Ultimate Guide to Automotive Window Tinting: Legal Limits, Heat Rejection & Film Types Explained

While many vehicles roll off the factory floor with tinted windows as standard, that’s not true of all cars. Many have clear glass, making automotive window tinting a decision for the vehicle’s owner.

When you start thinking about tinting your vehicle’s windows, you’ll quickly realize that there’s a lot to learn! Keep reading to learn about window tinting options, legal limits, and more.

What Is Automotive Window Tinting?

Automotive window tint is a thin film applied to vehicle windows to reduce the amount of heat, light, and UV rays that enter the vehicle. Vehicle owners who invest in this valuable product and service enjoy a range of benefits, including increased driving comfort, protection for their vehicle’s interior, and enhanced privacy.

There are many different window tint products to choose from, each with distinct characteristics and benefits, including metallic, ceramic, and carbon. You can discuss the best window tint film with your preferred installer.

Among the most popular from trusted manufacturers like LLumar® include:

• Ceramic auto tint: Window film with a nano-ceramic design that targets the infrared rays that generate heat to cool down your vehicle quickly
• Metalized auto tint: Window tint with a metalized layer to reduce heat, glare, and harmful UV rays while also delivering a slick, shiny finish
• Dyed auto tint: Color-stable charcoal dye within window tint film to provide a cool look that’s made to last
• Clear auto tint: Clear auto film that makes you feel cooler and delivers exceptional UV protection without darkening your windows

Window Tinting Options

When the harsh summer conditions in Arkansas threaten to affect your driving comfort, it’s time to explore window tinting. You’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of options to suit your preferences.

• Rear half, including the rear side windows and back windshield
• Front two side windows
• The sun strip and sunroof
• All side windows and the rear
• All side windows, the rear windows, and the windshield

Automotive Window Tinting Legal Limits

In the United States, the legal limits for automotive window tinting vary from state to state. Legal limits even differ from window to window! As a result, it’s always best to discuss window tinting with a trusted expert who can advise on and install the most suitable and legal window film for your vehicle.

Generally, most states require a specific percentage of visible light transmission (VLT) in the front side windows. This is to ensure the driver’s vision is unhindered. There are typically fewer restrictions surrounding the rear windows.

In Arkansas, you can apply aftermarket vehicle window tint film lawfully in a variety of situations.

• Your vehicle can have a strip of tinting film along the top edge of the windshield, called the eyebrow, but it can’t extend downward more than five inches from the top of the windshield.
• If your vehicle is 1994 or later, you can use aftermarket window tint film on the side windows and side wings to the left or right of the driver or the left or right behind the driver, with a net light transmission of at least 25%.
• You can tint any side windows behind the driver in a truck, bus, trailer, motorhome, or multipurpose passenger vehicle with aftermarket window film that has a net light transmission of at least 10%.
• If your vehicle is 1994 or later, you can use window tint film on the rearmost window, provided it has at least 10% net light transmission.

While you have a great deal of flexibility with automotive window tinting in Arkansas, there are still a few restrictions and regulations to consider.

• It’s illegal to operate a vehicle on public highways if aftermarket tinting material, together with striping material, has been applied to any windows of the vehicle or if letters or logos larger than one-quarter inch have been applied to the vehicle’s windows.
• If you’ve applied aftermarket tinting material to your windows, the front glass to the left of the vehicle operator must have a label with the name and contact number of the company that installed it. It must also state that it conforms to tinting requirements.

How Does Window Tinting Block Heat?

While many vehicle owners tint their windows for aesthetics and privacy, its heat-blocking potential is among the most common reasons. Window film can reduce heat and improve driver comfort by acting as a barrier to solar energy, including infrared rays and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Depending on the window film you install, it typically contains particles that either absorb or reflect the heat-generating rays rather than letting them enter your vehicle. As a result, the inside of your car can stay much cooler!

However, not all window films are created equal. Some films are renowned for their solar rejection properties, meaning they contain materials that reflect solar energy. Others boast UV filtering technology, which can block up to 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Depending on the automotive window tinting company you choose, you can also inquire about infrared blocking, as some window films are formulated to block infrared rays that can be a significant source of heat.

If heat-blocking properties are your top priority, consult with a trusted local window tinting specialist to discuss your specific needs.

Book Your Vehicle for Window Tinting at Solar Shield in Fort Smith, AR

If you’re ready to upgrade your ride for aesthetics, comfort, and safety, look no further than Solar Shield in Fort Smith, Arkansas. We are tinting experts you can trust for home, business, and automotive tinting services in your area. Contact us to learn more and book your vehicle for automotive tinting