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Automotive Hot News

Regulations For Window Tinting On Vehicles in hot Miami

Posted by AR1 staff

Planning a trip to Miami soon? Getting yourself familiar with the window tinting law in Miami is important if you’re driving down with a tinted vehicle.

Miami tint laws are important. If you are going for OPF FL luxury car rentals that operate within Miami, chances are the tint will most likely be in accordance with Miami tint laws. Since the tint laws are strict, and you may be driving your vehicle, you need to understand them to avoid any hassle while on vacation. Let’s examine some of them.

Why Is Vehicle Window Tinting A Thing In Miami

In the sunshine state, summer comes with high sun intensity. For visitors and people staying in Miami, the need to have oneself from the burning sun is important. To do this, many fix tint on their vehicle to reduce the impact of the sun rays when in their vehicle. However, the tint is regulated by law to fall within certain specifications. Besides, this also protects your car interior from the damaging effects of sun rays.

This regulation is measured using visible light transmission (VLT). This is used to measure the amount of light that passes through a tint. For example a window film with 0% VLT means it is completely dark without any light passing through it. This type of tint is not allowed in Miami. Let’s examine some of the tint specifications for vehicles in Miami.

Front Windshield Rules

The front windshield is the first we’ll consider. If you have a car or rented one in Miami, your windshield shouldn’t be tinted completely. You can only tint the top portion above the manufacturer’s

AS-1 line. This part is about ⅓ of your front windshield or 5 inches from the top of the screen. Even if this part of the front windshield is tinted, it can’t be more than 28% visible light transmission (VLT). This is the stipulated level of tint for the front windshield for drivers in Miami. This means that the tint will block out 72% of light rays. While tinting is allowed for the upper part of the front windshield, it must not be reflective.

Front Side Window Tinting

For the front side windows, the entire glass can be tinted; however there is a caveat. The legal tint in Miami for front-side windows is 28% visible light transmission (VLT). This means the tint will not be extremely dark. In fact, it will be a lot lighter than the one allowed for the upper part of the front windshield. If you’re picking up a car rental at FXE Airport, chances are they’ve already got the legal limit installed.

Back Window Tinting

Unlike the front windows, the back windows can be darker with 15% VLT. The number varies for different vehicles. Sedans are 15% while SUVs are 6%. This means sedans can block 85% of sunlight and SUVs can block 94%. So if you see a rental car with extremely dark rear windows don’t be bothered.

Rear Windshield

The rear windshield is another thing to consider. The rear windshield can also be very dark, but the two side mirrors must be fixed. Since a dark rear windshield might make it difficult to see the rear clearly, the mirrors are a good substitute; hence they must be present when the rear windshields. The rear windshield can have up to 15% VLT.

Reflective Window Tinting Laws

Apart from illegal dark tints there are other violations that you may be charged for when driving in Miami. Once such is the use of reflective or colored tints. Reflective tints are also regulated for different parts of a vehicle. The front windows can have a reflective tint of up to 25% VLT. As for the rear windshield it can have a reflective tint of 35%. As for the front windshield, no reflective tint is allowed.

Cars with rear windshield tints are required to have dual-side mirrors at all times. Since the reflective tint reduces visibility, the car must have side mirrors to cover for the blind spot.

Tints with bubbles or purple themed types are also to be avoided. If you are driving into Miami with your personal vehicle, ensure your tint is without bubbles or purple colours. You may be slammed with a non-moving violation if you are caught.

Some Medical Exemptions

Medical exemptions are available for drivers with medical conditions that relate to light. If you drive a vehicle with tint specifications that are different from the acceptable standard in Miami, you need proper medical documents to prove this. You simply can’t make this claim without proof. To do this, you will need a medical report from a certified doctor that explains your condition and why you should use darker tints.

Pro Tips

To ensure you don’t violate Miami tint laws at any point in time, here are some tips on things to check when you are driving in Miami.

  • If you are driving with a tint that is designed for people with medical conditions, you may want to always carry your permit with you. This will save you from troubles if stopped for violation.
  • Heat is one of the leading causes of tint discoloration or developing bubbles. So, make sure to get a ceramic tint to avoid this problem.

As you drive around Miami either in your private vehicle or rental car, keep these tint laws in mind. If you’re driving interstate, it’s important to verify the VLT levels of your car tint before you drive into Miami to avoid trouble. If you have medical exemptions, see a doctor for a detailed report and permit to show law enforcement agents. If you follow the Miami vehicle tint law and get every necessary document, you’ll enjoy a smooth ride around town in the summer with no fear or hassle.