Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in North Carolina, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the North Carolina 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 2001 when the car tinting law in North Carolina 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 some extra information on rules and regulations, which you should obey if you don’t want to get fined.
North Carolina Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina– NC window tint law 2023
The North Carolina 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 NC window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal Tint in NC- Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
If you are using a non-reflective tint, you can install it on the top five-inch of your vehicle’s window (AS- 1 line). - Front side windows
For front side windows 35% of light must be in according to NC window tint law. - Backside windows
The same goes here 35% light must be in according to NC window tint law. - Rear window
Must allow more than 35% light in
Legal Tint in NC– Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
If you are using a non-reflective tint, you can install it on the top five-inch of your vehicle’s window (AS- 1 line). - Front side windows
Must allow more than 35% light in according to NC window tint law. - Backside windows
You can use any tint darkness according to NC window tint law. - Rear window
You can use any tint darkness according to North Carolina tint laws.
NC Tint Laws- Window Tint Reflection in North Carolina
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 North Carolina 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.
Legal Tint in NC– Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front side windows
Not more than 20% reflective according to North Carolina tint laws. - Backside window
The same goes here not more than 20% reflective according to North Carolina tint laws.
Legal Tint in NC– Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
Not more than 20% reflective. - Backside window
The same goes here not more than 20% reflective.
Other NC Tint Laws You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, North Carolina 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 North Carolina
If the back window is tinted dual side mirrors are required according to NC Tint Laws.
Restricted Colors
You can use any color without RED, AMBER, and YELLOW colors according to NC Tint Laws.
Certificates
Film manufacturers are not required to certify the film they sell in this state.
Stickers
Generally, no sticker is required. For a medical exemption, a sticker is required.
Penalties
If the law volleyed fine can be $200.
North Carolina Window Tint Medical Exemption
In North Carolina, 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 North Carolina?
The process for getting this North Carolina 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.
North Carolina Medical Exemption Requirements
| State | North Carolina |
| Statute, regulation, or other sources | N.C.G.S.A. § 20-127 |
| For whom the exemption may apply | (only two valid permits per the person at any one time) |
| Reason(s) | a medical condition that causes the person to be photosensitive to visible light |
| permit to be carried in vehicle | sticker for the lower lefthand corner of rear window |
| Frequency of certification of need | <= 5 years |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | doctor |
| Application to state department | required |
| Document required in vehicle | permit to be carried in vehicle |
North Carolina Window Tint Medical Exemption Form
Click here to get North Carolina window tint medical exemption form
Benefits of Window Tinting in North Carolina
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 North Carolina
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.
North Carolina, NC Tint Laws FAQ
Is 5 Tint Legal in NC?
For passenger vehicles 5% tint is illegal. You can use 5% tint on multi-purpose vehicles’ back & rear windows.
Is 20 Tint Legal in NC?
For passenger vehicles 20% tint is illegal. You can use 20% tint on multi-purpose vehicles’ back & rear windows.
What is The Darkest Legal Tint in NC?
For passenger vehicles, 35% is the darkest legal tint in North Carolina. For multi-purpose vehicles, driverside windows 35% is the darkest legal tint & you can use any tint darkness on the back & rear windows.
NC Window Tint Ticket Cost?
A North Carolina tint ticket can cost $50.
What is the Legal Tint in NC?
In North Carolina, the legal tint limit for the front windshield is 35%, meaning that the tint cannot allow less than 35% of light to pass through. For the front side windows, the limit is also 35%, but there are no restrictions for the back side and rear windows. However, if the vehicle has side mirrors, then there are no restrictions on the amount of tint on the rear window. It’s important to note that the tint percentage is measured using a device called a photometer, and violating the tint limits can result in a fine or even having to remove the tint. Additionally, if you are planning to purchase a vehicle with tinted windows, it’s a good idea to verify that the tint meets the legal requirements in North Carolina to avoid potential legal issues down the road.
North Carolina Tint law references
- Window Tinting – North Carolina DMV
- North Carolina Statutes § 20-127. Windows and windshield wipers. (.PDF file)
- Medical exemption info
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina’s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified installer, visit the website of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Information Center.
