We get a lot of questions concerning what is the legal tint in Ga.This page is dedicated to inform you about the current car window tinting law in Atlanta and the entire the State of Georgia, and will give you detailed information about films that are legal, not legal, as well as exemptions for drivers that have a medical condition needing added protection from the sun. Please read all the info below, and take the time to watch the featured videos, which are helpful, and will give you some insight on making the best window film choice for your personal needs. There is also a reference graphic on the bottom of this page that outlines automotive window tinting laws and regulations on Cars, Trucks, Vans and SUV's.
There is also a section with a lot of common questions people ask us about the current window tinting law in the State of Georgia, and you can see this FAQ section at the bottom of this page. Before you decide on what film to choose, you should always consider what is the legal tint in Ga. Penalties can be harsh if you decide to go past what is the legal limit for window tinting on your vehicle. Read on for more detailed information, and of course you are welcome to call us or email us if you have questions concerning the State of Georgia Window Tinting law.
Georgia Car Window Tinting State Laws | What Is The Current Window Tint Law In Atlanta GA. For Automobiles?
In the state of Georgia, as a general rule the law for automotive window tint is [32%] for passenger cars on all the side windows and back glass. On SUV's, trucks and vans, only the front doors are regulated. Read on for more detailed information.
How Dark Can Window Tint Be In Georgia?
Darkness of tint is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage [VLT%]. In Georgia, this percentage refers to percentage of visible light allowed in through the combination of film and the window. Llumar Window Films are recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, and there is a medical exemption available.
Passenger Car Window Tint:
- Windshield Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side Window Tint Must allow more than 32% of light in.
- Back Side Window Tinting Must allow more than 32% of light in.
- Rear Window Auto Tint Must allow more than 32% of light in.
Trucks, Vans, And SUV Window Tinting:
Only the front door tinting is regulated on these vehicles. You are allowed to go as dark as you would like on all the windows behind the front 2 doors. Consult with one of our professional installers about the proper window tinting percentages for your vehicle before making a window film purchase.
State of Georgia Department of Public Safety Application For Exemption To The Window Tint Law [PDF] There is an application that you can fill out and submit to the State of Georgia that will allow you to have window tint that is darker than the law allows if you have a medical reason and need a darker VLT [Visible Light Transmission]. For persons with skin conditions, light sensitivity or any other medical condition that is aggravated because of exposure to the sun, you can have a darker film [Darker Than 32%] installed on your car as long as it is prescribed by a doctor. Click here to download or view the application: Application For Exemption To the Window Tint Law
You may want to also look at the Official State of Georgia website concerning the Window Tint Waiver Form: Medical Exemptions.
How Reflective Can Auto Glass Tinting be in Georgia?
Similar to sunglass lenses, some tinting films contain metallic elements that help in reflecting incoming light and reducing the glare and heat generated by visible light.
- Front Side Window Tint Must not be more than 20% reflective.
- Back Side Window Tinting Films Must not be more than 20% reflective.
Other Georgia Window Tinting Rules and Regulations
The law for automotive window tint varies from state to state. In many northern states window tint laws require nothing darker than a 70% film, while in other parts of the country it can be as dark as 20%. A lot of people think that if your auto is registered in another state, or have a tag from another state, that the current Georgia Window Tint law does not apply to them, and cannot get a ticket. Beware! Just because you may have a license plate from another state, or your car is registered in another state, you can still be subjected to getting a fine for having window film on your glass that is darker than the Georgia law allows.
Here in Georgia the law for tinted glass on your car is 32% for the entire vehicle. There are exceptions to the law of 32%: multi-purpose vehicles, like SUVs or minivans, can go with any shade on the rear of the vehicle. [Any auto glass behind the front two door windows].
These percentages are used to measure the amount of visible light transmitting (VLT) through a tinted window. The lower the percentage means the darker the film. One thing to consider is even though a car’s window may not be tinted, it doesn’t mean it is clear. A lot of auto glass that isn’t tinted can have its VLT measure at around 70% or higher.
This can sometimes put a car on the illegal side even though the proper percentage of tint was applied. Most law enforcement agencies have a device that will measure the VLT of films that are applied to the glass on your automobile, and it is called a tint meter. If you fail an on the spot inspection if they use this device, then they may write you up for a violation of the window tint law in Georgia.
Georgia Window Tinting Rules on Reflective Window Film
The State of Georgia also requires that no window tint have a reflectivity of 20% or higher. This reflectivity can be seen on vehicles that have windows that look like mirrors. This type of film has phased out over the last decade as car manufacturers have put more and more technology into a vehicle’s glass and the metal in mirrored tint can interfere with this technology.
A vehicle is allowed a tinted windshield strip along the top six inches of the windshield. There is no requirement to the shade of the windshield strip, however, it can’t be reflective.
You should always install a window film that complies to the State of Georgia regulations. Not only do you run the risk of being ticketed for illegal window film, but it can be expensive to strip and redo all the windows on your car.
To see a chart for window tinting laws for ALL states, click on the PDF here: Current State Law Chart 05.22.17.pdf