Kane Dan
A window tint on your car could provide extra privacy. However, the Ohio automobile window tint law states that your front side windows should only have a 70% tint. If you are planning to install tint on your windows in Ohio, you may want to read on.
This article will discuss some common questions regarding the new Ohio tint laws. We will also cover the percentage of Tint allowed, the fine you can get if you violate the window tint law and how to get medical exemptions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Are You Allowed To Have Tinted Windshield And Windows in Ohio?
Law enforcement in Ohio uses VLT, or visible light transmission, to determine the tint of windows. Tinting is allowed in Ohio; however, it must adhere to rules and regulations to be considered legal.
The laws in Ohio state that the windows located on the driver and passenger sides should be 50% VLT and no lower. The windshield should be 70% VLT. However, the backseat windows and rear window have no requirements to meet.
It’s against Ohio state laws to drive vehicles that are not within the legal requirements for tinted windows. It is against the law to sell vehicles with tinted windows that don’t adhere to the VLT rules.
What Is The Darkest Tint You Can Legally Get In OH?
The law in Ohio for tints on windows is just 50%, no lower, for the driver and passenger windows. The windshield should be at 70%, and the back seat windows and rear have no VLT requirements.
Is 20% Tint Illegal In OH?
The law states that tinting darker than 50% is against the rules for the front windows. However, the back seats and rear have no rules for them, so 20% could be acceptable.
Can You Get Pulled Over For Tinted Windows In Ohio?
Heavily tinted windows will catch any police officer’s eye. Police officers view it as a matter of safety, and if they can’t see the driver’s activity, it puts them in danger, should there be firearms involved.
Officers have a meter that can determine the transmission of light through the tinted windows, and the state also requires stickers with information on VLT grades.
How Much Is A Tint Ticket In OH?
If your car is found not to be adhering to the window tinting regulations of Ohio, then you could find your fined $120 along with a misdemeanor. Note that side mirrors have no restrictions.
Window Tint Darkness In Ohio
It is good to note that the regulations in Ohio for tinted windows are not as strict as in some other states in the US. The laws are measured by Visible Light Transmission or VLT, which measures the amount of light that a tint allows to shine through.
The percentages of light allowed in Ohio may differ with other states, and it can sometimes be different between passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.
If the VLT is high, it means that more light can shine through the tint. For example, if you had a 75% tint, it will allow 75% to light through, and it was 5%, then it will only let through 5% light (this is a darker tint). The current laws state that the VLT must 50% for the two side windows at the front.
For Passenger Vehicle
- Windshield – The law states only tint that’s non-reflective, on the top 5 inches (must be 70% VLT)
- Front Side Windows – The legal VLT grade for Ohio is 50%
- Back Side Windows – There are currently no requirements
- Rear Window – There are currently no requirements
For MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)
- Windshield – The law states only tint that’s non-reflective, on the top 5 inches (must be 70% VLT)
- Front Side Windows – The legal VLT grade for Ohio is 50%
- Back Side Windows – There are currently no requirements
- Rear Window – There are currently no requirements
Window Tint Reflection In Ohio
There are other factors to think about when considering tinted windows in Ohio, which you should check before making your decision:
Are Side-Mirrors Required In OH?
The side mirrors are only a requirement to the vehicle if the view from your windshield a mirror is obscured.
Are Colored Tints Illegal In OH?
There are no laws set against colors. You may choose any tint colors you want.
Are There Any Certification Rules For Windows Tints In OH?
The sellers and manufacturers need to certify the films they are selling in Ohio. You will need to speak with your dealer to check they are using films certified in Ohio.
Is It A Requirement To Have A Certified Sticker On The Car From The Company In OH?
The sticker is a helpful identifier that the tinting is within the regulations. Are there any medical-based exemption in Ohio for tinter windows? The law in Ohio currently states no medical exemption for the use of tinting on windows.
Note that the regulations are placed for the safety of the law enforcement. Visibility is vital when an officer approaches a vehicle because the people inside can create danger without the officer’s knowledge.
The officers can use a meter to measure the amount of light passing through, and it is advisable to have a sticker stating the window tinting leaves for each window.
For Passenger Vehicle
- Front Side Window – It is only permitted to have non-reflective material
- Back Side Window – It is only permitted to have non-reflective material
For MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)
- Front Side Window – It is only permitted to have non-reflective material
- Back Side Window – It is only permitted to have non-reflective material
How Do You Get A Medical Exemption For Window Tint in Ohio?
It is important to note that Ohio doesn’t allow tinted windows for medical exemption at this time.
If you need to appeal or petition against this rule, then you must contact the State Representative for the rule to be reconsidered.
Conclusion
You must bear in mind that Ohio’s tinting laws are specific to the state and will be different for other US areas. It is recommended that you double-check the rules before you decide.
It is also important to educate yourself on how light transmission is measured by VLT, which you’ll need to get the right type of tinting for your car.
The law currently states the passenger and driver windows must be 50%, nothing lower, and the windshield will 70%. The backseat windows and rear currently have no VLT levels assigned to them.
