Louisiana Tint Law Overview
The state of Louisiana has implemented restrictions on the amount of light that can be filtered through window tinting. Light transmittance refers to the percentage of interior light that is allowed to penetrate the window film – the higher the percentage, the lighter the tint. The laws dictate that window tint in Louisiana can contain no more than 40 percent transmittance on the front windshield and no more than 25 percent transmittance on the front and rear windows.
These regulations are put into place for a variety of reasons, but primarily to decrease the risk of negative impacts on motorist and pedestrian safety. Those who drive with darker tinted windows may be unable to fully see people walking in their vicinity, leading to possible accidents. Illegal window tinting can also create a distraction for other drivers – an experience which may even incite road rage among other motorists.
Louisiana requires that window tint on all vehicles be non-reflective and contain no reflective materials, primarily to prevent issues with vision. Reflections of light from reflective window tint can impair the visibility of nearby drivers, increasing the risk of accidents occurring on the road. Dessaine cites another reason as the fact that "people have custom cars that look stylish , and it’s unfortunate if they have to drive without ‘tint.’"
Although some may not care about window tint laws in Louisiana, there are a few reasons drivers should consider making an effort to only drive with window tint that meets the legal requirements. Without abiding by window tint regulations, you not only run the risk of being pulled over and issued a ticket while driving darkly tinted vehicles, but you’re also taking the chance on incurring fines, having to pay for windshield replacement or repairs and even losing your license.
Dessaine explains that if convicted of driving a vehicle with illegal window tint, you may be forced to pay a fine of $100 to $200. However, those who are caught with ten percent front windshield tint can receive the same fine as well as having points deducted from their licenses. Driving with a windshield that is so tinted that a driver cannot see outside and cannot identify pedestrians nearby is considered dangerous driving, which can incur a fine of $300 or less.
While Louisiana window tint laws might not always be closely enforced, it’s important for those who drive with vehicles that are tinted to comply with the regulations. If you do not, you could face negative consequences that could potentially affect your records.
Legal Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
As a general rule, the darker the tint the more heat and UV rays it rejects, the better your driving visibility is at night, but the more dangerous the additional nighttime glare is. However, certain tint darkness levels require manufacturers’ certifications filed with the State Police indicating that various types of tinted film comply with the law.
The legal tint percentage varies by window location and type of vehicle. For sedans, SUVs, vans, and pickups, the law (La. R.S. 32:795.1) states:
Windshield
No tint can be applied to the windshield except a band across the top of the windshield not more than five inches in height measured from the top of the tinted portion. The tint on the non-reflective band shall not exceed seventy percent (70%) of light transmittance.
Front Windows
Front driver’s side window may not have tint, color, or reflective film unless the vehicle is a van or multipurpose passenger vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating no less than six thousand pounds. Such vehicle then can have tint, color, or reflective film not exceeding twenty-five percent (25%) of light transmittance.
Back Windows
All other windows must have tint, color, or reflective film not exceeding twenty percent (20%) of light transmittance.
Mirrors
Mirrors on the vehicle’s right and left sides may not be tinted, colored, or reflectively glared. All other vehicle mirrors may not have a reflective mirror tint, color, or shade.
Motorcycles
All motorcycles are allowed a band across the top of the windshield that does not exceed five inches in height and that has tint, color, or reflective film not exceeding fifty percent (50%) of light transmittance. No tint may be applied to motorcycles’ front side, back side, and rear windows.
Window Tint Exemptions
While Louisiana has very specific laws regarding window tinting, as described above, there are a few special circumstances and exemptions that are useful for tinting compliance professionals to be aware of. The exceptions and special cases consist of: Any person applying window tinting on a vehicle who has a clear vision medical statement from an optometrist or ophthalmologist may apply any tint to the entire windshield or any other window, as long as all other tinting regulations are followed. Additionally, if an optometrist or ophthalmologist certifies and maintains the medical records of the conditions requiring clear vision tint, then the tint will not need to be removed. Tinted or labeled film manufactured on or after May 1, 1998, may be licensed as an exemption, as long as the film meets any and all applicable state and local regulations. The tinted window must have the following labeling to identify it as such: Law enforcement vehicles on which window tint is required for infrared reflective and other purposes, shall only be exempt from window tint requirements on the rear-side windows, rear-window, and quarter windows. In order for the law enforcement use exemption to be valid, the vehicle must be unmarked, and emergency lights must be used only while the vehicle is on duty. Commercial motor vehicles that are used exclusively for transporting merchandise and equipment are exempt from window tint requirements on the windshield. The tint is only exempt on the uppermost four inches of the windshield and the tint must have either a 25 percent light transmittance or a 20 percent light transmittance. For commercial vehicles that are used as a mobile business and are permitted to display company logos and information, the exemption is extended to the full windshield tint. The exemption will not be valid in situations where the logos and information displayed on the vehicle are for advertising and are not part of a business that requires the vehicle to travel to customers.
Non-Compliance Penalties
In the face of strict window tinting regulations, Louisiana enforces Graduated Penalties against violators. The penalties are designed to deter those from making illegal modifications to their vehicles. The first offense of violating any of the Louisiana window tint laws will result in misdemeanor fines, which will be deposited into the Louisiana Transportation Trust Fund. Any subsequent offense for owners of the illegal window tint within the first 12 months, will result in misdemeanor fines and community service, of which proceeds will benefit the Department of Public Safety. Subsequent offenses thereafter for owners of a vehicle illegally tinted will only result in fines with no possibility of community service or additional charges. However, the penalties, fines, and charges increase with the first-time offense for owners of unapproved dark tint and legal visible light transmission. As these are considered more severe than having the window tint that is not approved or allowed by drug-tinted or modified tint of greater than 35%, they will result in misdemeanor fines, suspension of the drivers license for a period of up to 2 years, and/or community service, of which proceeds will benefit the Department of Public Safety.
How to Test the Tint
Measuring your tint is essential to ensuring that your vehicles’ tint complies with Louisiana laws. Louisiana requires that the front windshield windshield tint be no more than 40% VLT (Visual Light Transmission). The front window tint cannot be darker than 40% plus or minus three percent of VLT (37%, 43%). Vehicles manufactured prior to 1999 shall be no more than 20% percent VLT (tint). The side windows in the back of pickup trucks and SUVs may be any VLT. The side windows cannot be darker than 20% plus or minus three percent of VLT (17%, 22%). For SUVs/Minivans, the rear windows can have any tint and the front windows cannot be darker than 35% plus or minus three percent of VLT (32%, 38%).
There are primarily two ways to measure window tint: Autotintmeter or Tint King Win Meter.
Autotintmeter is the tint meter most commonly used by law enforcement. The Autotintmeters are a bit over $800 dollars and are usually purchased by a Sheriff’s office or Police Department. It takes a small, infrared , laser reading of the window tint on the specified window. You must balance the meter properly before measuring the tint. This is the most reliable tint meter and will be the instrument used to determine if your vehicle complies with Louisiana window tint laws.
The Tint King Win Meter is a little more than $100. This represents a more cost effective method to determine compliance with Louisiana laws regarding window tint. It is not an infrared machine. This also measures in percentage.
Tint King Win Meter is very easy to use. It has a hard plastic body with a swiveling black panel on the side that has four silver buttons. Make sure that you switch the device to "Windshield" mode for front windshield readings. Then press the button with the letter M for Memory and then with the button with the letter V to allow the unit to adjust to room temperature. After it calibrates, the screen will show READY in the top left corner. The visual light transmission will flash as it scans the tint on the window. As it scans, it will also beep. The tint meter will stop measuring the tint when the reading has been taken two times. This is indicated by the words DONE flashing. If the window tint passes all test criteria, the display will show PASSED. If the window tint fails any test criteria, the display will show FAILED.
Finding a Reliable Tint Shop
When it comes to choosing a window tinting service in Louisiana, those in need of auto, home, or business tinting should take the time to choose a service that is both convenient and professional. Since the legal limit for tinting in Louisiana is statewide, an expert service provider will know the specific laws and inform clients about the limits for how dark the tint can be. In addition, service providers must know that no film is allowed on windshields. However, cars may have a non-reflective band of tint on the windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, which is typically across the top of the windshield.
Services providers in Louisiana also must be familiar with the tint laws regarding vehicles that are owned by a company and whether or not those vehicles can follow the same tint laws for passenger type vehicles. The tint laws in Louisiana are also somewhat flexible, since a note from a doctor can allow for a lower VLT, or light transmittance. A legitimate company will know what the laws are and inform their clients about all of the details involved. They will also be able to help their clients complete the doctor’s note so that all of the information is properly filled out.
All services offered through a legitimate tinting service should be guaranteed. In addition, the laws regarding tinting can be complicated, but the right service can help to clear up confusion over those laws and provide clients with the information they need to make tinting decisions.
Keeping Up with LA Tint Laws
Staying abreast of the latest on narrow legislation in Louisiana can be trying. Better have a ‘clear’ understanding, so to speak. Each state is different when it comes to window tint, and Louisiana is no exception. Tint laws in the state are subject to change, so it is important to stay informed of any revisions to the state’s window film laws. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety provides updates on the laws regulating all vehicles, including passenger vehicles, trucks, vans, SUVs, recreational vehicles and motorcycles. Be sure to check the department’s website regularly for updates specific to window tinting. The State of Louisiana Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Standards provides all rules and regulations for the state . Any Louisiana inspector will follow the guidelines set forth in the Louisiana Vehicle Inspection Manual. You can find the manual at any Louisiana state inspection station. Though the state keeps regular tabs on updates, it is wise to do your own research. Check the Internet for reliable websites and blogs that deal specifically with window tinting in Louisiana. Again, the Department of Public Safety is the best place to find out about changes or updates to the law. Be prepared to furnish documentation if needed, as well as the phone number of the car dealership where you purchased the vehicle. Louisiana window tint laws are not as stringent as some states, but be sure to stay on top of the most up-to-date information.