Legal Tint Percentages for Ohio Windows Explained

Overview of Ohio Window Tint Laws

Ohio window tint laws are somewhat strict in regarding the percentage of tint that can be used on different windows of a vehicle. However, it is important for any tint law to be specific about how it is measured. In general, tint laws typically state that the percentage of tint referred to is the percentage of light that a particular window film allows in (in other words, the percentage of tint that is not tinted).
Ohio tint laws actually ban the use of tinted windows on the windshields of passenger cars. Tint is permitted on all front side windows (only if the tint is clear) and the rear side windows and back windows. The State does not prohibit tinted window film for SUVs, vans, or other specialty vehicles – but only if the rear-side windows and back windows are tinted. An important point to note is that the tint law does say that these windows must be "openable." At the same time, the law doesn’t specifically state what percentage of tint is allowed for these windows. Because Ohio allows for tinted windows on the back two windows and back windshield, however, a percentage of tint for these windows does not need to be specified.
The law does specify permitted uses for the front windshield , as well, as long as the tint is clear or lightly tinted. Ohio law reads that the percentage allowed for this window is 70 percent, but that reference is somewhat misleading. The language is somewhat outdated because the tint laws don’t specify a percentage allowed for vehicles registered in Ohio prior to 2006. As such, these older vehicles are technically subject to the 70-percent rule stated above, even though no vehicle manufactured before 2006 must be tinted when registered. Newer vehicles (those registered after 2006), however, have no requirement or restriction on tinting the windshield. In other words, tint is permitted on the front-side windows, rear-side windows, and back-winshield of all vehicles. Newer vehicles, as previously mentioned, do not have any restriction on tint on the windshield, so long as it’s not reflective.
Ohio window tint laws do not prohibit manufacturers from applying reflective coatings on the top four inches of the windshield. The tint, however, cannot stand alone. The tint must be dyed or coated for the reflective part to be legal. Newer passenger cars with reflective tint are permitted as long as the manufacturer’s information is on the tint.

Why Window Tint is Regulated in Ohio

Ohio regulations on window tint are based on two general considerations: safety, and law enforcement needs. The front and back sides must allow 50 percent or more light transmittance, while the front windshield must allow 70 percent or more. The back side windows may be tinted to a maximum of 35 percent.
The idea is safety. The reasoning is that tint reduces visibility not only from the outside of the vehicle to the passenger inside, but also from the inside to the outside. This reduction is in relation to the brightness of natural light hitting the outside of the car window, and is not a risk under Ohio law since there are other lights at nighttime (from streetlights, oncoming cars, approaching traffic signals, etc.) providing an adequate level of illumination.
Another consideration is how the tint will appear if viewed from the inside of the vehicle. Will it look like a deep-set shadow or total blackness, making it difficult to make out the details of the outside world? How the tint affects interior comfort and temperature is also a major concern when considering light transmittance, and is one of the main reasons for the state’s decision to allow reflective front windows to be legally tinted only with tinting having a reflectivity of no more than 35 percent.
Another primary concern is how window tint affects the ability of law enforcement officers to perform their duties. The bright sun can hinder the vision of anyone driving a standard vehicle in daylight hours: this can make normal perception of traffic-related activity outside the vehicle a challenge. The average tint legal in Ohio permits 50 percent of outside light into a vehicle through the windshield and up to 35 percent through the width of "driver and passenger" side windows. With high-end vehicles, which the new tint will potentially affect, these 35 percent government levels will be too much, yet many people who drive Limos, Town Cars, and SUVs from dealerships only remove their exterior tint, leaving rear tint for protection.
Many police patrol units have tinted windows and some police undercover vehicles are tinted to limits that far exceed the requirements. This means that the windows on their vehicles have similar tint levels that private window-tinted vehicles do; this serves the purpose of protecting law enforcement activities.
Another issue is that inconsistent tinting regulations can be dangerous. All states have laws regulating window tinting, but some states have differing tinting regulations and tolerances. In addition, the amount of tint allowed on truck, passenger, vans, SUV’s and other vehicles can vary from state to state. Law enforcement activities will be disrupted if the tint levels are inconsistent.

Legally Acceptable Percentages for Different Windows

The Ohio Revised Code § 4513.241 goes into minute detail about "acceptable windshield tint". The tint, applied to the front-windshield only, must not be more than twenty-five percent (25%) light transmittance. This regulation does not include colored tint across the top edge of the windshield as long as it does not exceed five (5) inches or the AS-1 line.
As for side windows both in the front and the rear the light transmittance of the tint cannot be more than twenty percent (20%). Factory tinted windows (also referred to as shaded windows) are manufacturer made and should not exceed twenty percent (20%). The back windows on a vehicle of any type may have any amount of tint darkness, however law enforcement should be able to identify occupants in the vehicle to the degree that is safe. Law enforcement may not however have to observe occupants because tinted windows contribute to the safety and protection of the occupants within the vehicle. Additionally there are no reflection requirements stated for tinted windows on vehicles.

Penalties for Illegal Tint

Violation of Ohio’s window tinting laws can result in a range of consequences. On the less severe end of the spectrum, it can lead to a failure on vehicle inspections. Those who fail inspection can apply for a one-time exception if they provide documentation proving that the window film complied with regulations at the time of tinting. Businesses installing the tint are responsible for carrying out appropriate tests to ensure that the film meets standards. If the installer is found liable for applying illegal window tint, the consumer may return to the installer for either a full refund or installation of legal window tint at no extra cost.
Other penalties for illegal window tint include fines. These differ among police departments. The Cincinnati Police Department typically issues a ticket and requires payment of a fine of $120 for a window tint infraction. However, Cleveland police officers do not. Instead, they alert the owner to the problem and direct them to visit the court probation department with proof that they either replaced their window tint with legal tint or removed it entirely. In Columbus, the owner also has the option to return to the installer for replacement of the tint with legal material. However, Columbus police do fine offenders $25, and window tint violators who don’t replace their illegal tint within seven days can be arrested.

Advantages of Following Tint Requirements

Ohio’s tint laws are in place for reasons more important than aesthetic preferences. They are designed to keep you and everyone else on the road safe. Legal compliance will help you avoid traffic stops—and police harassment—before they ever start.
Tint restrictions are particularly strict in Ohio. You cannot tint the windshield at all, except for a narrow "eyebrow" strip. Your front- and rear-side windows can be tinted in any shade of VLT, but must still allow at least 70% of light through. The rear windows are the only ones you are free to tint as dark as you want. Non-compliance is never worth the window tint ticket fine.
While fender benders and other accidents are frequently prevented by glass that is strong but not impenetrable, tint helps protect automobile passengers, drivers, and pedestrians from shattered glass . Exceedingly dark tint that prevents peripheral vision can also be responsible for more serious crashes, some even fatal to innocent people. Complying with the law keeps everyone safer.
Tint laws are not just about safety, though. If you are pulled over, any amount of tinted travel can result in a class A violation or, in the worst case, a class 2 traffic offense. An offense like that is on your record forever. Obey the law and court will leave you alone.
Traffic accidents cost Ohio billions each year. Compliance with tint laws can bring down that number. Police enforcing tint laws help keep Ohio’s motorists safer in the immediate term, and should have a definite long-term positive effect on accident rates.

How to Check Your Window Tint Legally

Measuring the legal percentage of window tint in Ohio can be accomplished in a couple of different ways. There are tools available for purchase that may aid in the measuring. The most common and least expensive tool is a piece of window tint film with an adhesive side. This tool was originally designed for installers to use to check the amount of light that will pass through tint on a vehicle to assure the correct shade was being installed. The installer simply removes the tool from the backing and applies it to the window. Sunlight immediately hits the adhesive surface and is transmitted to the other side of the tool to a collector which will indicate the VLT (visible light transmission). The ideal range for Ohio window tint is 50% to 35% VLT. The darker the tint, the more metal contained in the film. Typically, there are 4.5 millimeters of metal in a window tint film and each millimeter represents 10% VLT. For example, if a window tint is .5 millimeter in thickness, that is 5% VLT. Thus, the method described above gives a good estimate of whether a window is in compliance with the law.
The most accurate and preferable method of determining whether a tint is legal is a piece of equipment called a light meter (like the one photographed below). These are used in professional window tint shops to ensure compliance with the legal requirements for the vehicle or windows being worked on. The light meter method of determining compliance is described on the meters manufacturers website. It states, "The basic measure of window tint or tint film darkness is its VLT (%). The amount of sunlight visible through the glass is referred to as VLT. The higher the VLT, the lighter the tint and the more light transmitted through the tinted window.
VLT is measured by taking a reading from the tint film adhesive side to the windshield side of the tinted glass. The tool has a clear adhesive coating on its underside that lightly adheres to the window film adhesive side. An LED light illuminates the adhesive coating and its surface. The tool is held to the window at this point and the VLT is displayed on the digital readout." This equipment is fairly easy and quick to use.
However, similar in theory to how the percentage of alcohol is proven in court when someone refuses a breath test, the tint measurement tools are not able to be accepted by a Judge as evidence. At the end of the day, it might be easier and cheaper to have your tint removed and reapplied in order to be compliant, or to drive a vehicle with lighter tint, than to challenge a tinted window ticket with broken equipment.

Where to Find a Certified Installer for Window Tint in Ohio

When you decide to get a window film installed on your motor vehicle, it is imperative that you select an auto shop that is certified and adheres to Ohio’s window tint regulations. It is rare, if ever, that a window tint shop will not follow the rules to the letter, though there could be a few that may take advantage of an unsuspecting customer and make at least a few attempts to breach the law. Much like any kind of relationship, honesty and persistence go a long way. These are five easy ways to find a reputable installer in your area.
You can begin by searching online, requesting an estimate from a window film installer or two, and then checking out their Better Business Bureau record. The BBB will provide information on the company’s reliability and trustworthiness and will indicate if there have been issues in the past. Be certain to go to the BBB website directly, rather than through another site, as this is how scammers tend to steal information from others.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol publishes a list of certified installers located throughout the state of Ohio. This is the best source for auto shops within your area that will provide you with tinted windows on your vehicles without infringing upon any laws. When you go to the installer , check to see if there is any paperwork that indicates the percent reflectance may not exceed the level established for passenger cars or other motor vehicles. You can also check with the installer to see if they are listed on the OSPH list.
Because 9 out of every 10 people still use the Yellow Pages for information, the print resource may be the best way to locate a tint installer. The Yellow Pages itself is a collection of companies that pay for an ad to be listed within the book, so do read reviews before deciding on one, and never go with a first option. Unlike other internet pages, it is much more difficult to impersonate a legitimate Yellow Pages business, which diminishes the chances of being subject to a scam.
Speak directly with the installer about his certification and follow up to make certain the cached website is not the startup site of a fictitious tint shop. You could also visit the shop in person to see if there is any type of accreditation paperwork anywhere within the office or shop itself. When you get your windows tinted, check once again to see if the shop has a current license or other important paperwork up and running.
It can be difficult to choose the right professional for the job, especially as a consumer new to the world of window tinting. Just remember that all you need is to go with your gut on the situation. If it feels wrong, then it is wrong.