Car Tinted Windows Okay In New Jersey: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you thinking of tinting your car windows in New Jersey? Tinted windows can be a great addition to your vehicle, providing you with privacy, reducing heat and glare, and enhancing the overall appearance of your car. However, before you proceed with tinting your car windows, it is important to understand the legal requirements in New Jersey to avoid any potential legal issues. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on car tinted windows in New Jersey.

What are Tinted Windows?

Tinted windows are windows that have been coated with a thin film that reduces the amount of sunlight that passes through the glass. The film is usually made of polyester and can be applied to the interior or exterior of the car windows. Tinted windows can come in various shades, from very light to very dark.

Why Tint Your Car Windows?

There are several reasons why you might want to tint your car windows. Some of the benefits of tinted windows include:

Privacy

Tinted windows can provide you with privacy by reducing the visibility into your car. This can be especially useful if you carry valuable items in your car or if you want to protect your passengers from prying eyes.

Reduced Heat and Glare

Tinted windows can reduce the amount of heat and glare that enters your car, making it more comfortable to drive, especially on sunny days. This can also help protect your car's interior from fading or cracking due to excessive exposure to sunlight.

Enhanced Appearance

Tinted windows can enhance the appearance of your car, giving it a sleek and stylish look. This can be especially useful if you want to make your car stand out from the crowd.

Legal Requirements for Tinted Windows in New Jersey

Like most states, New Jersey has strict laws regarding the use of tinted windows on cars. These laws are in place to ensure that drivers have adequate visibility while driving and to prevent the use of tinted windows for illegal activities.

Windshield Tinting

In New Jersey, it is illegal to tint the windshield of your car, except for the top six inches of the windshield. This is known as the "AS-1 line" and is the only area of the windshield that can be tinted. The rest of the windshield must have a visible light transmission (VLT) of at least 70%, meaning that 70% of the outside light must be able to pass through the glass.

Front Side Window Tinting

Front side windows, which are the windows next to the driver and front passenger seats, must have a VLT of at least 50%. This means that the tint cannot be darker than 50%. However, medical exemptions are available for individuals who have a medical condition that requires them to be protected from sunlight or bright lights.

Back Side and Rear Window Tinting

The back side windows and rear window can be tinted to any degree, as long as the vehicle has side mirrors that provide a view behind the car. If the tinting on the back side windows and rear window is too dark, it can interfere with the driver's ability to see behind the car, which can be dangerous.

Penalties for Tinted Windows Violations in New Jersey

If you are caught driving a car with tinted windows that do not comply with New Jersey's laws, you may be subject to fines and penalties. The penalties for tinted windows violations in New Jersey are as follows:

First Offense

A fine of $54 to $75 for each offense.

Second Offense

A fine of $100 to $150 for each offense.

Third Offense

A fine of $200 to $500 for each offense.

Fourth and Subsequent Offenses

A fine of $500 for each offense and a possible suspension of your driver's license.

Choosing the Right Tint for Your Car

When choosing a tint for your car, it is important to consider the legal requirements in New Jersey. However, you should also consider other factors, such as the level of privacy you want, the amount of heat and glare reduction you need, and the overall appearance you want for your car.

Tint Shades

Tint shades are measured in VLT, which is the percentage of visible light that is allowed to pass through the glass. The lower the VLT, the darker the tint. In New Jersey, the legal VLT limits for car windows are:

• Windshield: top six inches only
• Front side windows: 50% VLT
• Back side windows and rear window: any degree of tint, as long as the vehicle has side mirrors that provide a view behind the car

Tint Types

There are several types of tint to choose from, including:

• Non-reflective tint: This type of tint is made of dyed film and reduces the amount of sunlight that passes through the glass. It is the most affordable type of tint, but it does not offer as much heat and glare reduction as other types of tint.
• Metallic tint: This type of tint is made of tiny metallic particles and provides better heat and glare reduction than non-reflective tint. However, it can interfere with cell phone and GPS signals and can be more expensive.
• Ceramic tint: This type of tint is made of ceramic particles and provides the most heat and glare reduction. It is also more expensive than other types of tint.

Conclusion

Tinted windows can be a great addition to your car, providing you with privacy, reducing heat and glare, and enhancing the overall appearance of your vehicle. However, it is important to understand the legal requirements in New Jersey to avoid any potential legal issues. Make sure to choose the right tint for your car that complies with New Jersey's laws and meets your specific needs.

FAQs

Q: Is it legal to tint car windows in New Jersey?

A: Yes, it is legal to tint car windows in New Jersey, as long as the tint complies with the state's legal requirements.

Q: What are the legal requirements for tinted windows in New Jersey?

A: In New Jersey, the windshield must have a VLT of at least 70%, and front side windows must have a VLT of at least 50%. Back side windows and the rear window can be tinted to any degree, as long as the vehicle has side mirrors that provide a view behind the car.

Q: What are the penalties for tinted windows violations in New Jersey?

A: The penalties for tinted windows violations in New Jersey range from a fine of $54 to $500 for each offense, depending on the number of offenses.

Q: What are the different types of tint?

A: The different types of tint include non-reflective tint, metallic tint, and ceramic tint. Each type offers different levels of heat and glare reduction and comes at different price points.