Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in Arkansas, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the Arkansas tint laws, you cannot use tint film on the windows whenever you want.
But what do these laws say? Well, that’s what we’ll discuss here today.
It was 1993 when the car tinting law in Arkansas was proposed. It talks about how dark or reflective your car window tint should be, depending on the state you live in.
We’ve provided all the information you need to know about Arkansas window tinting laws. Also, there is also some extra information on rules and regulations, which you should obey if you don’t want to get fined.
So yes, it’s pretty crucial you read the whole article from top to bottom.
Arkansas Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you know the Arkansas window tint laws, you need to learn about the VLT. So before we get into the details, let’s talk about it first!
What does VLT mean according to Arkansas state law?
The VLT or Visible Light Transmission indicated the percentage of detectable light that passes through your car’s window.
When the VLT is lower, the window tint will get darker. And higher VLT Visible Light Transmission means that more light will penetrate the windows without any trouble.
For instance, if you install 75% tint on the glasses, 75% light will go through them. And when the tint is 5%, the insides of your car will be way darker!
By the way, We have in-depth content about VLT and window tint percentage for your reference. We recommend checking it out If you want to know the different levels of window tint.
So, what is the legal tint in Arkansas– AR window tint law 2023
The Arkansas window tint law is different for each type of vehicle. For passenger and multipurpose vehicles, you have to follow dissimilar rules.
So here are the Arkansas tint law limits for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal tint in Arkansas- Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
When it comes to tint laws in Arkansas, the key thing to remember is that if you are using a non-reflective tint, you can install it on the top five inches of your vehicle’s windshield. - Front side windows
Arkansas window tint laws allow for a maximum of 25% window tint on the front side windows of a vehicle. Tinting beyond 25% may be illegal and could result in a fine from the Arkansas Department of Safety. - Back side windows
Window tinting laws in Arkansas vary depending on the type of window. For example, single-pane windows have a lower limit of 15% darkness while double-pane windows can have a darkness level of up to 25%. If you want to get around the tinting law, you can use special window film or tinted window glass. - Rear window
The legal tint in Arkansas is 10 for the rear window.
Legal tint in Arkansas- Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
When you are thinking about non-reflective window tints for the windshield of any multipurpose vehicle tint laws in Arkansas is tinted films on the top five inches. - Front side windows
For front side windows, 25% tint is allowed according to the Arkansas window tint laws. - Back side windows
For the back side windows, 10 percent tint is accurate according to the laws of Arkansas. - Rear window
When it is about the rear window, you will get permission for 10% tinting.
Window Tint Reflection in Arkansas
Using tint on your automobile’s window can reflect the incoming light and reduce the heat. Moreover, the tinted windows also prevent glares.
Well, the window tint Arkansas law authorizes some specific window reflection while using a tint. So if you ever think about coloring the glasses, pay attention to this as well.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front side windows
In the front side windows, you don’t have permission to use any metallic or mirrored finish. - Backside windows
The same thing goes for the backside windows too. You cannot use any metallic or mirrored appearance on this one as well.
Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
You cannot use mirrored/shiny and metallic appearance on this window. - Back Side windows
The drivers don’t have permission to use any mirrored finish.
Other Arkansas Window Tint Laws and Regulations You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, Arkansas is pretty serious about that. You will have plenty of rules and regulations to abide by.
Besides maintaining a specific percentage of the glare on each window, here are some other restrictions you need to follow, even if you want to do a subtle darkening.
Side mirrors in Arkansas
For the side mirrors, Arkansas doesn’t have any specific tinting rule whatsoever.
Restricted Colors
When someone hears about the tint laws in Arkansas, the next question they ask is which color to use on the glass. Well, the law of Arkansas No colors of tint are explicitly prohibited.
Certificates
The films used by the manufacturers to tint your cars don’t need any certification in Arkansas.
Stickers
The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on the driver’s side window.
Penalties
Class B misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail.
Arkansas Window Tint Medical Exemption
In Arkansas, the law states that any driver with a medical exemption can tint their car windows to any degree. To get this exemption, you must have a letter from your doctor that specifically states that you need to tint your windows for medical reasons. The letter must include your name, date of birth, and the specific reason why you need to tint your windows. You must also have this letter with you whenever you’re driving, and present it to a police officer if they ask for it.
How to Get Medical Exemption for Window Tint in Arkansas
| State | Arkansas |
| Statute, regulation, or other sources | ACA § 27-37-306 |
| For whom the exemption may apply | The motorist |
| Reason(s) | In the best interest of the motorist; for vehicles whose windows were tinted before August 16, 2013, a disease or disorder including, but not limited to, albinism or lupus, for which the physician determines it is in the best interest of the motorist. |
| Which windows | Side, rear, front windshield |
| Limits on the amount of tint | Sides: >= 20% net light transmission. Rear: >= 10% net light transmission. Front: >=50% net light transmission. |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | physician |
| Frequency of certification of need | every 3 years |
| Document required in vehicle |
physician’s certification to be carried in the vehicle |
Benefits of Window Tinting in Arkansas
The tint on your car’s window isn’t just a decorative thing; it comes with greater benefits too. So let’s talk about the advantage of coloring your vehicle’s window, shall we?
Prevents the Interior from Fading
While parking our cars, we always look for shades, don’t we? Well, it helps us to maintain the top-notch condition of our car’s exterior.
Likewise, when you use tints on your vehicle’s windows, the interior doesn’t have to face the harshness of the sunlight. Therefore, if you have beautiful leather seats, they are less likely to get damaged!
Blocks UV Rays
You don’t need to get lectured about the harmful effects of UV rays, do you? We all know that applying tons of sunscreen isn’t enough to protect you from damage. And when your car has tinted glasses, you can avert this UV situation pretty gracefully.
Get Better Security
Nothing is worst than people staring at you when you mind your own business in the car. The people in the backseat have to go through this problem more than the drivers. And when you get tinted glasses, you don’t have to go through this annoyance anymore.
Take a Chill Pill
When riding on the hottest summer days, even the AC won’t be enough to cool you down. But if you have tinted windows, you don’t have to worry about sweating anymore!
Cost of Car Window Tint in Arkansas
The cost of car window tint in Arkansas may vary from film to film when it is about tinting. For instance, if you want to use a regular classic film for your Sedan, it will cost you up to 150-200 bucks. And when you want something exclusive like ceramic tints, you will need to spend $400 or more in Arkansas!
However, if you don’t have the budget to do the tinting professionally, you can get a DIY tint kit. It will cost you around a hundred bucks, which is a relief!
To know more detail about car tint cost click here.
Arkansas, AR Tint Laws FAQ
Is 5 Tint Legal in Arkansas?
5% tint is not legal in Arkansas. The state limits the permissible tint level to a maximum of 20%. Drivers who choose to have a 5% tint on their windows may be subject to fines and/or license suspension. The law is strictly enforced and violators may face serious consequences.
Is 20 Tint Legal in Arkansas?
When it comes to car windows, Arkansas law requires a minimum of 20% tint on the front side and 10% on the backside. This means that without for-front side windows, installing a tint level below 20% is not legal in the state. In fact, any tint level below 30% is discouraged by law enforcement officials.
Is 35 Percent Tint Legal in Arkansas?
35 percent tint is currently legal in Arkansas. This means that you can install a window film that reduces the amount of visible light coming through your windows. This type of film is often used in cars because it makes the vehicle look darker and less conspicuous. There are some limitations to this law, however. The film must be installed in such a way that it does not obstruct any driver or passenger’s view, and it cannot obscure the driver’s clear view of the road ahead.
Is Windshield Tint Legal in Arkansas?
Yes, you can install tint on the top five inches of your vehicle’s windshield window. Windshield tints are legal in Arkansas if they meet certain guidelines set by the state.
Is Ceramic Tint Legal in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, ceramic tinting is legal to install on your car. The Arkansas Vehicle Code section 23-5-417 states that “a vehicle may be painted with a ceramic coating only if the coating conforms to the requirements of ASTM D 6662.” Ceramic tinting is treated as a finish, not a window treatment. So you don’t need a permit or certification from the Department of Transportation.
How Much Does Arkansas Window Tint Ticket Cost?
Window tint in Arkansas is now punishable by a $1,000 fine. The new law went into effect on July 1st making it one of several states with stricter laws against window tinting. According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, window tint can cause impairments to drivers’ visibility and increase the risk of accidents. The fine for a first offense is $300 and for a second or subsequent offense the fine increases to $1,000.
AR Tint law references
Arkansas Section 27-37-306: Light transmission levels for the tinting of motor vehicle windows.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the Arkansas tint laws when modifying your vehicle. While the tinting regulations may seem restrictive, they are in place for safety reasons. By following the guidelines, you can ensure that your car is in compliance with state law and avoid any potential fines or penalties.
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the Arkansas tint laws so you can confidently drive your car through the state. The article you’ve read just now was last updated in 2023. If you think we’ve missed any new information, feel free to contact us anytime you want.
