Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in Ohio, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the Ohio 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 2004 when the car tinting law in Ohio 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 some extra information on rules and regulations, which you should obey if you don’t want to get fined.
Ohio Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the Ohio 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 Ohio 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 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 Ohio– OH window tint law 2023
The Ohio 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 OH window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal Window Tint in Ohio- Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield. - Front side windows
Must more than 50% of light in. - Backside windows
You can use any tint darkness. - Rear window
The same goes here you can use any tint of darkness.
Legal Window Tint in Ohio- Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches. - Front side windows
Must allow more than 50% of light in. - Backside windows
You can use any tint darkness. - Rear window
The same goes here you can use any tint of darkness.
Window Tint Reflection in Ohio
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 Ohio 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
No reflectorized materials are permitted. - Backside window
No reflectorized materials are permitted.
Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
No reflectorized materials are permitted. - Backside window
No reflectorized materials are permitted.
Other Ohio Window Tint Rules and Regulations You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, Ohio 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 Ohio
No restrictions.
Restricted Colors
No colors of tint are banned.
Certificates
Manufacturers of film need to certify the film they sell in Ohio. Ask your dealer if they are using certified film.
Stickers
The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on each tinted window.
Penalties
Misdemeanor with around $120 fine.
Ohio Window Tint Law Medical Exemption
In Ohio, 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 Ohio?
The process for getting this Ohio 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.
Ohio Medical Exemption Requirements
| State | Ohio |
| Statute, regulation, or other sources | OAC 4501-41-05 |
| For whom the exemption may apply | vehicle owner, spouse, or the vehicle owner or spouse’s child or dependent |
| Reason(s) | physical condition that makes it necessary to equip the a vehicle with sunscreening material which would violate requirements for light transmittance and/or luminous reflectance |
| Which windows | |
| Limits on the amount of tint | |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | physician or optometrist licensed in the state |
| Application to state department | |
| Document required in vehicle | physician’s or optometrist’s affidavit, in possession of the person so afflicted or the driver |
Ohio Medical Exemption Window Tint Application Form
To get Ohio medical exemption window tint application Form click here.
Benefits of Window Tinting in Ohio
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 Ohio
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.
Ohio, OH Tint Laws FAQ
Is 5 Tint Legal in Ohio?
You can use 5% tint in Ohio, It’s legal. But there are some restrictions on that, you can use 5% tint on the back and rear windows of your vehicles.
Is 20 Tint Legal in Ohio?
You can use 20% tint in Ohio, But only on the back & rear windows of your vehicles.
Can You Tint Your Front Windshield in Ohio?
Yes, you can tint your front windshield in Ohio but the rule is non-reflective tint on the top 5 inches.
Is Mirror Tint Legal in Ohio?
Ohio has no restrictions on mirror tint.
Is Window Tint a Primary Offense in Ohio?
Yes, violation of Ohio tint law is a primary offense.
What is The Darkest Legal Tint in Ohio?
For driver-side windows, 50% is the darkest legal tint in Ohio. You can use any tint darkness on the back & rear windows.
How Much is a Tint Ticket in Ohio?
If you receive a window tint ticket in Ohio, the fine amount can vary depending on the specific violation and the location where the offense occurred. Generally, a first-time window tint violation in Ohio can result in a fine ranging from $50 to $150. However, if you have multiple violations or a particularly severe violation, the fine can be higher. Additionally, having illegal tint on your windows can result in having to remove the tint, which can be costly in itself. It’s important to note that fines and penalties for window tint violations can differ between cities and counties in Ohio, so it’s best to check with local law enforcement or a legal professional if you have specific questions about the cost of a window tint ticket in your area.
What Tint is Legal in Ohio?
In Ohio, the legal tint limit for the front windshield is 70%, meaning that the tint cannot allow less than 70% of light to pass through. For the front side windows, the limit is 50%, meaning that the tint cannot block more than 50% of light. There are no restrictions for the back side and rear windows, meaning that you can have any level of tint darkness on these windows. 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. 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 Ohio to avoid potential legal issues down the road.
Ohio Tint law references
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio’s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified installer, visit the website of the Ohio Criminal Justice Information Center.
