There’s nothing more freeing than hitting the open road for a drive on a bright and sunny day – and that happens very frequently in Arizona.
Did you know that the state of Arizona is home to some of the sunniest cities in the world?
While a certain amount of sunshine is necessary for life to function on Earth, Arizona’s sun and high temperatures sometimes border on being bad for human health.
July, in particular, is a sweltering month for the state, with average daily temperatures of 107 degrees Fahrenheit.
Near constant sunshine and blistering temperatures mean trouble for vehicles, and vehicle window tinting is not just a fashion statement in Arizona.
In one of the hottest, sunniest places on Earth, you need to know all you can about Arizona window tint laws, and we have the answers to your questions, including this one: can you get pulled over for window tint in Arizona?
Arizona Window Tint Laws and VLT
In 1994, Arizona became the 23rd of our 50 states to enact window tint laws.
Some Arizona window tint laws are specific to the state, and breaking these laws could mean you get pulled over for tint in Arizona.
As with other states, Arizona bases its window tint laws on VLT (that stands for Visible Light Transmission), and it is the amount of natural light that passes through the tinted film on your vehicle’s windows.
Arizona window tint laws apply to passenger vehicles (like compact cars and sedans) and multi-purpose vehicles (like SUVs or trucks).
You can get pulled over for tint in Arizona if you do not comply with Arizona window tint laws.
And the consequence could involve a steeply priced ticket.
Passenger Vehicles and VLT
Arizona window tint laws for passenger vehicles like sedans consider the front windshield, front-seat side windows, back seat side windows, and rear window.
A passenger vehicle’s front windshield may be tinted with non-reflective film, but tinting must be above the vehicle’s AS-1 line.
Front-seat side windows are allowed to be tinted up to 33% tint darkness, meaning 33% of natural light passes through according to VLT standards.
Arizona window tint laws state that back seat side windows can be tinted with any tint darkness percentage.
Rear windows on passenger vehicles in Arizona can be tinted with any tint darkness percentage.
Multi-Purpose Vehicles and VLT
Arizona window tint laws for multi-purpose vehicles like SUVs, vans, and trucks also consider the front windshield, front-seat side windows, back seat side windows, and rear window.
In Arizona, a multi-purpose vehicle’s front windshield may be tinted with a non-reflective film.
However, tinting must be above the vehicle manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Front-seat side windows are allowed to be tinted up to 33% tint darkness, meaning 33% of natural light passes through according to VLT standards.
Arizona window tint laws state that back seat side windows can be tinted with any tint darkness percentage.
Rear windows on multi-purpose vehicles in Arizona can be tinted with any percentage of tint darkness.
Arizona Window Tint Laws on Reflective Tinting
Window tinting techniques are evolving to include “reflective tinting,” a high-quality tint with a mirror-like finish to deflect sunlight significantly.
Reflective window tinting offers many benefits to the vehicle owner, including maximum privacy in daylight (although your car’s interior is visible at night).
Reflective tinting also efficiently reduces glare, offers UV and heat protection, and decreases the chance of your vehicle’s upholstery fading.
As with all tinted vehicle windows, reflective tinted windows do not shatter as easily as non-tinted car windows if they are involved in a crash or collision.
Arizona window tint laws on reflective tinting are the same for passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles.
Arizona window tint laws state that reflective tint must not exceed 35% reflection for front side windows and backside windows on all cars in the state.
Arizona Medical Exemptions for Window Tint Laws
Persons with medical conditions that are worsened by sun exposure are encouraged to apply for a vehicle window tinting exemption through the state of Arizona.
So, if you’re searching “can you get pulled over for tint in Arizona,” because you are concerned about a valid medical condition, you don’t have cause for concern.
Additionally, these medical exemptions apply both to vehicles that you drive yourself, as well as any vehicle in which you travel regularly.
Only specific skin and other conditions qualify for exemption, though, and you’ll need a doctor’s note.
Can You Get Pulled Over for Tint in Arizona?
Getting pulled over by law enforcement in your vehicle is never pleasant.
If the officer’s concern is regarding your vehicle’s window tinting, you will realize that it’s better to know the guidelines beforehand to avoid this situation.
The Arizona State Legislature updated its guidelines in 2021 on Arizona window tint laws.
While you can get pulled over for tint in Arizona, the state’s guidelines are relatively moderate, and compliance is pretty straightforward.
The following are legal requirements under Arizona window tint laws.
- Dual side mirrors on your passenger or multi-purpose vehicle are legally required if your vehicle’s rear window is tinted.
- Colored window tints are allowed on passenger and multi-purpose vehicles in Arizona with two exceptions: red and amber window tints are strictly prohibited.
- Window tint certification is not required under Arizona window tint laws, meaning that companies installing the window film on your vehicle in Arizona don’t need to sell certified window film.