Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in New Jersey, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 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.
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New Jersey Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the New Jersey 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 NJ tint laws?
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 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 New Jersey- NJ window tint law 2023
The New Jersey window tint law is different for each type of vehicle. For passenger and multipurpose vehicles, you have to follow dissimilar rules.
So here is the law limits for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal Tint Percentage in NJ- Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
No tint is allowed on the windshield. - Front side windows
No tint can be applied legally to this window. - Backside windows
Any darkness can be applied. - Rear window
Any darkness can be applied.
Legal Tint Percentage in NJ- Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
No tint is allowed on the windshield according to window tint law in NJ. - Front side windows
No tint can be applied legally to this window according to window tint law NJ. - Backside windows
Any darkness can be applied. - Rear window
Any darkness can be applied.
Window Tint Reflection – New Jersey tint laws
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 New Jersey 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
No mirrored or metallic appearance according to NJ law on tinted windows - Backside window
No mirrored or metallic appearance according to NJ law on tinted windows
Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
No mirrored or metallic appearance. - Backside window
No mirrored or metallic appearance.
Other New Jersey tint laws You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, New Jersey 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 New Jersey
Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.
Restricted Colors
No colors of tint are explicitly banned by New Jersey law.
Certificates
Film manufacturers don’t need to certify the film they sell in this state.
Stickers
Stickers to identify legal tinting are not required.
Penalties
Maximum $1,000 fine for a first offense, and $5,000 for second or subsequent offenses.
Medical Exemption for Window Tint NJ
In New Jersey, 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 New Jersey?
The process for getting this New Jersey 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.
New Jersey Medical Exemption Requirements
| State | New Jersey |
| Statute, regulation, or other sources | N.J.S.A. 39:3-75.1 N.J.A.C. 13:20-1.5, 1.6, 1.7 |
| For whom the exemption may apply | driver or regular passenger |
| Reason(s) | a medical condition involving ophthalmic or dermatological photosensitivity: polymorphous light eruption, persistent light reactivity, actinic reticulated, porphyrins, solar urticaria, lupus erythematosus, and other conditions the director shall determine (form requests specific spectra or wavelength if dermatological reason) |
| Which windows | windshield above AS-1 line, front side windows |
| Limits on the amount of tint | the visible light reflectance of sun-screening materials and products installed or applied to the windshield and/or the front side window(s) shall not exceed 8% |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | certified ophthalmologist or a physician with a plenary license to practice medicine and surgery in NJ or a bordering state |
| Application to state department | required |
| Document required in vehicle | medical exemption certificate in possession of the driver or operator |
| Frequency of certification of need | at sale or end of lease of the vehicle, up to each 48 months |
Benefits of Window Tinting in New Jersey
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 New Jersey
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.
Secret Tips
How To Pass Inspection With Tinted Windows NJ
New Jersey Tint laws references
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey’s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified installer, visit the website of the New Jersey Criminal Justice Information Center.
