Connecticut Tint Laws

Any window film applied to a vehicle after the car has left its place of manufacture is referred to as aftermarket, and this window film is subject to different laws and regulations than manufacturer applied tint. Window tint laws vary by state so it’s important to keep informed of the automotive window tint laws in your current state of residence, especially if you have recently relocated or have recently applied or soon plan on getting aftermarket window tinting for your vehicle.

In Connecticut window tint laws for cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motor homes, and livery vehicles are all specific and varied based on vehicle type, and the state allows for window tint medical exemptions as well. Because the laws governing window film in Connecticut are so specific, it’s best practice to look at them separated by vehicle type. But first it’s also a good idea to understand why window tint for a car is such a good idea.

There is a common misconception that car window tint is primarily about adding privacy to the vehicle and changing its appearance from the outside. While dark window film does indeed add privacy and can make an automobile look better, the added privacy and aesthetics are in fact secondary benefits of this highly functional product. Window tint for cars, even optically clear tint that does not change the appearance at all, can block 99% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet light. This protects the skin of people within the car from sun damage, thus anyone whose job involves lots of driving, be it for the job or as part of the commute, should have window film applied for safety. Blocking UV light also prevents the sun from fading and cracking upholstery and hard surfaces in the car, like the top of the dashboard, helping maintain the value of the vehicle.

Window tint for cars blocks warming infrared light as well, reducing interior temperatures and meaning a vehicle that’s more efficient and more comfortable. Finally, window tint cuts the glare of the sunlight and of oncoming lights, meaning less eye strain and more safety for the driver.

If you spend much time at all in a car in Connecticut, window tint is a must have. And you must be sure to get legal window film or you risk facing serious consequences. Understanding VLT percentages is critical: VLT stands for visible light transmission, and it is the amount of light a window lets pass through. The lower the VLT number, the darker (more tinted, e.g.) a window is, so a window with 95% VLT is almost clear, while a window with 5% VLT appears fully opaque from the outside.

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