Connecticut Tint Laws

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.
Please note: The accuracy, completeness, adequacy or currency of the content is not warranted or guaranteed. We are not lawyers or a law firm and we do not provide legal advice. We recommend you consult a lawyer or other appropriate professional if you want legal advice.
CLICK ON INDICATORS TO VIEW TINT LAWS FOR SPECIFIC WINDOWS
suvs, trucks, & vans

Front Windows
All Vehicles
35% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Passenger Windows
Includes rear window and rear passenger
Any shade of tint can be used for trucks, SUVs, and vans ONLY
Rear Window
Includes rear window and rear passenger windows
Any shade of tint can be used for trucks, SUVs, and vans ONLY
Windshield Visor
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Any shade of tint can be used from the AS1 Line up. This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.
sedans & coupes

Front Windows
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Includes Trucks, SUVs, Vans, Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
35% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Passenger Windows
for Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
35% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Window
for Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
Any shade can be used for the rear window
Windshield Visor
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Any shade of tint can be used from the AS1 Line up. This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.


% of Tint or Visible light transmission (VLT) is the measurement used to assess the amount of light passing through a piece of glass. This is the percent of visible light that passes through the film and glass to give you a net transmission percentage. The lower the VLT%, the darker the window.
Law Enforcement uses a tint meter which measures the Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of window film and glass for illegal tint.
Windshield: Several states allow medical exemptions for drivers or passengers who frequently travel in the vehicle. These exemptions usually require a licensed physician in that state to sign a waiver. Please visit your states .gov site for details.
AS-1 Line: This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.
General Statutes of Connecticut, Title 13b, Chapter 246, Section 14-99g
Quick Reference on Tinted Windows
Click above to download the Nationwide Medical Exemptions Window Tinting Directory.
If you’re driving a truck or SUV built in the last decade, chances are it’s equipped with factory tinted glass on all windows behind the front doors.
Many owners of vehicles like this often choose to only have the front windows tinted to match the back because they believe that they are already set with the rear windows.
UV Protection
While this factory tint improves the looks of the vehicle, and offers rear passengers some privacy, it does very little to help reduce the heat entering through the glass or protect them from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Heat Rejection
The same also goes for heat rejection. Some assume that the level of heat rejection they will on the front glass is already present in the rear glass because of the factory tint. Nothing can be further from the truth. Other than having the tinted look, these windows do very little to stop the heat.
To find out what options you have to protecting your passengers and vehicles interior, click here.