Window tint has long been a popular addition to many vehicles, as it assists with visibility and keeps your car cool.
There are various laws regarding window tint, such as the degree of tint and how it corresponds with your vehicle window’s location.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR) also significantly impact how the tint percentage is measured.
These metrics relate to the degree of tint allowed to enter or reflect off of your vehicle.
Let’s go over some of the window tint laws in Ohio.
What Are The Ohio Tint Laws?
Because each state has its legislation surrounding window tint on your vehicle, it is essential to be aware of the tint laws in your respective state of residence.
In Ohio, tint law varies depending on the glass’s location, whether front, side, or rear.
These laws began in 2004 and continue to be practiced throughout the state today.
It’s also essential to be aware that most states differentiate between the type of vehicle.
Window tinting rules and regulations for passenger vehicles could be different from those of multi-purpose vehicles.
Luckily, for the state of Ohio, these two categories have the same tinting limits.
Front Windshield
The front windshield tint can only be present on the top 5 inches of the windshield, and it must be non-reflective.
Having a clear view out of the windshield is critical to both your safety and the safety of others.
This means that window tint cannot cover the entire windshield.
Front Side Windows
According to Ohio tint laws, the front side windows on your vehicle may have up to 50% tint.
People often do this to keep the sunlight out of the car, which keeps it cool or helps with better visibility.
This 50% tint is dark enough to keep the sun out but light enough that the driver and front passenger are still visible to others.
Back Seat Side Windows
The back seat side windows may have any percentage of tint.
There are no limits on tint percentages because of little communication between rear-seat passengers and other drivers.
Rear Window
Any tint percentage is allowed for the rear window.
This also plays a significant role in preventing heat and sunlight into the vehicle, keeping it cool in warm weather.
The rear window can also be tinted to preserve your vehicle’s interior and prevent premature cracking and fading.
Do Ohio Tint Laws Recognize Medical Exemptions?
The state of Ohio does not make medical exemptions for vehicles registered within the state.
This is one aspect where the Ohio tint laws differ from other states.
In some states, medical exemptions are standard for those with certain conditions in which people cannot expose their skin to UV rays for extended periods.
If you would like to petition against this law in the state of Ohio, you can contact your Ohio State Representative.
Can You Get Pulled Over for Tinted Windows in Ohio?
Can you get pulled over for tint in Ohio?
The answer is yes.
If an officer suspects that your window tinting is not following the state laws’ rules and regulations, they can pull you over.
Having illegal window tinting is considered a misdemeanor moving violation and can land you a fine.
Officers will use a meter to gauge the light transmission and ensure that you have the appropriate tint level in your windows.
In addition to this, your tinting must be certified, and the certification decal must be visible at all times.
It is also illegal to sell a vehicle that does not adhere to the rules and regulations of window tinting in the state of Ohio.
Additional Rules and Regulations in Ohio
Window tinting can offer many benefits, such as:
- keeping your car cool in the hot summer days
- offering extra visibility when driving in sunny areas, and
- protecting your skin from UV rays
Before choosing to tint your windows in Ohio, you should be aware of a few additional rules that Ohio has placed on window tinting.
What Colors Of Tint are Approved?
Manufacturers offer window tinting in a variety of shades.
In the state of Ohio, you can tint your windows in any color.
Does the Film Have to be Certified?
The manufacturer of the film must certify it before application in Ohio.
It is essential that you know your dealer uses certified film and that you ask to see proof of this before having your windows tinted.
How Do I Display the Certification?
You must display the certification proving your windows are legally tinted between the film and glass on your window in Ohio.
You must have this applied to every window with tinting.
Can I Be Fined?
If you are using an uncertified film or have not applied the appropriate tint levels to your vehicle, police can fine you.
Between court costs and the fine, this comes out to roughly $120 and is considered a misdemeanor.
Price of Tinting in Ohio
Window tinting in Ohio can range anywhere between $200 and $300.
The price can differ depending on the type of tinting you would like applied to your vehicle and the particular style of vehicle you own.
Final Thoughts
With the current rules and regulations for window tinting in Ohio, there are no reasons you shouldn’t enjoy the benefits of having your car windows tinted.
As long as you follow the proper guidelines, display your certification, and abide by the law, you will be free to modify your vehicle as you see fit.