Introduction to Illinois Tint Laws
Understanding Illinois car tint laws is imperative for every car owner and driver. Failure to comply with these laws can result in hefty fines and other legal consequences. Therefore, it is best to understand the rules before modifying one’s vehicle.
Ensuring as a driver that your vehicle complies with state law is – of course – important. Knowing the law – especially when it comes to things like window tinting – is essential to being a responsible driver. Car tint laws vary across states, and being informed about your state’s particular tint laws is crucial. In addition to being fined for non-compliance, there could be further repercussions for breaking tint law in Illinois . For example, window tint could be seen as obstructive wear and might have implications in a serious car accident.
Tinting windows is the most common way of modifying a vehicle, aside from perhaps modifying your audio/infotainment system. With state laws on window tinting in particular, it is crucial to know exactly what you are getting into before sitting at a local tint shop.
More and more people are choosing to tint their vehicles, and with more and more tint laws being put into place, it is always wise to read up on the latest of your state’s tint laws. Illinois’ tint law has changed over the years, and as a stricter state when it comes to window tint, it is always good to be on happy terms with your local police department or state trooper.
Window Tint Legal Limits for Different Windows
Legal tint limits for different windows in Illinois are defined by the law and measured by the percentage of darkness. In simple terms, this measure refers to the amount of light that is allowed to pass through the window film into the vehicle itself. Additionally, "lawful light transmittance" refers to how much light must be transmitted through the film to the interior of the car. You must remember that the legal window tint limit is different for each state, and it is your responsibility as the driver and owner of the car to ensure that your vehicle is in compliance.
Front windows in Illinois have a legal limit of 35%, meaning that at least 35% of all light must be allowed to pass through the window tint. You must also remember that there are different legal limits for passenger windows and for windshields. It is illegal to have window tint along the windshield in the driver’s line of sight, which is defined as the top 4 inches of film at any point in the windshield. For the passenger windows and the rear windows, window tint is allowed along the entirety of the window, as long as it meets the 35% legal limit. If you want to go darker, Illinois does allow a waiver, which requires you to complete an application provided by the Secretary of State’s office and provide a medical proof from a licensed doctor. This waiver costs $10 and will allow you to have a 20% tint limit, but 5% is not legal at any point along the window tint in Illinois. It is important to pay attention to all legal limits so that you do not find yourself stuck with a fine.
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
Some exceptions exist to the general tint rules in Illinois. The most obvious one is for medical exemptions in certain cases.
Individuals who suffer from light sensitivity, allergies, or a variety of other conditions qualify for a medical exemption. A doctor must prescribe this exemption. Speaking of doctor’s prescriptions, a doctor cannot write such a prescription if they are not licensed to practice in the state of Illinois. To get a medical exemption, the patient must do the following: In some cars, the windows that cannot be tinted at all are on the rear side windows. It is important to remember that this law does apply to non-passenger vehicles. However, non-passenger vehicles (trucks, vans) can have film on the front windshield as long as the film has a VLT of 35% or higher, and the film lies above the AS-1 line (marking that indicates the tinted area). Permitted tint lines must also be the same shade (darkness) across the entire window.
Another special case involves shades of color. Under Illinois tint laws, tints that contain shades of red, yellow, or amber are not permitted under any circumstances. Even on older vehicles fitted with these colors in the rear windows by the manufacturer, the tint must be removed and replaced with clear tint.
The rules for tint on windshields are somewhat different from those that cover the rear windows. Things that are not permitted on rear windows are permitted on windshields. So, in other words, red, yellow, and amber shades are allowed on the windshield. Other exceptions include the following: If you have found that your vehicle has some sort of tint that you weren’t aware of – or that you suspect is too dark – have an experienced Illinois auto accident lawyer test them for safety reasons. Some shades are very difficult to see at night, which can put you at unnecessary risk when driving. While you don’t want to assume that your tint is not in compliance, it’s better to be safe than not know.
Penalties for Tint Law Violations
Violating the window tint regulations in Illinois can result in both penalties and fines. Law enforcement personnel are typically the ones who determine if your auto tint is compliant. They will issue a ticket if any tint violations on your vehicle are detected. As with other infractions, you can choose to pay the fine or contest the ticket in court.
The fine for violating the Illinois auto tint laws are as follows:
- Up to $250 for the first offense
- Up to $500 for the second offense
- Up to $1,000 for the third offense
If you pay the fine without contesting the ticket, it is considered a guilty verdict. This means that you will have a conviction record, which may be evaluated when you go to purchase a gun or certain other items in the future .
When you demonstrate to the court that a legitimate medical need exists for a window tint exemption, you can avoid having a conviction on your record. However, the courts will also take into consideration the severity of the original violation, and the wisest course may be to hire an attorney to handle the situation on your behalf. An attorney with experience handling these types of issues can often help clients to achieve a successful resolution.
There are some other options to avoid the window tint fine. In some cases, a medical certificate issued by a licensed doctor may allow a driver to keep his or her illegal window tint on the car. The fine for violating the window tint laws may also be waived in lieu of having the window tint replaced using compliant tint. All replacement window tint must be done within 30 days of the date on the ticket sent to the drivers.
Tips for Selecting Legal Window Tint
When selecting a legal window tint in Illinois, there are a few important considerations. First and foremost, all car window films must be applied by a registered installer. The installer you choose must be registered with the Illinois Department of Revenue. You can find a list of all registered installers on the Illinois Secretary of State website or by calling the Illinois Vehicle Services at (217) 785-3000.
When considering an installer, you should first ask them to provide proof that they are registered and familiar with both the legal and illegal tint levels for each windshield, side window and back window of your type of vehicle. A reputable installer will know all of the particulars required by the law, while a disreputable installer may try to cut corners in an effort to save time or money.
In addition to the installer, you will also want to consider the types of film that are available for your vehicle. There are a number of different types of tint films available, including dyed, metalized, carbon and ceramic window films. Each type of film has its own benefits and restrictions, as some may be more effective in terms of blocking UV rays or providing privacy while others are simply intended as an aesthetic element.
Many reputable installers will work with you to help you select a tint film that is compliant with the law while also providing the desired benefits and services that you would like for your vehicle windows. You should never try to install your own tint film if you are not familiar with the process and requirements of the state of Illinois as you run the risk of receiving a ticket for having illegal tint.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Illinois Car Tint Laws
When it comes to Illinois car tint laws, there are those that fall into the category of "common knowledge" and those that seem to be shrouded in mystery. We address here some of the most common queries and attempt to shed light on them.
Q: Why do Illinois lawmakers have so many laws about car tinting?
A: The legislators of Illinois have written laws regarding window tinting to ensure driver safety. Requiring a certain percentage of visibility helps to ensure that drivers have a clear view of the road, which is essential to safe driving. Window tinting helps to reduce sun glare, however, too much tint can negatively impact visibility for both the driver and other motorists.
Q: Is it illegal to drive with broken window tint in Illinois?
A: Illinois vehicle registration laws do not require vehicle owners to undergo automatic vehicle inspections on a yearly basis. However, state police have the authority to make random inspections, and windows with broken tint may lead to a citation in some cases.
Q: What are the penalties for violating Illinois window tint laws?
A: The state does not impose jail time for a window tint violation, however, judges often fine first-time offenders $50 to $200, depending on how serious the violation is, such as if the tint is too dark, but the fine tends to be lighter if the tint is too reflective. Repeat offenders may pay up to $500 for the second violation, with all subsequent violations costing the offender $1,000 each.
In some cases, the police may have the driver and occupants of the vehicle remove the tint, after which some officers only give the driver a warning . However, some officers have more severe interpretations of the tint laws, and in these cases, drivers may pay fines, have to remove the tint he immediately, and be required to complete an out-of-state vehicular emissions test.
Q: Can I put any color tint on my windshield in Illinois?
A: While you can install tinted windows in any color, the tint must be clear for the windshield, and may only extend above the AS-UI line (this line follows the manufacturer’s dot or band that appears across the top of the front windshield). Over the tinted portion of the window, tint can not exceed the darker shade of the tint on the windshield.
Q: Do Illinois tint laws apply to commercial vehicles such as SUVs and vans?
A: Illinois tint laws apply to all passenger cars and trucks, not just sedans. Commercial vehicles need to adhere to the same regulations, even though they are often larger, and may be used for business or personal use.
Q: What if I notice a crack in the tint when the glass is new?
A: Under the Consumer Protection Act, vehicle owners have a period of 30 days after purchase to return items with defects. Ask the place of purchase if they have a guarantee or warranty that covers the defect, or if it is possible to have the shop replace the tint for you at no charge.
Q: What about my rear windows? Is there a certain degree of tint I should use?
A: Illinois tint laws are stricter with the front windows than with the rear. However, you can add reflective tint to the rear window, as long as the tinted portion of the vehicle doesn’t exceed five inches unencumbered above the AS-UI line.