Utah’s Window Tint Laws In a Nutshell
Understanding the current state laws regarding window tinting on motor vehicles in Utah is crucial for all vehicle owners. The state of Utah, along with all 50 states nationwide and Washington, D.C. as well, have enacted laws when it comes to tinting vehicle glass to help protect law enforcement and also preserve public safety. These regulations dictate the amount of light that can be allowed to pass through the window film material applied to the windows. From having to adhere to certain darkness and reflectivity standards, there are numerous provisions that must be met and followed.
Enacted in 1994, House Bill 38 was created to govern the rules of window film tint. The window film tint regulations for Utah are set forth in Utah Code Ann. Section 41-6a-1634. As amended, the Utah window tint laws state the following:
Front Windshield
Any installed tinting on the windshield of a vehicle must allow a minimum of 70% of light to penetrate through the film. In addition, all tinting is required to be non-reflective on the upper portion of the windshield with the strip formed at the top no wider than 4 inches.
Front Windows
Any tint on the front driver’s side window and front passenger’s side window must allow over 43% of light to penetrate through.
Back Windows
Vehicles that are not manufactured with clear glass windows or have windows tinted darker than the standard factory tint that come on all commercial vehicles as manufactured , the state regulations require that at least 43% of the light penetrate through to the interior.
All motor vehicles in Utah upon which tinting of the windows is installed after the initial manufacture of the vehicle shall comply with the above window tinting restrictions unless the tint is installed as original manufactured tinted glass.
Unlike other areas of the country when it comes to window tinting on vehicles, Utah has no provision allowing for cars to have both the front and back windshield tinted in extremely dark shade for medical reasons. If you would like to use window tint because of a doctor’s note, you will need to apply for an exemption from the state who will issue you permit.
Although some individuals don’t realize it, unauthorized tint on a vehicle can result in being pulled over by law enforcement. Having your vehicle windows tinted darker than what the law states can mean having to pay hefty fines. To avoid any problems, always make sure the window tinting laws in your state are strictly adhered to.
Allowed Levels of Tint Darkness for Different Vehicle Windows
Utah tint law states that any vehicle manufactured after 1999 will have the AS-1 line of the windshield tinted from the factory. The AS-1 line is a tint that extends approximately 5 inches from the original top of the windshield down. The line is not defined in statute, so it is not mandated that all vehicle manufacturers place the AS-1 line of the windshield tinted.
• Front Windshield – Non-reflective tint is allowed above the AS-1 line, and up to 43%VLT is allowed below the AS-1 line.
• Front Side Windows – Must allow more than 43% of light to pass through.
• Back Side Windows – Any darker tint is allowed on the back side windows, as long as the vehicle has side mirrors present.
• Rear Window – Any darker tint is allowed on the rear window, as long as the vehicle has side mirrors present.
• Side Mirrors – Side mirrors are required on all vehicles. A vehicle with no side mirrors must have 5%VLT on the front windshield and fully tinted windows on both rear windows, or have side mirrors on both sides.
Front tinted windshields and tinted windows must have a sticker in the lower corner on the driver’s side.
Enforcement and Penalties for Violation
Utah enforces its window tint laws primarily through the Utah Highway Patrol and local city police departments. Law enforcement officers in Utah have the authority to stop you if they suspect your window tint violates Utah law, whether or not the vehicle has been involved in an incident or traffic stop. They may then order you to have your vehicle’s window tint tested at a certified testing location.
Common reasons window tint may be called into question during a traffic stop include:
Keep in mind that law enforcement officers are not equipped to test window tint themselves. Unless the officer is also a certified tint tester (which is extremely unlikely), they cannot determine if your tint meets legal requirements with the naked eye.
If you are pulled over for window tint violations, you may be required to undergo a tint inspection/test to evaluate whether your vehicle’s tint complies with state law. If your tint test results indicate that your tint does not meet the legal requirements – or you refuse to undergo inspection – you may face penalties that include:
Some vehicle owners mistakenly believe that because UV window film is not particularly visible, law enforcement officers will not check their window tint. This is false; possession of UV window tint may be enough to trigger a window tint inspection and any subsequent penalties.
It is also false that non-compliance only results in a warning. Vehicle owners who possess ineligible window tint can and often do receive citations for non-compliance – whether or not they initially receive a warning – so long as their tint does not meet legal requirements.
Benefits of Legal Window Tint
Window tinting serves several important purposes, aside from the cosmetic appeal of having a certain tint color. Just because there are legal limitations on the degree to which you can tint your vehicle’s windows, does not mean that you should forego these valuable additions to your car.
As you know, driving around Utah in the summer is no walk in the park. The temperatures here get hot, so it’s important that your vehicle be protected from the sun. When it gets overly warm, cars become uncomfortable for those inside. When the temperature continues to rise, they can become intolerable and even dangerous to your health. And when the passenger compartment reaches concerning temperatures, the vehicle’s internal components and your personal belongings can suffer too. Car windows do a decent job of reflecting harmful UV rays, but window tint can help to reduce the exposure significantly. Legally compliant window tint prevents the sun from overheating your car’s interior, making your vehicle a more comfortable environment for you and your passengers.
If you’ve ever parked your car with window tint and left it for an afternoon, or a day while you went on an adventure, then you already know this next benefit of window tinting your car. A vehicle parked in even a partially shaded spot is going to get hot with the sun beating down on it. A car without tint can become hotter than the outside temperature, making you apprehensive to return home after a long, sunny day. It’s often difficult to wait until the car has cooled down before continuing on your day.
So why risk ruining your tinted windows by using the all-in-one defroster that causes frost to melt from your windshield and rear window? Avoid tearing your newly tinted windows by rolling down the window and letting the cool air from your car’s air conditioning do the work for you . Legally compliant tint keeps your car at a livable temperature even when the sun has been shining all day. The window tinting professionals at Clear Bra offer only the highest quality tint that won’t peel if heated, or be easily scratched.
Benefit #3 of legally-compliant window tint takes us back to when you parked the car in the first place. Maybe school was out and you pulled over to the side of the field after practice to watch the game with the rest of the team. Or, maybe you parked at the Springville Park to enjoy a sunny afternoon with the family? Either way, if you parked in an unsafe neighborhood, you may have come back to an empty space where you thought you left your car. It’s a sickening feeling to walk back and forth between a vacant parking lot and where you think your car should be parked, and temperamental feelings due to the sudden doubt that you parked in the wrong spot. But, with legal window tinting, you won’t have to worry about your car being stolen, because the tinted windows will make it possible for your vehicle to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the cars in the parking lot. Just as you thought you parked in the wrong spot, we’re sure you’ve also come back to find someone parked right next to you. Some people try to take the risk and park next to the tinted windows to steal your vehicle. Parkers might squeeze their way into a tightly fit spot, taking advantage of a tiny window of space where your car should have occupied before they got out of their vehicle. Perhaps someone needed to make a quick stop since they can’t afford a shopping cart, and the drivers of the other cars didn’t bother to leave enough room between their cars for you to easily leave your car. These are all things we’ve come across in our years of experience. You can save yourself from these headaches by purchasing legally compliant window tinting and save yourself from losing your car.
Utah Window Tinting Service
To ensure that your window tint is applied perfectly and complies with Utah regulations, it is recommended that you choose a professional tinting service. There are many options for professional tinting services in Utah, both in auto shops and residential window companies. Depending on the type of tint you choose, it may be easiest to have it installed professionally at an auto shop, as they will be familiar with the specific tinting materials available for different vehicles. If you choose a tint that allows light to pass through and is colorless or lightly tinted, a local window tinting company may be able to tint your windows for your home or business.
It may be difficult to find a professional service that provides all of the tint types you want, so you may need to choose different services for your automotive and residential tinting. If this is the case, you should wait to have your automotive tint done until after your residential tint is installed, as it is possible that the vapors produced by the tinting materials can interfere with the curing process. This problem is even worse if the tint is professionally applied on your vehicle before you return home and install tint in your house or business.
Before choosing a service technician for your tint installation, ask your tint retailer if they offer professional installation services. If they do not, you should do some research into the local businesses that offer professional tinting. Ensure that any technicians you approach are registered in the state of Utah, and double-check their credentials and reviews online. Always ensure that the technicians you hire are familiar with the tint you have chosen, as some types require different application techniques. For example, film tint is not applied the same way as glass tint, so ensure that whoever you choose has the proper experience for the exact style of tint you have chosen.
It is also important to ensure that any tint you choose meets legal requirements before it is installed in your vehicle or home. You will need to show sufficient proof that the tint you are using is legal in order for your professional service technician to use it. It is best to have this information ready before you approach the service technician, as they will not be able to install illegal window tint.
Window Tint FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Tinting Windows in Utah
What is legal window tint in Utah?
Most manufacturers will apply tints that are legal on all of their vehicles, from the back and side windows all the way up front. But you can even tint your windshield if you want, as long as the tint is not darker than 35 percent in VLT (Visible Light Transmission) darkness. Windshields can be tinted with a band of any darkness above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or the first legal line below it.
What is the cost of tinting my windows?
The cost of window tinting in Utah can vary. Lower-quality tint films typically are about two to five dollars per square foot. Mid-grade films cost about five to 10 dollars per square foot, and high-end film products (such as ceramic films) range anywhere from 10 to 25 dollars per square foot. All of these factors add up to what tint will ultimately cost .
Do I need to find the best window tinting near me?
Your time is valuable, and so is your money. Most reputable tinting shops will often beat their competitors’ prices. It’s worth it to do a little research online and call ahead to compare pricing before you come in. Making appointments with shops nearby can save you time and hassle.
Do tinted windows hurt resale value?
Most car buyers prefer cars with tinted windows, which makes them incredibly popular. If you find yourself selling or trading your vehicle frequently, then not removing the tint may be a good idea.
Does window tint need replacing?
If anything occurs that damages your tint, such as scratches, rips or tears, or bubbling and peeling, you may need to have it replaced. If correctly applied, high-end window tints last 10 years or longer with very little maintenance. Just make sure to stay on top of a series of health checks over the years so that any issues are caught early.