Pennsylvania Window Tint Laws
Pennsylvania requires 70% VLT on the windshield, front side windows and all windows of 1998 and newer cars; SUVs, vans and pickups have no limit behind the driver, with side mirrors.
Pennsylvania Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Pennsylvania Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Pennsylvania vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | 70% | 70% |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 70% | 70% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 70% | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 70% | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Pennsylvania
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
Pennsylvania Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Required on both sides if any tint material is used (except the top windshield strip only).
Prohibited Tint Colors
§4524 and 67 Pa. Code §175.67 have no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
Only on the rear window of cars older than 1998: a permanent label with the manufacturer and 'Complies with VESC-20'.
Medical Tint Exemptions
PennDOT certificate for the owner or a household member who regularly rides in the vehicle, with certification from a physician or optometrist. Granted ONLY for COLORLESS material. It must be kept in the vehicle; it expires when the car is sold, and the seller must remove the film.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Pennsylvania? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Pennsylvania, front side windows must allow at least 70% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 70%, and the rear window requires 70%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in Pennsylvania? +
Under Pennsylvania law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: 70% (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Pennsylvania? +
While law enforcement in Pennsylvania enforces the state vehicle code (75 Pa.C.S. §4524(e); regulation 67 Pa. Code §§175.67, 175.261–175.265 and Table X), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in Pennsylvania? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Pennsylvania because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 70% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in Pennsylvania, and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. Pennsylvania statutes recognize a ±3% (Table X). to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Pennsylvania allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Pennsylvania permits medical tint waivers for individuals with certified photosensitivity or UV-reactive conditions (such as lupus or porphyria). An official affidavit signed by a licensed physician must be approved and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Pennsylvania? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Pennsylvania, but the vehicle must be capable of passing an optical light meter test during routine traffic stops or state inspections.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Pennsylvania? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
Top-Rated Window Tint Shops in Pennsylvania
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