Window Tint Laws in Alabama
Window tint is a popular vehicle modification across Alabama, offering benefits like reduced glare and relief from the state’s intense summer heat. However, Alabama regulates how dark your window tint can be, and the rules vary depending on which windows you’re tinting and what type of vehicle you drive.
Violating these laws can result in a traffic citation and fines. In some cases, illegal tint can even become a factor after a car accident if it contributed to reduced visibility. Read on to learn what Alabama law says about window tint and how it could affect you on the road.
Alabama’s Window Tint Regulations
Alabama’s window tint requirements are outlined in the Code of Alabama § 32-5C-215 and other statutes. The law uses a measurement called visible light transmission (VLT), which refers to the percentage of light that must be allowed to pass through the window. A lower VLT percentage means a darker tint.
By default, some of the key requirements to keep in mind are:
- Only the upper six inches of the front windshield may be tinted.
- Side and rear windows of passenger cars have at least 32% VLT with a 3% tolerance.
However, note that for some larger vehicles (like certain SUVs and RVs), a darker tint may be allowed on the windows behind the driver.
Reflectivity and Color Restrictions
Alabama law also addresses the reflectivity of your tint. Front and rear side windows must not be more than 20% reflective for both sedans and larger vehicles. Highly reflective or mirrored tint is generally not allowed.
There are no specific color restrictions under Alabama’s current tint law, meaning most tint colors are technically permitted. However, it’s always a good idea to check with local law enforcement or a licensed tint installer to make sure your specific choice is compliant.
The Mandatory Compliance Sticker
Under § 32-5C-6, it is a legal requirement for any vehicle with aftermarket tint to display a compliance label. To be valid, this sticker must be:
- Visible from the outside: It is usually placed between the film and the glass on the driver’s side window (or sometimes the doorjamb).
- Affixed by a professional: The law requires the tinting dealer to install this label to certify that the VLT and reflectivity meet Alabama standards.
Driving without this sticker is a common reason for being pulled over, even if your tint darkness is technically legal.
Medical Exemptions
Alabama does allow medical exemptions for drivers who need a darker tint for health reasons. If you have a condition that makes you sensitive to light, such as lupus, you can apply for a waiver that permits a darker tint than what the law normally allows. You will need documentation from a licensed physician to qualify.
What Are the Penalties for Illegal Window Tint?
Driving with tint that violates Alabama’s VLT requirements is a misdemeanor. If you’re pulled over, the officer may use a tint meter to measure how much light passes through your windows. If the reading falls below the legal threshold, you can receive a citation.
Fines for illegal tint vary by jurisdiction, but you may also be required to remove or replace the tint to bring your vehicle into compliance. Repeat violations can lead to increased fines over time.
Note that having illegal window tint could also hurt your personal injury claim if you’re involved in an auto accident, as it’s possible that the opposing party could try to argue that this constitutes contributory fault.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Birmingham Car Accident Lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers
Alabama’s window tint laws set clear limits on how dark your tint can be, and violating those limits can carry consequences beyond just a fine. If illegal tint has played a role in a car accident, it could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation for your injuries.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas. We are located in Birmingham, Huntsville & Montgomery.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office
880 Montclair Road, Ste 300,
Birmingham, AL 35213
(205) 973-6417
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Huntsville Office
116 Jefferson St. Suite 207
Huntsville, AL, 35801
(256) 781-9242
Or find us with our GeoCoordinates: 34.73159361945047, -86.58690898412395
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Montgomery Office
7 Clayton St, Suite 200,
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 518-6098
Or find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.373594220209505, -86.3092041262694