Is 20% Tint Legal in Pennsylvania? VLT Laws Explained
Window tint laws in Pennsylvania strike a specific balance between driver safety and privacy. If your tint is too dark for Pennsylvania's regulations, you could face fines, failed vehicle inspections, and the requirement to remove or lighten the tint. Understanding what's legal before you tint can save you headaches—and money.
Pennsylvania Window Tint Laws: Quick Reference
| Window | Legal VLT % | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield | 70% or lighter | Only tint on the top 6 inches (AS-1 line exception doesn't apply) |
| Front Side Windows | 70% or lighter | Measured from the top of the window down |
| Rear Side Windows | Any darkness | No legal limit |
| Rear Window | Any darkness | No legal limit |
Understanding VLT: What Does the Percentage Mean?
VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission. It's a measurement that tells you what percentage of light passes through your tinted window. A 70% VLT tint is very light—it blocks 30% of light and lets 70% through. A 20% VLT tint is very dark—it blocks 80% of light and only lets 20% through.
The higher the VLT percentage, the lighter the tint appears. Pennsylvania's 70% minimum for front windows means you can only use very light tint on the windshield and front side windows. The darker you go below 70%, the more illegal your tint becomes. So if you're asking "Is 20% tint legal in Pennsylvania?"—the short answer is no, not for front windows.
Front Windshield Rules in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania allows tinting on the top 6 inches of your front windshield, but only with a tint that permits 70% VLT or more. This means your windshield tint must be nearly transparent. You cannot use the AS-1 line exemption that some states allow, which would let you tint down to the manufacturer's AS-1 line on the windshield.
If you want maximum legal tint on your windshield, stick with 70% VLT or lighter. Many drivers choose not to tint their windshield at all because the allowable darkness is so minimal that the privacy benefit isn't worth it.
Front Side Window Rules
Your front driver and passenger windows must also have a minimum VLT of 70%. This means you're limited to very light tint on the windows you look out of most often. The tint must be measured and compliant across the entire front side window, from the top to the bottom.
Because Pennsylvania requires 70% VLT for front windows, 20% tint is illegal for these windows. In fact, anything darker than 30% VLT would violate the law. Many drivers in Pennsylvania opt for no tint or barely-perceptible tint on their front windows to stay compliant, then use darker tint on the rear windows where it's permitted.
Rear Window and Rear Side Window Rules
Pennsylvania has no restrictions on tinting your rear window or rear side windows. You can use any darkness you want, including completely opaque or 5% VLT tint, as long as you have dual side mirrors for safety. This is where you have freedom to go dark.
Many Pennsylvania drivers maximize privacy and heat reduction by using dark tint—even 20% or darker—on the rear and rear side windows while keeping their front windows compliant with the 70% VLT rule.
Restricted Tint Colors in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law does not ban specific tint colors like red, blue, or amber. You can use any color of tint as long as it meets the VLT requirements. However, law enforcement can stop you if your tint impairs visibility or makes it difficult to see the driver. Keep this in mind when choosing colored tints; an officer might pull you over even if the tint itself isn't specifically banned, if it creates a safety or visibility concern.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint
Pennsylvania does allow medical exemptions for window tint under certain conditions. If you have a documented medical condition that makes you sensitive to light (such as lupus, porphyria, or certain eye conditions), you may qualify for an exemption that allows darker tint than normally permitted.
To apply for a medical exemption, you'll need to:
- Obtain a written statement from your physician documenting your medical condition and explaining why darker window tint is medically necessary.
- Submit the medical documentation to your local law enforcement agency or PennDOT.
- Receive written approval of your medical exemption before tinting your windows.
With a valid medical exemption, you can apply darker tint to your vehicle. Keep your approval documentation in your vehicle at all times in case an officer asks about it.
Penalties for Illegal Window Tint in Pennsylvania
If you're caught with tint that doesn't meet Pennsylvania's requirements, you could face:
- A violation ticket and a fine.
- A failed vehicle inspection (your car won't pass inspection until the tint is brought into compliance).
- A requirement to remove or lighten the tint within a set timeframe.
Pennsylvania offers a "fix-it" ticket option for some violations, meaning you have the opportunity to correct the problem (by removing or lightening the tint) and show proof of correction to have the ticket dismissed. Not all officers issue fix-it tickets, but it's worth asking.
Repeated violations or refusing to correct illegal tint can result in higher fines and more serious consequences during subsequent traffic stops.
Find a Legal Tint Shop in Pennsylvania
Installing compliant window tint is easiest when you work with a shop that knows Pennsylvania's specific VLT laws inside and out. A professional installer will ensure your tint meets the 70% requirement for front windows and can advise you on the darkest legal options for your rear windows.
Visit TintingSource.com to find certified window tint shops in your area of Pennsylvania. Our directory lists local professionals who understand state regulations and deliver quality installations that keep you legal and protected.