Tint Law Overview for Louisiana
The tint laws in Louisiana are among the most stringent in the country. The tint percentage on the visible light transmittance (VLT%) allowed on the front windshields is 40% and on the other windows are slightly darker at 35%. The tinting can be any color, but the reflectivity for the front windshield is limited to a maximum of 20% while there is no limit on the rear window.
The rear window tint VLT% can be as dark as 15% for trucks, vans, and SUVs. The tint percentage for the two side windows on the front seat of cars, vans, and SUVs is also 35%. For passenger buses, a maximum of 25% tint can be used on the windshield and a maximum of 20% on the side windows.
In some states, the law permits the use of tint with reflectivity amounts that amount to a mirror effect. Louisiana, however, is among the few states that do not allow the windshield, front windows, or the side windows to be reflective .
There are also certain exemptions for tint in Louisiana that apply to individuals suffering from several medical conditions. Drivers with lupus, vitiligo, albinism, and melanoma may have tint as dark as 12 per cent VLT but must keep their medical exemption form with their car registration for evidence. The laws in Louisiana regarding tint only apply to passenger vehicles; they do not impact motorcycles, mopeds, or trailers.
While tint laws are meant to help ensure the safety of law enforcement officers during traffic stops, some argue that the laws are too stringent and that a more relaxed policy is required to safely meet their daily needs, especially with regard to sun exposure and the effects of the heat. Others argue that darker tinting reduces not only comfort when driving but safety as well, by making it harder to see the road at night, and particularly in low light conditions. As a result, there is no movement currently in Louisiana to legalise darker tint limits.
Legal Tint Darkness Percentages
Legal tint percentages refer to the levels of visible light transmission that are allowed under the law. In Louisiana, these percentages differ for passenger cars and SUVs/vans/trucks, as there are exemptions for these larger vehicles.
In Louisiana, the tint percentages for a passenger car are as follows:
Front windshield: A non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the front windshield. You may also get a tinted sun visor.
Front side windows: Must allow at least 40% of light through.
Back side windows: Must allow at least 12% of light through.
Back window: Must allow at least 12% of light through.
Windshield: The back windshield may not reflect more than 20% of light.
For SUVs, vans, and trucks:
Windshield: The windshield can have a shade that allows at least 40% of light through.
Front side windows: The front side windows may have a tint that allows at least 27% of light through.
Back side windows: The back side windows cannot be tinted if you have a darker tint on the back windows.
Back window: On an SUV, van, or truck, you may have a tinted light strip or tint that prevents more than 12% of light from passing through. On cars, the back window can be tinted at any level.
The rules regarding tint vary from state to state — here, we’re outlining Louisiana’s window tint law for cars (trucks, SUVs, vans, etc.), but not motorcycles. Motorcycles do not need a sticker to identify as having window tint. If you’re remapping your window tint, double check your state’s laws.
Tint Medical Exemptions
In Louisiana, one must meet certain criteria to be granted a medical exemption. The use of window tinting for medical reasons are a rare exemption to the tinting laws. A person who is seeking an exemption from the window tinting laws due to a medical exception must have a letter from their licensed physician and fill out the application for a Medical Exemption. The application for an exemption requires the test subject to state which of the following they require a medical exemption for; cataracts; glaucoma or other ocular diseases; skin conditions requiring sun protection; lupus; heart conditions that increase photosensitivity; and auto-immune diseases with photosensitivity. There are no guarantees that the exemption will be granted. Once the exemption is received, the tint law for the portions of the vehicle that the exemption covers is excluded. With that being said, the exemption only applies to the front or side windows of the vehicle. It specifically excludes the windshield and rear window of the vehicle. The exemption is also exclusive to the car the individual is applying for. If you drive multiple cars you will need to apply for an exemption for each vehicle.
Penalties for Non-Compliance with Tint Laws
While tinting your car windows can add an attractive aesthetic, it also comes at a steep cost if you’re not in compliance with Louisiana law. If you go to a reliable window tint business, they should always ensure that the tint is within compliance. However, if you move to a state that has stricter tint laws than Louisiana, don’t tint until you check. Otherwise you could face fines and penalties for non-compliance.
For example, if the tint is over 20% all the way around, according to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections’ website, Louisiana State Police may issue a citation with fines up to $150 per window. Failure to get a citation signed may result in a bench warrant, a $160 . 50 penalty, bench warrant release fee of $100, plus court fees from the arresting jurisdiction. In serious cases, you may even be required to appear in front of a judge.
Each moving violation in Louisiana comes with a fine of $5. You could be charged with violating the tint laws each and every time you drive your vehicle. This can get very costly very quickly.
If you are involved in an accident and your tint is the cause of the crash, you could be found liable for damages. Having improper car tint can also subject you to extra layers of insurance liability especially if your tint impair’s your vision at night or in bad weather.
Benefits of Complying with Tint Laws
Staying within the legal limits offers several benefits, whether you live in Louisiana or plan on visiting. Following the tint rules can keep you on the right side of the law after a traffic stop, and they can also boost your safety, reduce fading of your upholstery, and keep your car from looking suspicious. You can also keep your tint looking fresh longer with standard care; for instance, never use ammonia-based cleaners, which can cause damage.
Fines for violating tint laws can run up to $500 the first time around and can double for each subsequent offense. However, you may pay more than that if you’re ticketed for an infraction. The fines may not be all you have to worry about following a tint stop. You also risk having to pay court costs, and you’ll want to avoid a court appearance if possible. Courts in Louisiana are backed up, which means that your case may take up your time even if it’s dismissed. It may seem easy to add a little more tint to your windows, but if the officers find your illegal tint, you’re likely to pay more in fines and fees than you would have spent to do things right in the first place.
There are also plenty of reasons to keep your privacy windows. Car thieves often target vehicles with heavy tint; they assume that valuables are hidden inside and that they won’t be caught as easily. When you follow the law, you can potentially extend the life of your vehicle, and you can help others on the road stay safe in the meantime.
Choosing the Right Tint Shop
When you’re tinting your car windows, the job is only as good as the people who do it. By the time it’s done, the window tint should look good and preserve as much visibility as possible. For this to happen, you need to choose one of the best tint shops in Louisiana: Recommitted Mobile Window Tinting and other certified tint clinics.
Recommitted is a fully certified tint clinic and comes highly recommended by many of their customers. They carry all of the best tinting films for your windows and have 20 years of experience. Their methods guarantee a professional-grade tint that protects your privacy and preserves your car’s interior.
Any good tint shop will have certified window film technicians who know how to install all of the major tint brands. They should also be nontouch and have no-fault guarantees.
A reputable tint shop or tint technician will have certification from the International Window Film Association (IWFA). This indicates that they have had formal training and understand all of the technical and legal considerations surrounding tint film installation. An IWFA certification is a must whenever you want to get aftermarket tinting for your automobile.
Certified tint shops in Louisiana will offer warranty protection on their work. They will guarantee against any peeling , bubbling, adhesive failure or rolling at the edges of the tint film. Reputable shops will also guarantee that the tint won’t have any abrasions or discoloration.
If you are looking for a tint shop in Louisiana, look for one that has good reviews on Yelp and Google. Customers should rave about how professional the tint is and how courteous the shop’s staff is. Customers should report that work was completed quickly and at an affordable price.
Another consideration is whether the tint shop has a physical location. Some shops are mobile, while others are storefronts.
Finally, the type of film that is applied to your vehicle should be appropriate for your needs. If the tint isn’t dark enough, it will provide almost no protection against the elements.
The best tint shops in Louisiana will offer a wide variety of tint options: