To avoid getting pulled over by a Pennsylvania police officer, it’s worth it to get the facts on every Pennsylvania window tint law for 2024. Being familiar with all of the laws and regulations will prevent you from violating any laws and getting a ticket.
Automotive window tint helps keep the harsh sun from blinding you and causing skin damage while driving or riding as a passenger. Tint also keeps your car interior cool in the summer and darkens your windows enough so that it is harder to see through. Despite the many window tinting benefits of having shaded windows, state laws dictate how dark they can be. Pennsylvania has a few laws that limit the percentage of Visible Light Transmission, or VLT, allowed before it becomes a $110 fine.
Read the full article below to get the latest updates on every Pennsylvania window tint law to make sure you are within regulation.
Pennsylvania Window Tint Law for Sedans
The Pennsylvania window tint law is different depending on the type of vehicle you drive. All vehicles belonging to the government, law enforcement, and ambulances are exempt from these laws.
These PA tint laws are verified with the vehicle window tint fact sheet from PennDOT.
These are the tint laws for passenger cars, such as a sedan, van, or coupe.
- Front windshield: More than 70% visible light transmission, any darkness on the top 3 inches.
- Front side windows: Up to 70% VLT.
- Back side windows: Up to 70% VLT.
- Back windshield: Up to 70% VLT but dual side mirrors are required.
PA Tint Laws for Trucks
The PA tint laws for trucks differ somewhat from the laws that regulate smaller vehicles, so double-check to make sure you are within the proper regulations depending on your vehicle type.
Below are the tint laws for trucks, SUVs, multi-purpose vehicles, medium/heavy trucks and buses:
- Front windshield: More than 70% visible light transmission, any darkness on the top 3 inches.
- Front side windows: Up to 70% VLT.
- Backside windows: Any level of darkness is permitted.
- Back windshield: Any level of darkness is permitted but dual side mirrors are required.
Medical Exemptions
The Pennsylvania tint law medical exemption allows drivers to use colorless products that filter UV rays. The DMV works with the Medical Advisory Board to justify exceptions for darker tinting. Any person who requests a medical exemption can get their medical condition certified by a physician or optometrist.
To apply for a medical exemption or for questions regarding the medical exemption process, contact PennDOT’s Medical Unit at (717) 787-9662.
Additional Pennsylvania Tint Regulations
The front window tint laws in Pennsylvania dictate that windows cannot be metallic or mirrored. All reflective shades are prohibited on sedans, SUVs, trucks, and vans.
However, there are no restrictions on colors. When purchasing from manufacturers, they aren’t required to verify whether their products are certified in each state. Therefore, you will need a sticker that states it is within Pennsylvania law.
Pennsylvania taillight and headlight tint laws stat that you cannot install tinted or smoked taillight covers in Pennsylvania and drive on any state roads or highways.
You can legally alter the shading on them as long as you do not intend to drive them on any public roads.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The police can pull you over for having non-factory shaded windows or if they suspect it is over the limit of the 70% VLT. Th