Since 2009, Illinois tint laws have regulated the darkness of tint allowed on passenger and multi-purpose vehicles. Understanding regulations governing legal tint in Illinois is crucial to avoid fines and ensure safe driving conditions.
In rare cases, illegal window tint contributes to car accidents. Drivers with illegally tinted windows in Illinois have limited visibility, making it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, or even traffic signals, especially at night or in poor weather. When a driver breaks the Illinois tint law and is involved in a collision, this can serve as evidence of negligence and can increase liability.
If you need a lawyer to determine whether illegal tint contributed to a crash in Cook County, a Chicago personal injury attorney at Curcio & Casciato can help. Call 312-321-1111 for a free consultation.
Illinois Tint Law Basics
Illinois tint laws specify the allowed visible light transmission (VLT) percentages for each window of passenger vehicles vs multi-purpose vehicles like SUVs and vans. Essentially, the lower the VLT%, the darker the tint. Police use special equipment to measure VLT and determine if a driver has legal tint in Illinois.
The following are key aspects of the Illinois tint law:
- Sedans: 35% VLT on front, side, and rear windows
- SUVs and vans: 50% VLT on the front sides, any level on the rear sides, and the back windshield
- Windshields: may only have tint on the top 6 inches
Additionally, Illinois tint laws do not allow reflective or mirror tint. Vehicles that have tinted rear windows must have dual side mirrors.
Illinois Window Tint Law – Passenger vs Multi-Purpose Vehicles
Vehicles are divided into two categories under window tint laws in Illinois: passenger vehicles and multipurpose vehicles.
Examples of passenger vehicles include:
- sedans
- coups
- wagons
- convertibles
- hardtops
- hatchbacks
These are classified as passenger vehicles because they are designed to transport one person or a family.
Examples of multi-purpose vehicles include:
- trucks
- vans
- SUVs
- RVs
- minibuses
Multi-purpose vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and can either carry a lot of cargo or several people at once. The two categories of vehicles have their own specific laws and rules due to the distinct nature of their functions.
The legal tint limit for regular passenger vehicles is:
- Front side windows: minimum 35% VLT
- Backside windows: minimum 35% VLT
- Rear windshield: minimum 35% VLT
For multi-purpose vehicles like SUVs and vans, the window tint limit is:
- Front side windows: minimum 50% VLT
- Backside windows: any VLT % allowed
- Rear windshield: any VLT % allowed
What is the Darkest Legal Tint in Illinois?
Is 35 or 20 Tint Darker?
From 5% to 90%, car windows can have widely different tint darkness depending on the state you live in and the type of vehicle you drive. The percentage you see refers to the amount of visible light transmission (VLT) that can pass through the window tint. Therefore, a lower percentage means a darker tint, as less VLT passes through it.
Many people choose to have their car windows tinted to block out sunlight and UV rays. They also do it for privacy reasons. Regardless, Illinois window tint laws state that for the average passenger vehicle, your window tint may not exceed 35%.
Is 5 Percent Tint Legal in Illinois?
No, a 5 percent tint is not legal on most passenger vehicles in Illinois. A 5% tint, also known as limo tint, typically violates Illinois tint laws on most standard vehicles.
Is 15 Percent Tint Legal in Illinois?
No, 15% tint is not legal on any window of a passenger vehicle. It is only allowed on rear windows of multipurpose vehicles.
Is 20 Tint Legal in Illinois?
No, a 20% tint is not legal on front-side windows in Illinois. Under the Illinois tint law:
- Front side windows must allow at least 35% of visible light transmission (VLT)
- Backside windows and rear windshield can be 20% tint or darker only on SUVs, vans, and trucks (multi-purpose vehicles)
- For sedans, 20% tint on rear windows is not allowed unless all side and rear windows meet the 35% VLT requirement
While a 20% tint is legal in Illinois for the rear windows of multipurpose vehicles, it is illegal on the front windows of any vehicle and not permitted at all on sedans under the Illinois window tint law.
Penalties for Breaking Tint Laws in Illinois
For numerous reasons, window tinting is a popular choice. It cools you down and shields you and your property from UV radiation. It also protects your privacy and security by making your glass shatterproof. While such advantages are appealing, too much tint can be detrimental. Too-dark tint compromises the safety of you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road.
It may also complicate the task of law enforcement. If the window tint is too dark to see through, recognizing drivers and passengers after an accident becomes extremely difficult. The amount of light that can travel through your window tint is measured by law enforcement authorities in Illinois using specialized equipment. It’s conceivable that you’ll be issued a citation if you exceed the legal limit.
Window tint penalties are not to be taken lightly. You’ll have a minor offense on your record, as well as a fee, if you receive a ticket for exceeding the tint percentage limit. You might face a fine ranging from $50 to $500 for a first-time infraction. The fine ranges from $100 to $500 for numerous violations. Being informed of the law is the greatest approach to avoid window tint charges in the state of Illinois. If you choose an aftermarket window tint, ensure that your windows meet all applicable legal requirements.
Beyond fines, illegal tint can also affect liability in car accident claims. If a driver causes an accident and their illegal tint is shown to have limited visibility or delayed response, it may support a claim or reduce their ability to recover compensation under Illinois comparative fault rules.
Legal Tint Limit in Illinois for Back Window, Front Window, and Side Windows
Illinois tint law states that passenger vehicles cannot have car windows with tint darker than 35%. However, multipurpose vehicles may have any level of tint on rear sides and back windows only, while front side windows are limited to 50% tint under Illinois tint laws.
For Illinois passenger vehicles, rear windows are identical to front windows. You’re permitted a 35% VLT. Anything more than that is illegal. You may darken your windows as much as you wish with multi-purpose automobiles. If it entails a 5% tint, you’re free to proceed.
The 35% limit applies to passenger vehicle side windows. For multipurpose vehicles, the front side windows are limited to 50% tint, while the rear side windows can use any tint level.
Can You Tint Your Front Windshield in Illinois?
In Illinois, the degree of tinting on your windshield is regulated by state laws. In Illinois, having more than the upper 6 inches of your windscreen tinted is forbidden for passenger and multi-purpose cars.
Passenger vehicles may apply tint to the entire rear windshield as long as it allows at least 35% VLT.
There are no restrictions on how much of the rear windshield can be darkened in multi-purpose cars. While window tint on your windshield is an excellent method to block bothersome and unwelcome light while also reducing heat, excessive tinting can make it impossible to see out. Driving becomes a perilous undertaking for you and the people around you as a result of this.
Is Mirror Tint Legal in Illinois?
Mirror, or reflective tint, is not permitted on any of your windows in Illinois. Any window tint you apply to your car, whether it’s a passenger car or a utility vehicle, must not reflect. This is crucial to know, as certain tints contain reflecting particles of metallic material, which may result in fines from police officers.
Other Window Tinting Rules and Regulations
When it comes to Illinois window tint laws, there are several additional rules to follow. If your car’s back windows are darkened, for example, you must have twin side mirrors. Because tinting might reduce your visibility, using side mirrors will ensure that you can monitor your blind spots without difficulty. Furthermore, there are no limits on the tint colors that you can employ in Illinois. You still have numerous options when it comes to customizing your vehicle.
Can You Get Pulled Over for Tint in Illinois?
Yes. If your window tint violates Illinois tint laws, you may be pulled over. If the tint appears to be overly dark, reflective, or if you have tinting on your windshield, a police officer will stop you. It might be difficult to accurately quantify VLT. A police officer may simply pull you over to inspect your windows and ask you a few questions about the darkness of the tint. It’s usually a good idea to save the receipt for the window tinting material you buy so you can keep track of its VLT rating.
Illinois Tint Exemption
It’s important to note that there are some medical exemptions to the Illinois window tint law. In the past, individuals with qualifying exemptions were required to provide only a doctor’s note. Today, however, you must apply for a tinted window license plate from the Illinois Secretary of State.
Individuals with medical conditions, such as albinism or lupus, are eligible to obtain these special plates. You can either get one of these plates for yourself or for someone else in your household who suffers from a qualifying condition.
Chicago Window Tint Car Accident Lawyer
If you’re unsure about how to identify legal tinting on your car, or if someone’s tint darkness caused an accident in which you suffered injuries, you might need an attorney. At Curcio & Casciato, our Chicago car accident lawyers have extensive experience in car accident cases of all kinds. We possess the necessary knowledge of Illinois state law and the experience in litigation required to advocate on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation about your personal injury case, window tint darkness, or even medical exemptions, we’re here for you. Call us today at 312-321-1111 or complete our online intake form.