be carried within the vehicle at all times and must be presented to any law enforcement officer who wishes to see it.