Should You Get a 50 Percent Windshield Tint on Your Car?

Benefits of Tinted Windows

Most accidents occur at sunrise and sunset when the sun's rays are directly in the eyes of motorists. 

Tinted windows can make a big difference in your visibility when the sun is glaring. Also, window tinting helps reduce the glare of oncoming headlights when it's dark out.

Tinted windows also protect you and your passengers from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Even if your commute is under half an hour a day, your arms, face, and possibly legs are being exposed to harmful rays. 

UV rays are the leading cause of skin cancer. If you aren't in the habit of wearing sunscreen each time you get in the car, your skin is even more vulnerable to the sun's powerful rays. 

Also, you can get a clear windshield tint if you don't like the look of a darker view. This gives you all the benefits of tinted windows without changing your car's look or your visibility. 



Last, of all, tinted windows protect both the driver and passengers from broken glass in case of an accident. The film acts as a glue to keep shards together in the window frame and away from your face and body. 

Grades of Tinted Windows

Window tinting is a process that blocks light and UV rays from passing through the window. There are various grades of tinting that you can have. 

Window tint is measured in terms of how much visible light gets through. This is measured in a percentage called visible light transmission or VLT.

The lower the VLT number, the darker the tinted windows are. In other words, a 90% VLT means that 90% of light is getting through the window. A 50 percent windshield tint allows half of the sun's rays to penetrate. 



Each state has laws regarding how dark a car's window tints can be. The level of tint depends also on which windows are tinted. Front and rear windows have different legal limits. 

Rules About Car Windows

When it comes to tinting your car's windows, you need to think about each set of windows separately.

You have the front side windows which are the two windows at the front of the car next to the driver and passenger seats. These windows tend to require a higher VLT so that both the driver and passenger are clearly visible from the outside.

There is also the rear side windows where back seat passengers sit. Sometimes the VLT differs depending on if you have a passenger car or a multi-purpose vehicle.

You also have a windshield and your rear window. Windshields can't have tint in any state. Yet, you may be able to add a sticker where the manufacturer's sun shield is.

Your rear window may be tinted. Typically, the VLT for this window is the same as the rear windows (but not always).



Always contact your local DMV for the latest rules about car tint before you go through with it. 

Color and Finish 

Another consideration when choosing window tint is the color and finish. Some states have laws about the colors permitted. There may also be restrictions on the use of reflective or mirrored tints. 



Be sure to carefully research these specifications before you purchase any tinting. 

Is 50 Percent Windshield Tint Legal? 

Even if you bring your car into a car tint company, you need to be aware of the legal requirements for tinted windows.

You could be required to remove the tinted films and pay a fine if your windows do not comply with the law.

The original windows on the car come with some tint from the manufacturer. Keep that in mind when adding extra film. 

50% VLT blocks out half the sun's rays. This may not sound like enough but in fact, this is a very dark tint. This is really noticeable both from the inside and outside of the car. 

Keep in mind that while your window tint may be legal in your state, it may not be OK in others. If you drive to other states, you can be ticketed for having windows that are too dark. 

Is it possible that you may move to another state in the future? You may want to keep this in mind when choosing how dark to tint your windows.



Montana is the state that allows the darkest rear window tint in the country. You can go as dark as 14% VLT on both rear and rear side windows.

Enjoy Your Tinted Windows 

Thanks for reading. We hope this article has given you useful information so you can make the right decision about your car's tint.

Whether you choose a 50 percent windshield tint or a different VLT percentage, you will be making your driving experience safer and more comfortable.



At Tint To U, we offer commercial, residential, and automotive tinting services. Get a free estimate today.