**Interviewer:** Let’s talk about window tinting regulations in California. Can you explain how tint depth is regulated, particularly for backseat windows?
**Brian Pennings:** Sure! In California, there aren’t any restrictions on the tint depth for backseat windows. However, it’s crucial to understand that the laws regarding window tinting, especially for the front windows, are quite strict. The law requires that the window next to the driver must have at least 70% transparency. This means that you can have up to 30% tint. As for the windshield, it can be tinted only at the top border, and that strip cannot exceed 4 inches in width and must be non-reflective.
**Interviewer:** That’s interesting. What about the rear windows? Are there any limitations on tint for those?
**Brian Pennings:** No, there are no limitations for the rear windows or the rear side windows. However, it’s important to keep in mind that many new vehicles already come with nearly 30% tint straight from the factory. If additional tint is added, it may exceed the legal limits and lead to potential fines.
**Interviewer:** What happens if someone is caught with illegal tinting?
**Brian Pennings:** If you’re found in violation of California’s window tinting law, you might receive a correction ticket. However, for repeat offenders, it could escalate to being classified as a misdemeanor for non-compliance with the law.
**Interviewer:** Are there specific colors of tint that are illegal?
**Brian Pennings:** Absolutely. While you can tint your back windows, you can’t apply tint to the rearview mirror, and using colors like red, blue, or amber is illegal in California. In some cases, individuals with medical documentation can use temporary sun shades, but they need to be easily removable and must be taken down at night. For instance, a skin cancer patient could legally apply a UV-filtering film on the front windshield, but that film still has to maintain at least 88% transparency.
**Interviewer:** What if someone is driving a car registered in another state?
**Brian Pennings:** If a vehicle is registered in another state and brought to California for a vacation, it’s allowed to follow the tinting laws of that respective state.
**Interviewer:** Aside from colored tints, what other options do drivers have to protect themselves from UV rays?
**Brian Pennings:** There are various transparent films available on the market that can block UV and infrared heat. For example, LLumar AIR can block 99% of UV rays while reducing heat from the sun. There’s also the 80% VLT Nano Ceramic Window Tint, which maintains high visibility yet blocks 99% of both UV and infrared heat, helping to lower the interior temperature of the vehicle.
