Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in Alaska, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the Indiana 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 2003 when the car tinting law in Indiana was proposed. It talks about how much dark or reflective your car window tint 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.
Indiana Tint Laws in 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the Indiana 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 Indiana 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 5% dark tint, 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 Indiana legal tint- IND window tint law 2023
The Indiana 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 Indiana legal window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal Tint in Indiana for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. - Front side windows
For front side windows, more than 30% light must be in according to the Indiana window tint rules. - Backside windows/seat side window
More than 30% light must be in according to the Indiana window tinting rule for the seat side window. - Rear window
On the rear window, More than 30% of light must be in.
Legal Tint in Indiana for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. - Front side windows
The laws for sedans will let you use up to 30% darkness of tint. - Backside windows
Any tint darkness can be applied several (unspecified) inches from the top of the window according to the Indiana window tinting rule for the seat side window. - Rear window
Any tint darkness can be applied several (unspecified) inches from the top of the window
Window Tint Reflection in Indiana
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 Indiana car tint laws authorize 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
Must not be more than 25% reflective. - Backside windows
Must not be more than 25% reflective.
Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
Must not be more than 25% reflective. - Back Side windows
Must not be more than 25% reflective.
Other Indiana Window Tint Rules and Regulations You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, Indiana 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 Indiana
For the side mirrors, Indiana doesn’t have any specific tinting rule whatsoever.
Restricted Colors
When someone hears about the tint laws in Indiana, the next question they ask colored tint is legal in Indiana. Well, the law of Indiana doesn’t allow you to use all tint colors on the palette; that’s no secret! So which colors can be used?
You can use gray, green, and bronze tint colors without any legal issues. 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 colors of tint are explicitly banned in Indiana state.
Certificates
Manufacturers of film need to certify the film they sell in Indiana. Ask your dealer if they are using certified film.
Stickers
According to the law, if you have completed the tinting, your car windows don’t need any stickers to prove Legal Tinting.
Penalties
For illegal tint Class A or Class C infraction.
Indiana Window Tint Medical Exemption
Indiana, window tinting is illegal on the front windshield and driver’s side window of a vehicle if the film is not less than 30% light transmittance.
There are a few exceptions to this law, including when the tinting is medically necessary or when it is a special tint that is not available to the general public. If you believe that your window tinting meets one of these exceptions, you can apply for a medical exemption.
How to Get Medical Exemption for Window Tint in Indiana?
The process for getting this Indiana Window Tint Exemption Form is fairly simple. You just need to go to your doctor and get a note from them stating that you need the dark tint for medical reasons. Once you have the note, take it to your local motor vehicle office and they will issue you an exemption sticker to put on your car.
To apply for a medical exemption, you will need to prove that the tinting is medically necessary. This can include a letter from your doctor or a prescription from a licensed optometrist.
Indiana Window Tint Exemption Form
For the Indiana Medical tint exemption form click here.
Indiana Medical Exemption Requirements
| State | Indiana |
| Statute, regulation, or other sources | IC 9-19-19-4 |
| For whom the exemption may apply | the owner or habitual passenger |
| Reason(s) | the person who for medical reasons must be shielded from direct rays of the sun |
| Which windows | N/A |
| Limits on the amount of tint | N/A |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | physician or optometrist licensed to practice in the state |
| Frequency of certification of need | annual |
| Document required in vehicle | certificate from physician or optometrist |
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 Tint in Indiana
The cost may vary from the type of tint to the metallic element when it is tinted. 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.
Indiana Window Tint Laws FAQs
Is 5 Tint Legal in Indiana?
More than 30% of light must be in according to window tint laws in Indiana for Passenger Vehicles. You can use any tint darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicle’s back & rear windows.
Is 20 Tint Legal in Indiana?
More than 30% of light must be in according to window tint laws in Indiana for Passenger Vehicles. You can use any tint darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicle’s back & rear windows.
What is The Darkest Legal Tint in Indiana?
Indiana has a very specific law when it comes to window tinting. Known as Indiana Code 9-19-6-2, the law dictates that the darkest legal tint in the state is a 30% VLT for Passenger Vehicles. This means that any window tint darker than 30% is illegal in Indiana. You can use any tint darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicle’s back & rear windows.
How Much does Indiana Window Tint Ticket Cost?
A Class C infraction can come with a penalty of up to $500.
Ind. Tint law references
Indiana Code Title 9, Article 19, Chapter 19: Windows and Windshield Wipers
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, it is evident that window tinting laws vary from state to state. Indiana’s laws are relatively lenient, but it is still important to be aware of the regulations in order to avoid a citation. tinting your car windows can provide privacy, protect your skin from the sun, and improve the appearance of your vehicle. If you are considering having your windows tinted, be sure to research the laws in your state and choose a reputable tint shop. Thanks for reading!
