Window Tinting

Are you considering tinting the windows of your new car to give it a sporty look or to cut down on glare from the sun? Before you go to your local window tint retailer know that Pennsylvania law regulates automobile window tint levels. With some exceptions, light transmittance through all vehicle windows must be greater than 70%. Any motorist who operates a vehicle with windows that do not conform to the Pennsylvania standards may be subject to a citation. The Attorney General wants to alert you that some businesses may try to defraud consumers by selling illegal window tint.

Pennsylvania's Motor Vehicle statute states, "No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sun screening device or other material which does not permit a person to see or view the inside of the vehicle through the windshield, side wing or side window of the vehicle".

• Any side wing or any side window must allow at least 70% of transmitted light to pass through the window, or an amount of light greater than or equal to the window's light transmittance percentage at the time of manufacture.
• The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code does not apply to vehicles with windows tinted by the manufacturer. Federal law regulates manufacturers.
• The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards prohibit tinting of passenger vehicle windshields and front windows where light transmittance is reduced below 70%, just as in Pennsylvania.

Cars purchased out of state and then brought into Pennsylvania are subject to all Pennsylvania laws. Tinting requirements in some neighboring states are less strict than Pennsylvania's.

Businesses that tint car windows may charge hundreds of dollars for their services and never tell you that your new windows do not conform to the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. Some window tint retailers try to defraud consumers by offering illegal tint levels of 50, 20, or even 10% light transmittance levels. Police safety is the main reason for the window tint regulations. Dark tinted windows make it very difficult for police officers to view the inside of cars during traffic stops. Unlawful motorists may try to conceal weapons behind the tinted glass, putting police officers at risk.

Installation of non-conforming window tint is a violation of the Vehicle Code and the Attorney General considers it a violation of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. The Consumer Protection Law permits a court to award a consumer reimbursement for the cost of applying the tint and fine the installer up to $1,000 for each willful violation. State and local police enforce the law. The Office of Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection can help consumers who believe they have been defrauded by businesses selling them illegal products.

If you feel you have been defrauded by a business selling illegal window tint, please contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection's toll free HOTLINE number 1-800-441-2555.