What to Know About Car Window Tinting

There are many reasons why people tint their windows. However, did you know there are regulations put in place to limit the amount of tint you can have? Your local car window tinting service will know the legal restrictions put on window tinting, however, understanding what is possible and what is legal in your state can help you make an informed investment. 

Benefits to Tinting Your Car Windows

Your car is an essential asset in your life. You want it to be as comfortable and efficient as possible. While most car windows might come standard with some level of tint to them, you can actually have your car windows tinted more. People have this done for a variety of reasons some of which include:  

• Helps Protect Your Car’s Interior: The sun can cause lots of damage to a car’s internal and external features. Over time, the constant sun exposure can lead to upholstery fading or damaged leather. By tinting your windows, you can extend the life of your car’s interior by providing a shade.
• Reduced Glare: Do you have a problem when driving down the road and the glare off of another car or object hits your eyes? If you can’t see the road well, this can be a safety issue. Tinting your windows will minimize the problem of a glare shining in your car. For those who see “halo lights” while driving at night the extra tint in the car window can help you see better.
• Helps Keep Your Car Cool: In the hot summers, it can be hard to keep your car cool while not in it. With the addition of a window tint, you will notice a big difference in those hot days quickly.  
• Offers More Privacy: People like their privacy, especially when you’re driving in a highly-populated area. Tinting your windows creates more privacy, giving you a safer environment. Also, if you leave your car in a parking lot and have something inside, it makes it more difficult for thieves to look directly into your vehicle.  

States Determine the Tinting Laws

State laws regulate the level of darkness permitted for auto glass tinting. Window tint laws were created to ensure safety for drivers, for the other vehicles on the road, and for law enforcement officers’ ability to see as they approach a car.

Before determining how much to tint windows, you should check your state’s department of motor vehicles to read about the regulations within your state. All states have restrictions on tinting applied to both passenger windows and the front windshields. Once you determine the levels allowed, you can choose the appropriate window tint film for your car.

Here are the window tinting laws in Missouri and Kansas.

Missouri:

Tint darkness for sedans: 

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. 
• Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in. 
• Back Side Windows: Any darkness can be used. 
• Rear Window: Any darkness can be used. 

Tint darkness for SUV and vans: 

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. 
• Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in. 
• Back Side Windows: Any darkness can be used. 
• Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Source: https://www.tinting-laws.com/missouri/

Kansas:

Tint darkness for sedans: 

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. 
• Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in. 
• Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in. 
• Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in. 

Tint darkness for SUV and vans: 

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. 
• Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in. 
• Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in. 
• Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

Source: https://www.tinting-laws.com/kansas/