Window tint
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Massillon Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08
Window tint
I was thinking about having my windows tinted this year, and was wondering what percentage to go with.
Would like some imput, and maybe some pics!!
Thanks in advance
Would like some imput, and maybe some pics!!
Thanks in advance
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 706
Likes: 0
From: Clearwater FL
Depends. Does your state have annual vehicle inspections? If so, dont go with anything too obviously dark or it'll fail.
The cops might give you trouble if it's near their quota time.
I have 35 on my side windows, 50 on the back. 35 is not within VA laws, but hopefully the state inspection wont give me trouble! Havent had one here yet.
(See my profile for my cars tint window pics!)
The cops might give you trouble if it's near their quota time.
I have 35 on my side windows, 50 on the back. 35 is not within VA laws, but hopefully the state inspection wont give me trouble! Havent had one here yet.
(See my profile for my cars tint window pics!)
Last edited by korte; Mar 20, 2007 at 07:56 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
From: Owatonna MN
Check your state laws. If you have "safety" inspections, you will fail if your tint is too dark.
Here in MN, the limit is 50%, but I run 35% on the sides and back (no inspections of any sort). Been pulled over twice since I got the illegal tint and have never been bothered by the LEOs for it. Then again, courtesy goes a long way as does telling the truth (and rolling the windows down).
Sorny
Here in MN, the limit is 50%, but I run 35% on the sides and back (no inspections of any sort). Been pulled over twice since I got the illegal tint and have never been bothered by the LEOs for it. Then again, courtesy goes a long way as does telling the truth (and rolling the windows down).
Sorny
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,633
Likes: 0
From: Fremont/Menlo Park Ca
I dont like very dark tints on cars unless the car is black. I wouldnt go any darker than 30 or 35% on my own car. Most guy around here seem to like it pretty dark and go with 20%... anything darker and i would think your visibility at night would be really bad.
My brother has 15% on his SL and he said at first it was hard to see out the back at night but you get use to it. He wants to go darker now
My brother has 15% on his SL and he said at first it was hard to see out the back at night but you get use to it. He wants to go darker now
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 600
Likes: 6
From: Las Vegas NV
Here in washington there are no annual inspections, so I have 5% on the back and 15% up on the sides. It looks great on my black 99. Had it this way on my last 2 cars(8yrs) as well Been pulled over once and nothing was said about it or having my front plate covered. Most of the time up here if you arent driving like an idiot the cops are pretty decent.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,445
Likes: 535
From: PNW Cougar Country WA
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
C6 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
Here in Washington, just like most places I imagine, it just depends on the cop and his mood. Limit here is 35% tint, front plate required. I was singled out of traffic on the freeway by a SP for to much tint on another car i have. $65 ticket and the lecture. Several of our club members have gotten the ticket for no front plate in the last year or so. No other violations at the same time, sane slow drivers.
Of course I'm in the other Washington(Eastern) where there is less traffic, fewer cops, and more time for silly tickets i guess. They sure don't go after the tailgaters and speaders to any great extent. Just my .02.
Of course I'm in the other Washington(Eastern) where there is less traffic, fewer cops, and more time for silly tickets i guess. They sure don't go after the tailgaters and speaders to any great extent. Just my .02.
Last edited by NOWUCME; Mar 21, 2007 at 03:12 AM.
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Best idea is to check and see what maximum your state allows. Obviously you can go darker than they allow, but the risk of a ticket increases too.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 936
Likes: 6
From: Hamburg PA
Just had my 03 Z06 (silver) done with 15% all around.... 5% limo was too dark, the 15% is really nice, compliments the silver.
I am in PA, I believe the state limit is 30 or 35%, but it is not an inspection item, only ones who will both you are the police.
Rick
I am in PA, I believe the state limit is 30 or 35%, but it is not an inspection item, only ones who will both you are the police.
Rick
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 7
From: queens Newyork
If you like it dark just do 5%, I did 15% on my bmw and now I think its to light especially when its sunny, The vette will be done shortly and its going to be 5% all around.. It will look bada$$
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 7,765
Likes: 1
From: Kansas City MO
I have 35% on the sides, dark as is legal, and 10% on the back. The back is a little dark at night, made worse by the small vert window. If I would do it again I would probaly go 20% on the back for better night visibility.
Doubt I ever own another car without tinting the windows though.
Doubt I ever own another car without tinting the windows though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,683
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
After dealing with LEO's for many years, and being pulled over for no other reason than driving a high performance car, I strongly suggest you stay within the legal standards of your state.
Here is a great site for all kinds of info including the state mandates:
http://www.tintdude.com/laws.html
Here is a great site for all kinds of info including the state mandates:
http://www.tintdude.com/laws.html
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Southside Alabama
I have 15% on the sides and rear and 50% on the front (yes the whole thing). I makes for a little darker appearance, can't see in from the outside. Didn't make the sight bad at all, actually when the sun is beating down it easier to see. Night time is great, the HUD is bright but just turn down the brightness.
PS you may not like the windshield tint, ride with someone who has it done first and see what you think----personally, the sun stripe on a vette looks bad, its either none or all the way.
PS you may not like the windshield tint, ride with someone who has it done first and see what you think----personally, the sun stripe on a vette looks bad, its either none or all the way.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 3
From: Mesa Arizona
I know what I wouldn't do! I call it Limo tint. It's what is on our car, on the doors and hatch. Don't know what the percentage is but during the day you can't see a thing from outside looking in. At night you can't see the outside from the inside. I'll have to admit it does work nice here during the day as nearly every day is warm and sunny.
My wife and I bought our 03 in 03 from a private party. The car had only 2000 miles on it and the tint was the only non-stock thing on it.
Although the Police don't bother folks much here in Az. regarding dark tint it's still not legal and night driving requires a lot of caution.
I've been telling myself since we've owned the car to remove the dark tint and have it replaced with a lighter tint. It's just one of those messy jobs that I'm not looking foward to.
Bob
My wife and I bought our 03 in 03 from a private party. The car had only 2000 miles on it and the tint was the only non-stock thing on it.
Although the Police don't bother folks much here in Az. regarding dark tint it's still not legal and night driving requires a lot of caution.
I've been telling myself since we've owned the car to remove the dark tint and have it replaced with a lighter tint. It's just one of those messy jobs that I'm not looking foward to.
Bob
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 94
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From: Zimmerman MN
I have 50% all the way around, I even did the windshield. I love having that tinted. The side and rear glass is legal, and having the front tinted makes it look very dark from the out side.
This pic is in my dark garage, and the flash was used. So the pic is a little darker then what it really is.
Zach
This pic is in my dark garage, and the flash was used. So the pic is a little darker then what it really is.
Zach