Tinting the windows of your vehicle is one of the most common changes that people make to their automobiles in the state of Illinois. However, if you want to avoid getting into legal issues in the state of Illinois, you need to be aware of the legal tints that are permitted. There are specific restrictions in place in the state of Illinois that pertain to the reflectivity and darkness of the window tint on your vehicle. The purpose of this article is to provide you with information regarding the types of tint that are legal in the state of Illinois, so that you can add some personal flare to your vehicle while still adhering to the law.
Front Side Windows
Illinois has stringent rules regarding the tinting of front side windows. These rules are put in place to ensure that drivers have a clear view of the road and to address safety issues. Front side windows can’t be less than 35% see-through to be in compliance with the law. This rule is in place to make sure that drivers can see well, particularly when it’s dark or raining.
Here are the main topics to help you understand Illinois’ regulations on front side window tinting:
- Legal Tint Limit: There is a legal limit of 35% visual light transmission (VLT) for window tint on the front side. This indicates that the window tint needs to allow a minimum of 35% of the natural light to pass through.
- Visual Clarity: Driver safety relies on their ability to keep an unimpeded view of the road at all times. Illinois law imposes strict limitations on front side window tinting due to the fact that excessive darkness from window tint might impair nighttime visibility.
- Compliance with the Law: Compliance with these rules is mandatory for all drivers and vehicle owners in the state of Illinois. There may be consequences, including penalties, for those who do not adhere to window tinting laws.
Back Side and Rear Windows Tint Regulations in Illinois
Back and rear window tinting is subject to less stringent rules in Illinois than front side window tinting. Nevertheless, one must not construe this leniency as permission to apply extremely dark window tints. To ensure that drivers have enough sight, it is permitted for side and rear windows to let in more than 35% of the light.
Important information about Illinois’s window tint rules for back and side windows is as follows:
- Tint Darkness Limits: The maximum allowable tint darkness for the rear and side windows is 35% VLT, the same as for the front windows. That way, you may personalize it a bit while still having good visibility from inside the car.
- Privacy and Comfort: Tinting the back and side windows of a vehicle can improve privacy while also lowering the temperature and glare inside. Finding a happy medium between personalization and legality is critical.
- Caution and Compliance: Illinois is more forgiving than other states when it comes to rear and side window tinting, but drivers still need to be aware of the limits. There are still fines and possible safety risks associated with installing tinting that are excessively dark.
Windshield
Vehicle owners in the state of Illinois are obligated to adhere to certain restrictions regarding windshield tinting. The windshield is an essential part of every car because it lets the driver see clearly and keeps them safe. The top six inches of windshield tint are the only ones that can be legally used in Illinois. Not only that, but this shade can’t reflect light.
Here are the main points about Illinois’s windshield tint laws:
| Aspect | Regulation |
| Tint Location | Tinting the windshield is only possible on the upper six inches. |
| Reflectivity | It is imperative that the tint used in this region does not reflect light. |
| Visibility Consideration | Keeping the driver’s line of sight unimpeded is of paramount importance. |
It is important to be informed that the state of Illinois does not permit window tinting that extends lower than the top six inches of the windshield. To keep drivers safe and avoid obstacles in their field of sight, this limitation is in effect.
Tint Reflection Regulations in Illinois
Knowing what kind of window tint is acceptable in Illinois also requires knowledge of how reflective the tint is. Tint reflectivity is crucial for improving driver safety by lowering glare, particularly from other vehicles’ headlights. Windows on the front and rear sides of the vehicle must have reflective coatings greater than 35%, according to Illinois law.
Important considerations about Illinois’s tint reflectivity regulations are as follows:
| Aspect | Regulation |
| Reflectivity Limits | Tints greater than 35% reflective are not allowed on the front or rear windows. |
| Glare Reduction | When driving at night, it’s important to limit reflectivity to lessen glare and increase visibility. |
| Safe Driving | All drivers must adhere to these rules for the sake of public safety. |
In an effort to reduce potentially dangerous sun or headlight glare, the state of Illinois has mandated that window tinting have a reflectance of 35% or below.
Tint Color Restrictions
To find out what kind of window tint is permissible in Illinois, you must be familiar with the state’s color regulations. The color of window tint that can be applied to vehicles is regulated by the state. Specifically, red, amber, and blue window tinting are illegal in the state of Illinois.
Important information about tint color regulations in Illinois is as follows:
- Prohibited Colors: Red, amber, and blue tints are not allowed on any windows.
- Reason for Restrictions: The reason behind these color restrictions is to ensure road safety, comply with set regulations, and avoid drivers from becoming confused with emergency vehicles.
- Compliance Importance: For reasons of both legality and traffic safety, it is essential that your window tinting adhere to certain color guidelines.
The purpose of banning red, amber, and blue tints is to avoid any possibility of people confusing window tints with the colors used by emergency vehicles. For the sake of road safety and so that drivers can easily identify emergency vehicles, particularly in dire circumstances, this differentiation is crucial.
Furthermore, these color limits are in line with existing rules and regulations, which helps to make driving in Illinois more uniform and safer. In order to stay out of legal hot water and help make the roads safer for everyone, it’s crucial to follow these rules.
Medical Exemptions for Tint in Illinois
Illinois recognizes that some people need darker window tinting for medical reasons. Standard tint legislation provide medical exceptions in such cases. Remember that Illinois requires a physician’s note for medical exemptions, so bear that in mind while determining what tint is medically acceptable.
Important considerations of Illinois’s medical exemptions for window tint are as follows:
- Eligibility Criteria: A medical exception may be available to individuals who need darker tints.
- Physician’s Note Required: A note from a licensed physician detailing the patient’s medical condition and the requirement for darker hues is required in order to get a medical exemption.
- Compliance with Conditions: Other applicable standards, including those pertaining to visibility and reflectivity, must be met by the tint regardless of whether a medical exemption is in place.
Certain medical circumstances, such as light sensitivity following a medical operation or a diagnosed medical condition, may qualify an individual for a medical exemption that allows them to use darker window tints. In order to be eligible for a medical exemption, one must follow the correct processes and get the required paperwork from a competent doctor.
Moreover, it is essential to note that a medical exemption does not absolve the car owner from adhering to other applicable standards, even when it permits darker hues. For instance, in order to maintain traffic safety, the tint must still fulfill the standards for reflectivity and visibility, regardless of a medical exemption.
Certification and Stickers
Ensuring compliance with Illinois standards is greatly aided by certification and appropriate identification of permitted tinting. It is mandatory for Illinois tint makers to certify its film, which means it meets the tinting criteria set by the state. In addition, a sticker must be applied to the driver’s side window in order to seal the film to the glass. This label clearly indicates that the tinting is legal.
The following are the most important aspects of Illinois window tint certification and stickers:
| Certification Requirement | Regulations |
| Manufacturer Responsibility | Film made by tint makers must be certified by Illinois to ensure it satisfies tinting regulations. |
| Sticker Placement | Between the film and the glass of the driver’s side window, you must attach a sticker that identifies legal tinting. |
| Importance of Certification | The certification guarantees that the tint satisfies visibility and safety regulations, and the sticker makes it easy to verify compliance. |
One of the most important things that manufacturers can do to guarantee their window tint film satisfies state safety and visibility requirements is to get it certified. To ensure that all window tints installed in Illinois vehicles continue to meet or exceed industry standards, this certification process is in place.
There are several reasons why a sticker on the driver’s side window is necessary. One benefit is that it helps police officers identify legal tinting during traffic stops by providing a clear and easily identifiable signal. Secondly, it’s a great tool for drivers and car owners to check if their tint is legal.
Penalties for Non-Compliance with Tint Regulations
Illinois drivers must be aware of the repercussions of violating tint restrictions. Penalties and legal complications may arise from noncompliance with these regulations. Fines or the removal of the illegal tint may be imposed on vehicles that do not comply with the legislation.
Important considerations about fines for non-compliance with Illinois tint rules are as follows:
| Penalty Type | Description |
| Fines | Law enforcement agencies have the authority to levy fines against vehicle owners who have applied illegal tinting. Fine amounts are subject to change based on factors such as the gravity of the infraction and applicable municipal regulations. |
| Removal of Illegal Tint | To be in compliance with the law, car owners may be compelled to remove the illegal window tint in certain instances. Additional expenses for removing the tint and possibly re-tinting with legal materials may result from this. |
| Legal Consequences | There are legal ramifications, such as citations and perhaps court appearances, for failing to comply with tint rules. |
Maintaining road safety and visibility standards requires strict adherence to tint laws, which must be complied with at all times to avoid penalties. To avoid any trouble with the law, car owners should familiarize themselves with the rules, get their tints verified by trusted manufacturers, and make sure the necessary sticker is there.
Conclusion
Prior to installing window tinting in Illinois, make sure you are familiar with and follow all local regulations. To keep yourself and others safe on the road and to prevent fines, it’s important to know what kind of tint is permissible in Illinois. Before getting vehicle tint installed, be sure it complies with Illinois rules by consulting with local authorities or a specialist. You may still have a fantastic look for your car while maintaining within the legal restrictions of what tint is allowed in Illinois; staying within the rules does not imply sacrificing style.
FAQ
Is it legal in Illinois to get 20% tint?
No, front side windows shouldn’t have a shade of 20% or darker. Front side windows in Illinois must have a light transmittance of more than 35%, therefore it’s important to know what’s legal.
Can an Illinois driver legally wear a tinted license plate cover?
No, tinted license plate covers are illegal in Illinois because they make the plate less visible.
Are tinted windows subject to citations in the state of Illinois?
A ticket could be in your future if the window tint you’re using doesn’t meet the Illinois legal standards.
Is reflecting tint legal in Illinois?
To a certain degree, reflective tints are permissible. Both the front and back side windows should not have a reflection more than 35%.
Does Illinois have any exceptions to its tint laws?
People who need darker shades for medical reasons can get medical exemptions, yes.