Kane Dan
Tinted windows are a great way to bring comfort and privacy to your ride. You may want tinted windows because they keep the temperature in your car a bit cooler. Or, you are looking to prevent car theft by making sure that no one can see inside your vehicle.
Georgia is known as being a very warm place, so it’s only natural some of you would like to have tints on. But what are the rules for tinted windows in Georgia? This article will show you the basics.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Are You Allowed To Have Tinted Windshield And Windows In Georgia?
Yes, tinted windows are allowed in the state of Georgia. However, there are laws surrounding how dark these tints can be. Let’s first begin by defining VLT in the context of window tints for cars.
This stands for Visible Light Transmission, and refers to the amount of light that comes in through the glass of your auto windows. VLT is measured by a percentage and your tint dealer will tell you the percentage of the tints he or she is selling.
The percentage you can have depends upon the windows you want to tint as well as the type of vehicle you are tinting.
What Is The Darkest Tint You Can Legally Get In GA?
32% is the darkest tint allowed for most windows. The only exceptions are the rear and back windows of vans and SUVs. On those windows, any level of tint is permitted.
Is 20 Tint Illegal in GA?
20% tint is not illegal in Georgia. Since the legal limit is 32% darkness, you are free to apply 20% tint on your windows.
Can You Get Pulled Over For Tinted Windows In Georgia?
Yes, you can be stopped for having windows that appear to be darker than the legal limit set forth in Georgia. You should also avoid the colors of amber and red, as these are prohibited tint colors.
If you do have tints, it is also required you display a sticker on the windshield that certifies your tints are legal.
How Much Is A Tint Ticket In GA?
You’re looking at a fine of up to $1000, and that is for operating a vehicle with illegal tint percentage OR installing too dark of tints. The latter is a misdemeanor and you may be fined as well as imprisoned for up to 12 months.
As a result, it’s better to avoid such run-ins with the police and courts, and have your tints installed by a professional dealer who knows the Georgia window tint laws.
Window Tint Darkness In Georgia
The darkness of your window tints will vary based upon what vehicle you own. Whether you own a truck, car, SUV, or RV, you should know what to expect when it’s time to tint those windows.
When we talk about “passenger vehicles,” we are referring to sedans, station wagons, coupes, hatchbacks and convertibles. These are your typical smaller cars/family vehicles that don’t have cargo space, a cargo bed or third-row seating.
Meanwhile, a MPV refers to RVs, SUVs, minivans, utility vans and pickup trucks, as well as crossover vehicles. If you are capable of carrying more than five people, or your vehicle is designed for work or has a living space, it qualifies as an MPV.
Now, let’s discuss tinting as it relates to MPVs and Passenger vehicles in Georgia.
For Passenger Vehicle
- Windshield: Non reflective tint is not permitted at the top 6in of the windshield, or the AS1 Line
- Front Side Windows: Surface of front side windows must let greater than 32% of light through
- Back Side Windows: Surface of back side windows must let greater than 32% of light through
- Rear Window: Surface of rear windows must let greater than 32% of light through
For MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is not permitted at the top 6 in of the windshield, or the AS1 Line
- Front Side Windows: Surface of front side windows must let greater than 32% of light through
- Back Side Windows: Surface of back side windows must let greater than 32% of light through
- Rear Window: You may use any level of tint on these windows
Window Tint Reflection In Georgia
So far, you have learned the fundamentals of tints in Georgia, such as the percentage and what windows can have what kind of tints on them.
Reflective window tints are also popular because they reduce heat and glare in the vehicle, which makes you and your passengers more comfortable.
It also promotes privacy. Those outside your vehicle see their reflection, but not who is inside your car.
Despite these advantages, reflective tint is not always a good idea because it can blind oncoming drivers, and tint that is too reflective is illegal in Georgia.
For Passenger Vehicle
- Front Side Window: Surface may not be greater than 20% reflective
- Back Side Window: Surface may not be greater than 20% reflective
For MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle)
- Front Side Window: Surface may not be greater than 20% reflective
- Back Side Window: Surface may not be greater than 20% reflective
How Do You Get A Medical Exemption For Window Tint In Georgia?
Medical waivers are allowed for window tints in GA. An optometrist or physician licensed for practice in Georgia must sign off that you need extra shielding from the sun due to a medical issue.
There is a $10 fee for the application. With this medical exemption 23% VLT is required with 3% variance permitted. If adequate, protective eyewear devices can be used in place of tints, an exemption will not be granted.
Conclusion
I hope that this article about window tints in the state of Georgia has been helpful to you. Rules and regulations surrounding tints can be confusing, but hopefully I was able to clear up some concerns and questions for you.
Tints are great tools to keep you and your passengers comfortable and safe, but should be taken seriously and applied at a professional dealer to ensure you are following the law and keeping others on the road safe.
