Dec 04, 2025

What Are the Percentages of Window Tint and How Can You Tell What Percent You Have?

Window tint is popular for enhancing a vehicle’s style, increasing privacy, and providing UV protection. Still, it’s essential to understand window tint percentages and how they impact visibility, comfort, and legal compliance. Whether you recently bought a car with tinted windows or are considering an upgrade, it’s helpful to know how to identify your tint percentage and why it matters for appearance and adherence to window tinting laws.

This guide will explain what window tint percentages refer to, how to determine the shade on your vehicle’s windows, and why consulting a professional is often the safest and most accurate approach.

What Do Window Tint Percentages Refer To?

Window tint percentages refer to the amount of visible light transmission, or VLT, that can pass through your windows after applying tint film. For example, a tint film with a VLT of 20% allows only 20% of visible light to pass through, giving a much darker tint than a 70% film. The lower the window tint percentage, the darker the appearance.

Classic limo tint usually has a VLT of 5%, providing almost complete blackout. By contrast, higher percentages bring in more light, which is often required for front-side windows or the front windshield under local laws.

Why Are Window Tint Percentages Important?

The tint percentage you choose influences much more than looks; it directly affects your driving experience, safety, and whether your car is street-legal. However, using a tint darker than the legal requirements can result in fines or failed inspections.

Below are several reasons why tint percentage is vital:

Legal Tint Percentages

Every state and local government sets its own tinting laws, dictating legal tint percentages for specific windows (front, rear, side windows, and sometimes the front windshield or shade band). Car tint laws often require that front side windows and front windshields allow more light in than the back or rear passenger windows. Multi-purpose vehicles may even use a different window tint shade or rear side windows.

Visibility and Safety

Choosing an ideal tint percentage gives adequate visibility at night and ensures safe driving. Tinting too dark, especially on front windows or the front windshield, can limit your view and violate legal requirements. A good balance is needed for glare reduction, UV protection, and visibility.

Comfort and Privacy

Dark tint, especially on rear windows, helps keep interior surfaces cooler by reducing the amount of visible light and solar energy that enters the vehicle. This not only provides more comfort for passengers but also lessens the workload on your air conditioner.

Reflection and Appearance

Some window film products have a nonreflective tint, while others have a certain tint color or reflectivity. Pay attention to local regulations restricting highly reflective tints—beyond the VLT percentage, tint reflection may also be regulated.

Common Window Tint Percentages and Their Effects

Window tint percentages determine how much light passes through your vehicle’s windows, impacting both the look and function of your tint. With various window tint percentages available, it’s essential to understand how each level can affect your privacy, comfort, and legal compliance.

Below are some of the most popular tint percentages and the typical results you can expect on your car or truck.

5% (Limo Tint): This is the darkest shade commonly available. It allows very little light in and is often used on rear windows for maximum privacy—almost complete blackout. However, it is not legal for most front windows.
20% - 35%: This provides noticeable privacy and blocks a significant portion of UV rays and sunlight, keeping interior surfaces cooler and reducing glare. These levels are typically used for rear side windows and rear passenger windows, but they may not be allowed on the front side windows.
50% - 70%: Lighter tints are used where more light is required by law, such as on the front windshield (shade band only), front windows, or when drivers want a subtle look with moderate UV protection.
Factory Tint: Many vehicles come with a light, factory tint on rear windows that offers little heat or UV protection. They're also used to increase privacy and nothing more. Adding aftermarket film can make them darker than expected, so always check the total VLT.

Legal Tint Percentages and Car Window Tint Laws

One of the most crucial considerations is how your tint level aligns with local window tinting laws. Legal tint percentages state-by-state (and sometimes city by city) will specify the minimum percentage of visible light allowed through front side windows, rear windows, rear side windows, and the front windshield (often limited to a shade band across the top).

Some laws also distinguish between passenger cars and multi-purpose vehicles. It’s important to note that local laws can also mention restrictions on tint reflection, tint color, or the darkest legal tint allowed for specific windows. Because regulations can change and may involve complex exceptions, always check with authorities or another appropriate professional for up-to-date legal requirements. This article does not provide legal advice or law firm counsel.

How Can I Tell What Percent My Tint Is?

You can estimate your tint percentage (VLT) by checking factory specs on the window/door jamb, using a handheld tint meter, comparing against shade swatches, or referencing state legal charts. However, stacked factory privacy glass can skew results, and consumer tools aren’t always accurate.

Because VLT is measured per window and laws vary by location, the most reliable route is a professional read with calibrated equipment. Visit a pro like Turbo Tint for a quick, precise VLT check, clarity on your local regulations, and guidance on film options.

Let Turbo Tint Accurately Determine Your Window Tint Percentage

If you're unsure about your current tint or considering an upgrade, Turbo Tint is here to help. Our team takes the guesswork out of tint selection by offering expert advice, professional tint meter readings, and a wide range of high-performance films to match your goals. We’ll make sure your tint looks great, performs even better, and complies with local laws.

Give us a call or stop by one of our facilities today for a fast, friendly consultation. Let’s get your ride or property looking and feeling its best.