Rhode Island Tint Laws
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Rhode Island Tint Laws
In the state of Rhode Island car window tint laws have in place since then year 2000. Thus they are on the older side for state tint laws, as many states have tint regulations dating back to the 1990s, while most were passed or updated later into the 21st century. Overall, save for some recent updates to Rhode Island tint rules, however, most window tint products in use today, such as nano-ceramic based window film, are still covered by the original Rhode Island tint laws.
Still, the state’s window tint laws are subject to updated and changing at any time, so it’s a good idea for you to stay current with your following tint laws for cars in Rhode Island, as window tint violations in the state add up to hundreds of dollars in costs.
The key thing to check for is your tint darkness, which is tracked in terms of visible light transmission, or VLT for short.
The higher the VLT number, the more transparent the window; the lower the number, the darker and more private the tint. So a window tint rated at 70% VLT adds a bit of tint and privacy, while a 5% tint adds total blackout privacy, for example.
Police and inspectors can check VLT darkness on the scene during a stop with handheld devices, so it’s hard to avoid window tint tickets if you have illegal tint, there’s really no safe way to press your luck with extra dark tint.
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
laws for suvs, trucks, & vans
Front Windows
All Vehicles
70% 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.
laws for sedans & coupes
Front Windows
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Includes Trucks, SUVs, Vans, Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
70% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Passenger Windows
for Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
70% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Window
for Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
70% Tint (VLT%)
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.
Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 31-23.3: Non-Transparent Windshields and 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.