Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in Pennsylvania, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the Pennsylvania car 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 PA 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 Pennsylvania- PA window tint law 2023
The Pennsylvania 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 PA window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal Tint in PA- Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
Must allow more than 70% of light in, any darkness on top 3 inches. - Front side windows
According to window tinting Pennsylvania, More than 70% of light must be in. - Backside windows
The same goes here according to window tinting Pennsylvania, More than 70% of light must be in. - Rear window
More than 70% light must be in.
Legal Tint in PA- Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
Must allow more than 70% of light in, any darkness on top 3 inches. - Front side windows
According to window tinting Pennsylvania, More than 70% of light must be in. - Backside windows
Any darkness can be used. - Rear window
Any darkness can be used.
Window Tint Reflection – Pennsylvania tint laws
Using tint on your automobile’s window can reflect the incoming light and reduce the heat. Moreover, the tinted windows also prevent glare.
Well, the Pennsylvania tint laws authorize some specific window reflection while using a tint. So if you ever think about coloring the glasses, pay attention to this.
Legal Tint in PA- Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front side windows
Mirrored or metallic is not permitted. - Backside window
Mirrored or metallic is not permitted.
Legal Tint in PA- Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
Mirrored or metallic is not permitted. - Backside window
Mirrored or metallic is not permitted.
Other Pennsylvania tint laws You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.
Restricted Colors
No colors of tint are explicitly banned so, you can use gray, green, bronze, and blue car window tint without any issue.
Certificates
Film manufacturers are not required to certify the film they sell in Pennsylvania.
Stickers
A sticker to identify legal tinting is required in this state.
Penalty
fine of up to $110.
Pennsylvania Window Tint Medical Exemption
In Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania?
The process for getting this Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania Medical Exemption Requirements
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Statute, regulation, or other sources | 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 4524 67 Pa. Code § 175.265 |
| For whom the exemption may apply | owner or registrant of vehicle, a person residing in the owner’s or registrant’s household who regularly drives or is driven in the vehicle |
| Reason(s) | afflicted with a condition for which the Department has determined, in consultation with the Medical Advisory Board, that the use of prohibited sun screening devices or other materials are justified |
| Which windows | |
| Limits on the amount of tint | |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | licensed physician or optometrist |
| Application to state department | required |
| Document required in vehicle | certificate of exemption |
PA Window Tint Exemption Form
To Get the PA window tint exemption form click here.
Cost of Car Window Tint in Pennsylvania
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 costs click here.
Pennsylvania, PA Tint Laws FAQ
Is 5 tint Legal in PA?
For passenger vehicles, 5% tint is illegal in Pennsylvania. But there are some exceptions for multi-purpose vehicles. You can use 5% tint on the back & rear windows of your multi-purpose vehicles.
What is The Darkest Legal Tint in PA?
70% tint is the darkest legal tint in PA. Also, you can use any tint darkness on the back & rear windows of your multi-purpose vehicles.
Can You Tint Your Windshield in PA?
Yes, you can but the law is Must allow more than 70% of light in, any darkness on the top 3 inches of your windshield.
Pennsylvania Tint laws references
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Vehicle Window Tint Fact Sheet (.pdf file)
- Pennsylvania Code Title 75 – VEHICLES, § 4524
- PA Code Chapter 175 Title 67: § 175.67. Glazing.
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania’s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified installer, visit the website of the Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Information Center.
