Legal Tint in Florida

In Florida, the sun can be relentless, transforming car interiors into hot, uncomfortable spaces and subjecting drivers to intense glare and harmful UV rays. Window tinting offers a practical solution to these issues by providing a barrier that reduces heat, minimizes glare, and enhances privacy.

However, to ensure that these benefits do not compromise road safety or violate legal standards, Florida has implemented specific regulations governing the use of window tints on vehicles. Understanding the balance between legal tint in Florida and legal compliance is important for making informed decisions about your vehicle’s tint.

What is Window Tinting?

Window tinting involves applying a thin, laminated film to the glass surfaces of a vehicle’s windows. This film is typically made from polyester and comes in various levels of thickness and shades, each designed to achieve specific outcomes. The primary purposes of window tinting include:

Heat Reduction: Tinted windows can block a significant portion of the sun’s heat, keeping the car interior cooler and reducing the need for air conditioning.
UV Protection: High-quality tints can block up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, protecting occupants from skin damage and reducing interior fading.
Privacy and Security: Darker tints offer increased privacy by making it harder to see into the vehicle, which can also deter theft.
Glare Reduction: Tinting can reduce glare from the sun and headlights, making driving more comfortable and safer.

Window tinting comes in various types, such as dyed, metalized, hybrid, carbon, and ceramic tints. Understanding these differences helps vehicle owners choose the right tint for their specific requirements while ensuring compliance with legal standards.

Why Regulate Window Tint?

Window tinting regulations are essential for balancing the advantages of tinting with road safety and legal compliance. Here are the key reasons why window tinting in Florida is regulated:

Visibility and Safety: Dark tints can impair a driver’s view of the road, pedestrians, and other vehicles, especially in low light, which can lead to accidents.
Law Enforcement: Regulations ensure officers can see inside vehicles during stops, enhancing safety and situational assessment.
Accident Prevention: Clear visibility through windows aids in quick decision-making, reducing collision risks.
Non-Verbal Communication: Visual cues like eye contact and signals are critical for road communication; dark tints can obstruct these cues.
UV Protection vs. Compliance: Tints provide UV protection but must stay within legal limits to maintain visibility.
Insurance and Legal Considerations: Non-compliant tints can complicate insurance claims and affect fault determination in accidents.

Regulating window tint ensures that drivers can enjoy the benefits of tinting—such as heat reduction, UV protection, and increased privacy—without compromising safety or violating the law.

Florida’s Window Tint Laws

Florida’s statutes set specific guidelines for the amount and type of tint that can be applied to different parts of a vehicle’s windows. These laws are enforced to balance the benefits of tinting, such as heat reduction and UV protection, with the need for visibility and safety on the road.

Front Windshield

In Florida, the law allows for non-reflective tint to be applied to the front windshield of both sedans and larger vehicles like SUVs and vans. However, this tint must be limited to the area above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, a line that is typically found about five inches from the top of the windshield. This regulation, stipulated under Florida Statute 316.2952, ensures that the tint does not obstruct the driver’s field of view while driving.

Front Side Windows

When it comes to the front side windows, Florida law specifies that they must allow more than 28% of light to pass through, regardless of whether the vehicle is a sedan, SUV, or van. This requirement is outlined in Florida Statute 316.2953 and is designed to ensure that drivers maintain adequate visibility for safe driving.

This means that the tint cannot significantly darken the windows, allowing law enforcement officers to see inside the vehicle during traffic stops and ensuring that drivers have a clear view of their surroundings. The same standard applies to SUVs and vans, providing a consistent level of light transmission that supports road safety and helps prevent accidents due to poor visibility.

Rear Side Windows and Rear Windshield

According to Florida Statute 316.2954, sedans must have rear side windows and a rear windshield that allow more than 15% of light to enter the vehicle. For SUVs and vans, the laws are more lenient, permitting rear side windows and the rear windshield to be tinted to allow more than 6% of light in.

Reflective Tint Laws

Reflective tints are used to reduce glare and heat inside the vehicle by reflecting incoming light. However, to prevent excessive reflection that could impair the visibility of other drivers, Florida law imposes limits on how reflective the tint can be.

As per Florida Statute 316.2954, both sedans and larger vehicles like SUVs and vans are subject to the same regulations: the front side windows must not be more than 25% reflective, and the back-side windows must not exceed 35% reflectivity. These rules ensure that while vehicle occupants benefit from reduced glare and enhanced comfort, the tint does not create hazardous reflections that could affect the visibility for other road users.

Other Laws and Regulations for Legal Tint in Florida

In addition to the specific tint levels and reflectivity standards, Florida has other regulations that govern the legal use of window tinting on vehicles. These rules are meant to ensure that all aspects of tinting contribute to both safety and compliance with the law.

Restricted Colors: Florida law prohibits the use of colored tints on vehicle windows. Only neutral or gray tints are allowed, as colored tints can distract other drivers or obscure vision, leading to safety hazards.
Side Mirrors: Vehicles with tinted back windows must have dual side mirrors. This requirement compensates for reduced rear visibility due to tinting, ensuring drivers can still see surrounding traffic and road conditions effectively.
Certificates: Unlike some states, Florida does not require manufacturers to certify their tint films. Vehicle owners should ensure their chosen tint complies with state standards by consulting professional installers or using reputable sources.
Stickers: A compliance sticker is required on the inside of the driver’s side door jamb. This sticker indicates that the tinting meets state regulations, aiding law enforcement in verifying legality during traffic stops and inspections.

Exemptions From The Law

While Florida’s window tinting laws set specific standards for light transmission and reflectivity, there are exemptions available for individuals with certain medical conditions that require protection from sunlight. Section 316.29545 of the Florida Statutes provides for the issuance of medical exemption certificates to individuals who suffer from medical conditions that necessitate reduced exposure to light.

Persons diagnosed with conditions such as Lupus, various autoimmune diseases, or other medical conditions that require limited exposure to sunlight may qualify for an exemption from the standard tinting regulations. These medical exemptions for special tint allow for the application of sun-screening materials on the windshield, side windows, and rear windows of a vehicle, which would otherwise violate sections 316.2951-316.2957 of the Florida Statutes.

To obtain a medical exemption, applicants must complete the Application for Sunscreening Medical Exemption form (HSMV 83390). The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) agency, in consultation with the Medical Advisory Board, reviews the application to determine eligibility. Once approved, the exemption certificate allows the affected individuals to apply window tints that offer the necessary protection without violating the law.

Contact Our Gainesville Car Accident Attorney Today

Have you been in a car accident where window tint might have been a factor? Whether you suspect that illegal tint contributed to visibility issues or you’re unsure about your tint’s compliance, Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. can help.

Our experienced legal team provides expert guidance on navigating the legal process following car accidents involving window tint and ensures you understand your rights and responsibilities. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the support you need to address any legal concerns related to window tint and vehicle safety.