Do Cars Come From The Factory With Illegal Tinted Windows?
Have you ever wondered if the tinted windows on your car are legal? It's a valid question, especially if you just bought a new car and noticed that the windows are darker than you expected. In this article, we'll explore whether cars come from the factory with illegal tinted windows and what you can do about it.
What is Tinting?
Tinting is the process of applying a thin film to the windows of a car to reduce the amount of light and heat that enters the vehicle. Tinting can improve the appearance of a car and provide several benefits, such as reducing glare, UV radiation, and heat.
What is the Legal Limit for Tinting?
The legal limit for tinting varies from state to state and country to country. In the United States, each state has its own laws regarding the maximum allowable level of tinting. The most common measurement used to determine the level of tinting is the percentage of visible light transmission (VLT).
The VLT percentage refers to the amount of visible light that can pass through the tinted window. For example, a 70% VLT means that 70% of visible light can pass through the window, while 30% of the light is blocked. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint.
In most states, the legal limit for tinting is 35% VLT for the front windows and 20% VLT for the rear windows. However, some states allow darker tinting, while others prohibit any tinting on the front windows. It's important to check your state's laws before installing tinted windows on your car.
Do Cars Come from the Factory with Illegal Tinting?
Cars do not come from the factory with illegal tinted windows. Manufacturers are required to comply with the laws and regulations of the state or country where the car will be sold. If a car has tinted windows, it's because the manufacturer has installed them within the legal limit.
However, some dealerships may offer to install darker tinting on the windows as an aftermarket option. In this case, it's important to check that the tinting complies with the legal limit of your state. It's also important to note that aftermarket tinting may void your car's warranty and could result in fines or legal action if it violates the law.
What Should You Do if Your Car's Tinting is Illegal?
If you have purchased a car with illegal tinted windows, you have a few options.
The first option is to remove the tinting and replace it with a legal tint. This can be done by a professional tinting service or a dealership. The cost of removing and replacing the tinting can vary depending on the size of the windows and the type of tinting.
The second option is to challenge the legality of the tinting in court. This can be a lengthy and expensive process, and it's important to consult with a lawyer before taking legal action.
Conclusion
While it's possible to purchase a car with illegal tinted windows, it's unlikely that the manufacturer installed them that way. It's important to check the legal limit for tinting in your state before installing aftermarket tinting on your car. If you have purchased a car with illegal tinted windows, you have options to make it compliant with the law.
Remember that tinting laws are in place for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Illegal tinting can reduce visibility and can make it difficult for law enforcement to see inside the vehicle.