What Are the Arizona Tint Laws and Regulations?
June 27, 2024
Planning to tint your windows in Arizona? Well, you are not alone. Anyone aware of Arizona’s famous sweltering heat and intense sunshine would have similar thoughts.
Tinting keeps your car cooler, protects the interior from intense heat, and provides privacy. But before you rush to tint your windows, you should know Arizona’s window tint laws.
In this blog, we will explain Arizona’s tint laws and who is medically exempt from them. If you violate these laws, you can be fined. We will also mention the penalties for violating tint laws in AZ.
Understand Arizona’s Window Tint Law
Arizona passed its tint laws in 1994 and made various changes to them to allow for the use of more recent window tinting technology. The tint laws in AZ specify the permissible amount of tint darkness and reflectiveness.
Let’s learn these terms better.
1. Tint Darkness
Tint darkness refers to the amount of light that can pass through the window after tinting, referred to as VLT%.
2. Visible Light Transmission (VLT)
The Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%) measures the darkness of your car’s window tint. For instance, a window tint with 35% VLT allows that percentage of the outside light to enter.
3. Reflectiveness
Reflectiveness refers to the percentage of light that the window tint is capable of reflecting from its surface. The tint films have metallic objects that can reflect light and reduce heat and glare.
Let us look at the tint reflection and darkness laws and regulations.
Arizona Tint Law: Visible Light Transmission (VLT)
There are a few laws related to VLT; let us look at the reflection-related tint laws in AZ.
Window Type | Permissible Reflection |
Front Windshield | Non-reflective tint is permitted above the manufacturer-specified AS-1 line. |
Front Side Windows | Maximum 35% |
Back Side Windows | Maximum 35% |
Rear Windows | Maximum 35% |
The percentage of legal visible light is the same for all types of cars—SUVs and sedans.
Tint Reflection Laws in Arizona
Let us look at the Tint Reflection Laws in Arizona below:
Window Type | Permissible Darkness |
Front Windshield | Non-reflective tint is permitted above the manufacturer-specified AS-1 line. |
Front Side Windows | Should allow a maximum of 33% light in |
Back Side Windows | No restrictions on the darkness |
Rear Windows | Any amount of darkness |
These regulations are the same for both SUVs and sedans.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tinting in Arizona
Arizona allows people with legitimate medical requirements to apply for darker tinting. Individuals with these medical conditions can apply for exemption from Arizona window tint laws.
- Glaucoma or similar medical issues that cannot tolerate excess heat.
- Individuals with a history of skin cancer or sensitive skin conditions should avoid exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
Requirements of Exemption from Arizona Tint Laws for Medical Reasons
For tint law exemption, you need to submit a “Window Tint Medical Exemption” application certified by a medical provider to the Arizona Department of Transportation for approval.
Once approved, your car is exempt from Arizona window tint laws.
Penalties for Violating Tint Laws in Arizona
Law enforcement officers can apply penalties if you break the tint laws in AZ. They use a tint meter to determine the extent of car tint and how much light passes through your window.
Authorities can fine you if your car window tint violates Arizona window tint laws. It is illegal to tint your car windows above the permissible limit. So, how much is the fine?
Authorities can fine you up to $250 each time you violate Arizona tint laws. However, you can pay a lesser fine than the stipulated $250 using Arizona’s fix-it ticket or “Equipment Repair Order.” You can avail of a reduced fine by proving that you have removed the window tint violation.
Conclusion
Window tinting can be a great addition to your vehicle due to Arizona’s extreme heat. You must have a clear idea about Arizona’s window tint laws to avoid penalties and unnecessary brushes with the law.
But the benefits of car window tints outweigh such inconveniences. Installing the right legal window tint is a smart investment for a place like Arizona.
Nuvision provides professional car window tinting services in the Arizona, South Carolina, and Colorado regions. It offers economical windshield repair and professional car window repair services. Contact Nuvision today to have your car window film tinting services done by highly skilled technicians.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Arizona’s darkest legal car window tint?
The darkest legal tint in Arizona allows over 33% of light to pass through the front-side windows. The back and rear windows have a 35% reflective tint limit to ensure a safe driving experience.
2. What medical conditions qualify for window tint exemption in Arizona?
People with medical conditions such as glaucoma, a history of skin cancer, and sensitive skin conditions are exempt from tint laws in AZ.
3. How much is a tint ticket in AZ?
You can get fined up to $250 for non-compliance with the AZ tint laws.