Nevada Window Tint Brief
Tinted windows have become more popular in Las Vegas and other areas of the state. More are opting for tinted windows to increase privacy and reduce the sun’s rays while driving. Even with its popularity, only certain types and darkness of tinted windows are legal under Nevada law. In Las Vegas, many are surprised to find out that Nevada car tint laws are quite strict. In Clark County, approval is required to tint windows. For this reason, it is imperative that drivers obtain enough information regarding laws governing car window tinting. For example, some are unaware of the permissible amounts of tinted windows on their vehicle or do not know what procedure to follow in obtaining approval. As a result, these individuals may be unknowingly breaking the law. Once they are stopped and issued a citation for a violation, they are then required to have the tint removed from the windows, which can be an enormous and costly inconvenience. Some individuals attempt to get around obtaining approval by tinting windows without an approval sticker. However, some law enforcement agencies utilize a photo scanner to scan the front windshield. If the tinted windows are illegal, the police officer will stop the individual and issue a citation for violating the law . Due to the potential for receiving a citation and having to pay inconvenient fines, the following information provides a comprehensive overview of the laws governing tinted windows in Las Vegas:
Of the states that have adopted vehicle window tint laws, Nevada has one of the most stringent legal tints on vehicles, which includes the windshield and/or all side windows of the driver and passenger. The legal requirements for tint on these specific windows are as follows: The vehicle must have at least 35 percent of light transmission on the front side windows. The tint applied must allow a minimum of 35 percent of light through the reflective tint on the windows. This is also true for the tinting on the top portion of the front windshield. There must be a transparent strip on the windshield that is not longer than 4 inches long, which must be placed near the rear-view mirror. The vehicle must have at least 25 percent of light transmission on both the side windows of the driver and the passenger. The tint applied must allow a minimum of 25 percent of light through the tinted windows. This is also true for the tinting over the top portion of the windshield. No reflective tint can be used on the front side windows. A vehicle can have a maximum of any tint darkness on the back side windows as well as any sunglasses that comply with Nevada’s window tint laws.
VLT Requirements Of Nevada Car Tint
Nevada, home to the glittering lights of Las Vegas and the spectacular views of Lake Tahoe, has equally stringent regulations on darker car window tints as its neighboring states of California and Arizona. Nevada law requires all vehicles on the road to stay in full compliance with national VLT percentage regulations to remain roadworthy.
The state of Nevada, along with the rest of the United States, employs a metric called Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages to measure how much light can pass through the tint or the clear window film on your car. Nevada utilizes the standard VLT percentage of 70% VLT for passenger cars that are dual-accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as both ANSI/SAE Z26.1 and ANSI/LM 80-08; 35% VLT for dual-accredited light trucks and vans and 23% VLT for dual-accredited MPVs. These are standard measurements across the country.
When you get your windows tinted at a certified shop in Nevada, a receipt for the tint will be issued. This is important in case you are ever pulled over. The receipt proves that your window tint has been done by a certified shop and that the tint passes state regulations.
If your tint is either too dark or un-accredited as outlined above and you are pulled over, officials may subject you to dimness testing. If your car fails these tests, the officer may give you a period of time to get your tint replaced and removed as necessary. Replacing and removing your tint as mandated by law is another reason it is so important to keep the receipt proving your tint meets manufacturer and accreditation requirements.
The Tint Reflection Rules In Nevada
Reflective tint limitations in Nevada cars is restricted to 35% reflectivity on sides and rear glass, with no reflective materials permitted for the windshield and front windows. Our recommendation is that you compare these factory tint percentages to the tint your Nevada installer is selling you. Be aware though that if you have color tint on your windows, there are many factors that will change the actual visible light transmitted percentage to the eye over that of a scanner.
Medical Exemptions For Tint Laws
In addition to the standard exemptions set forth in the law, there exist certain medical exemptions that allow for window tinting that otherwise violates the Nevada tint laws. The law specifies the only condition under which a medical exemption is permitted. Under NAC 484.387.5: If a person has a physical condition requiring a greater degree of transparency in the window tint than is otherwise required, the person may, if so qualified under this section, apply for a permit to tint the windows to a greater degree of solar transmission than otherwise permitted. The law sets forth the qualifications for a permit, however it does not address with any specificity the process by which a potential permittee applies for a permit as well as the documentation necessary for the approval thereof. Accordingly, the best course of conduct would be to contact the DMV prior to beginning any work on a tinted window in order to determine the appropriate course of action.
Penalties For Nevada Illegal Tint
Failing to comply with the car tint laws in Nevada can result in significant penalties. At the stop of this list is a fine you will most definitely not be able to pay with pocket change: the maximum penalty for violating a tint law is $1,000! Carrying an untinted window sticker (false or expired) is also a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 in fines.
On top of that, you will have to remove the illegally tinted windows. A daunting task, to say the least. So, what specific violations could potentially end up costing you a small fortune? Here’s a short (and definitely by no means exhaustive) list:
Excessive VLT: the maximum fine for this offense is $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense , and $1000 for a third or subsequent offense. The fine is also considered a misdemeanor.
Use of black windows: the maximum fine for this offense is $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense, and $1000 for a third or subsequent offense.
Altered window stickers: the maximum fine for this offense is $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense, and $1000 for a third or subsequent offense.
Failure to display a window tint certificate: the maximum fine for this offense is $500 for any offense. The offense is also considered a misdemeanor.
Carrying window tint strips: the maximum fine for this offense is $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense, and $1000 for a third or subsequent offense.
Tips For Legal Window Tint
When selecting window tint to ensure compliance with Nevada laws, it’s essential to balance legality with functionality. To help with this, consider the following tips:
- Know Your State’s Laws: Familiarize yourself with the specific laws in Nevada regarding window tint darkness and reflection. The Nevada statute on window tinting can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a vehicle owner.
- Understand Your Needs: Before choosing a window tint, consider why you’re tinting your vehicle in the first place. Do you want to reduce glare, protect against UV rays, or enhance privacy? Understanding your needs will help you select a tint that meets both your functional requirements and legal guidelines.
- Get Professional Help: If you’re unsure about what window tint you need to meet state requirements, consider hiring a professional. Many car window tinting companies are familiar with local laws and can help you select a product that complies with them.
- Perform Regular Checks: Once you’ve chosen a window tint, it’s a good idea to regularly check its compliance with Nevada’s laws. If you notice that the tint appears to have darkened over time or is reflecting more light than allowed, consider having it replaced.
- Document Everything: Keep records of the tint selection process, installation, and any subsequent inspections. If you’re ever pulled over or questioned about your window tint, having documentation on hand can help prove your compliance with Nevada laws.
Facts On Common Tint Questions
As with many laws, there are questions that car owners naturally have about how Nevada window tint law works. Below are some of the most common questions posed by vehicle owners in Nevada:
1. Is there any tinting allowed on the rear windshield in Nevada?
Yes. The law states that tinting is allowed on the back windshield "if the operator has both outside rear view mirrors."
2. Does Nevada tint law cover side windows?
Yes. There is a 35 percent percentage and a 20- inch maximum for tint on side windows.
3. What do I do if I get pulled over for having tinted windows?
Simply explain to the police officer that you weren’t aware Nevada had laws about tinted windows. However , you should definitely get your windows re-tinted to go above and beyond in following the law.
4. Can you get pulled over for having tinted windows in Nevada?
While you can’t be pulled over just because of your windows, you may be pulled over, and then ticketed, for having too tinted of windows at that point in time.
5. How much is the fine for having tinted windows in Nevada?
Fines for having tinted windows vary. However, fines up to $250 are a possibility, as well as penalties of a $500 fine the second offense and a $1,000 fine the third offense.