Choosing the Perfect Window Tint for Your Car: A How-To Guide

Understanding Visible Light Transmission

Before we dig too deep into the details of window tint percentages, it’s important to understand one key property of a tint: visible light transmission, or VLT.

The VLT of a window tint is listed as a percentage. Some buyers get confused about the number, mistakenly thinking that the percentage explains how dark the tint will be. However, VLT in fact identifies how much light can pass through the film.

Here’s a quick example: if you see that a manufacturer has listed a VLT of 35% on a film, you can expect to have very little light pass through your windows. At this level of VLT, the film will block out 65% of all sunlight.



In other words, the lower the VLT, the less light can pass into your vehicle, and the darker the tint.

Types of Window Tint Percentages

Next, let’s talk about the most common range of window tint percentages you’ll find available.



While you might hope to find a very specific VLT for your vehicle, it’s worth remembering that most major window tint manufacturers stick to a standard range: 50%, 35%, 20%, and 5%. This includes industry giants like LLumar auto film, which offers one of the highest quality tints on the market. You can expect to get your hands on this standard range with ease, though you might be able to find other options available as well if you do your research.

Auto Window Tinting Laws in Illinois

Now that you understand how VLT works and the tint percentages available, you’ll want to consider one critical factor: the law.

Throughout the US and Canada, each state and province has specific laws regarding window tint percentages. In most states, local law enforcement mandates that your car windows—especially the front windows—can’t be so dark that an officer won’t be able to see into them. If you ignore the regulations, you might get pulled over, get a ticket, or even be forced to pay fines.

In the state of Illinois, we have strict state laws regarding tinting. The details will vary according to the type of vehicle you own as well as which windows you want to tint.

Note that, as in most states, there are medical exceptions to these rules. If you have a health condition that makes you more photosensitive, you can apply for permission to install a darker window tint than the state would usually allow.

One additional factor to keep in mind? The regional laws in any areas where you plan to drive your vehicle.

If you plan to take a cross-country road trip, or if your work takes you to neighboring states, for example, you’ll need to consider the laws in those areas as well. It’s often a safe bet to opt for a lighter tint that meets the legal restrictions of all states you plan to travel to.



If you’re unsure about the details, make sure to work with your window tint installer to ensure that your tint will meet the restrictions of anywhere you plan to drive.

Choosing the Best Window Tint for a Car

With all of the considerations above in mind, it’s time to think about your personal preferences in terms of your window tint. Provided that your chosen VLT on all windows meets the requirements under Illinois law, you’ll have some extra room to decide how dark you want to go. Here are a few questions you may want to ask yourself as you weigh the decision.

Are You Worried About Your Health?

One of the most practical reasons to get a window tint is to protect your health and the health of your passengers. Quality window tint can block out up to 99% of all UV rays, providing excellent protection for both your skin and your eyesight. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends dark tints for all drivers, and anyone who spends a lot of time behind the wheel should definitely consider the darkest legal tint.



If you have a medical condition that makes you more sensitive to sunlight—even if you are unable to apply for a darker-than-legal tint, it’s a good idea to opt for as dark a tint as possible.

Are You Looking for a Specific Aesthetic?

Many drivers opt for a window tint simply because they want to enhance their vehicle’s aesthetic. A darker tint can create a sleek, classic appearance, though you’ll have to decide where you fall on the spectrum from a lighter tint to the luxury appearance of dark limousine windows.

Do You Need to Protect Your Vehicle’s Interior?

Whether you want to protect vintage leather or brand-new upholstery, window tinting can help. Even a lighter tint can make a big difference in the amount of sunlight your interior receives.

Are You Concerned About Your Privacy?

Reach Out to Our Team to Find the Perfect Tint

Choosing the right window tint for a car can feel like a challenge if you’ve never tinted your windows before. That’s especially true if you’re trying to navigate the detailed legal restrictions for our state!

If you’re not sure which tint to choose, our team of professionals is here to help. Here at Tint To U, we have a long history of providing high-quality tint installations and expert advice to Illinois drivers, and we’re happy to work with you to find the right tint. Give us a call today, or reach out for a free estimate. We have two convenient locations in Plainfield and Orland Park, IL to better serve our customers.