Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in Hawaii, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the Hawaii 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 1989 when the car tinting law in Hawaii was proposed. It talks about how much dark or reflective your car windows tinting should be, depending on the state you live in.
We’ve provided all the information you need in this regard over here. 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.
Table of Contents
Hawaii Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 means that more Visible 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 Hawaii– HI window tint law 2023
The Hawaii 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 HI window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal Tint in Hawaii for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
If you are using a non-reflective tint, you can install it on the top 4 inches of your vehicle’s window. - Front side windows
For front side windows, 35% tint is allowed according to the Hawaii window tint rules. - Backside windows
You can use 35% tint darkness without getting in trouble. - Rear window
On the rear window, the legal tint in Hawaii is 35%.
Legal Tint in Hawaii for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
When you are thinking about non-reflective window tints for the windshield of any multipurpose vehicle, you can use tinted films on the top 4 inches. - Front side windows
The law will let you use 35% tinting if it is about the front side windows. - Backside windows
Any tint darkness can be used. - Rear window
Any tint darkness can be used.
Legal Window Tint Reflection in Hawaii
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 Hawaii 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.
Hawaii Tinting Laws- Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front side windows
No metallic or mirrored appearance. - Backside windows
No metallic or mirrored appearance.
Hawaii Tinting Laws- Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
No metallic or mirrored appearance. - Back Side windows
No metallic or mirrored appearance.
Other Hawaii Window Tint Rules Regulations You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, Hawaii 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 Hawaii
Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.
Restricted Colors
When someone hears about the tint laws in Hawaii, the next question they ask is which color to use on the glass. Well, the law of Hawaii doesn’t allow you to use all the colors on the palette; that’s no secret! So which colors can be used?
You can use gray, green, and bronze auto window tinting without any issue. Moreover, you have permission to use neutral smoke color too.
Therefore, if you want to use smoke gray window tint, you can do that confidently.
No color is banned in Hawaii state.
Certificates
Film manufacturers are not required to certify the film they sell in this state.
Stickers
No sticker to identify legal tinting is required by Hawaii state law.
Penalties
When the coloring has been done wrongly, you will be fined up to $250 – $500 for vehicle owners, and $500 – $1000 for businesses.
Hawaii Window Tint Medical Exemption
Hawaii law does not allow medical exemptions that would allow you to use special tint.
Benefits of Window Tinting
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 Tinting
The cost may vary from film to film when it is to tint. 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!
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.
Hawaii, HI Tint Laws FAQ
Is 5 Tint Legal in Hawaii?
For passenger vehicles 5% tinting is not allowed, you can use 5% tint for multi-purpose vehicles only on the backside and rear windows.
What is the Darkest Legal Tint in Hawaii?
35% tint is the legal darkest tint in Hawaii.
What is the legal Hawaii front windshield tint law?
You can use tinted films on the top 4 inches.
What are Hawaii Truck Window Tint Laws?
For trucks, you can use 35% tint on the driver’s side window and any tint darkness can be used on the back and rear windows.
How Much does Tint Ticket Cost in Hawaii?
$250 – $500 for vehicle owners, and $500 – $1000 for businesses.
Tint law references
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the Hawaii tint laws so you can confidently drive your car through the state. The article you’ve read just now was last updated in 2021. If you think we’ve missed any new information, feel free to contact us anytime you want.
In conclusion, it is important to be familiar with the Hawaii window tint laws if you are planning to get your car tinted. While there are some restrictions, the benefits of window tinting make it well worth the effort to follow the guidelines. To learn more about Hawaii‘s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified installer, visit the website of the Hawaii Criminal Justice Information Center.
