Car Tinting: Illinois Tint Laws in 2021

Mar 19, 2021

Window tinting laws can change monthly which is why it is essential to know the 2021 Illinois tint laws. Click here to learn more.

In the year 2019, the automotive window tinting industry had a value of just under $10 billion and is expected to continue growing.


It's a very popular market but it comes with risks as a consumer. Each state has its own set of rules and regulations for automotive window tint. As an Illinois driver, you need to know the Illinois tint laws and adhere to them.


Unfortunately, tint laws change more often than other types of laws so staying up to date on them will keep money in your bank account and points off of your driving record.


Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about Illinois tint laws in the year 2021.

Illinois Tint Laws

A big piece of knowledge that you can arm yourself with when it comes to your car windows is how the level or amount of tint is measured.


Law enforcement measures window tint by visible light transmission or VLT. VLT determines how much light is able to pass through your window tinting and is the factor that ultimately decides if your car windows are breaking the law.


The higher the visible light transmission is, the more light is able to pass through. The lower the LVT, the darker your car windows will be.


In the state of Illinois, the tint percentage allowed differs based on the window and the type of vehicle.

Passenger Vehicles and Multi-Purpose Vehicles

Illinois tint laws break vehicles into two separate sections.


Passenger vehicles are sedans, coupes, station wagons, convertibles, hardtops, and hatchbacks. These vehicles fall under that passenger vehicle designation because they're used for a single person or a family.


Multi-purpose vehicles are SUVs, trucks, vans, RVs, and minibusses. They are classified as heavy-duty vehicles that transport either large amounts of cargo or large amounts of passengers.


Since these two vehicle designations provide such different services, they're governed by different sets of rules and regulations.

Windshields

The laws on windshields regulate the amount of your windshield that is allowed to be tinted in the state of Illinois. 


For passenger and multi-purpose vehicles in the state of Illinois, it is illegal to have more than the top 6 inches of your windshield tinted. 


Interestingly, for passenger vehicles, you are only allowed to have 35 percent of your rear windshield tinted. For multi-purpose vehicles, there are no regulations about how much of the rear windshield can be tinted.


While window tint on your windshield is a great way to block annoying and unwanted light while reducing heat, too much of your windshield being tinted can make seeing out difficult. This makes driving a dangerous task for you and those around you.

Front Window Tint Percentage

The laws in the state of Illinois say that if you own a passenger vehicle you cannot darken your windows to more than 35 percent window tint


Meanwhile, multi-purpose vehicles cannot have a tint that is darker than 50 percent. Any percentage below 50 percent will result in tint penalties from law enforcement.

Rear Window Tint Percentage

Rear windows in the state of Illinois are the same as the front windows. You're allowed a VLT of 35 percent. Anything over that is breaking the law.


For multi-purpose vehicles, you're able to darken your windows as much as you want. If that means a 5 percent tint, you're legally allowed to do that.

Reflectiveness

In the state of Illinois, you are not allowed to have reflective tint on any of your windows. Any window tint that you put on your vehicle, whether it's a passenger vehicle or a multi-purpose vehicle, must not be reflective.


This is important to know because some types of tint have reflective pieces of metallic material in them that may result in you receiving a fine from law enforcement.

Other Related Regulations

There are other regulations that you need to abide by when it comes to Illinois tint laws. For example, if the back windows are tinted on your vehicle then you are required to have dual side mirrors.


Tint can take away from what you're able to see so having side mirrors will ensure that you're able to check your blind spots without issue. 


Additionally, Illinois does not place restrictions on the colors of tint that you are allowed to use. You still have a wide variety of customization that you can choose for your vehicle.

Illinois Tint Penalties

Window tint is popular for a variety of reasons. It reduces heat and protects you and your interior from ultraviolet rays. It also makes your windows shatterproof and increases your privacy and safety.


While those benefits are great, too much tint is a bad thing. Having tint that is too dark creates safety issues for you, your passengers, and other people on the road.


It can also make law enforcement's job more difficult. Identifying passengers and drivers after an accident is nearly impossible if the window tint is too dark to see through.


Law enforcement officers in Illinois have a piece of equipment that determines how much light is able to pass through your window tint. If it is more than what is legally allowed it's possible that you'll receive a citation.


Window tint fines are nothing to scoff at. If you receive a citation for your tint percentage you will be looking at a petty offense on your record as well as a fine. 


For a first-time offense, you can expect a fine of anywhere from $50 up to $500. For multiple offenses, the fine is from $100 to $500.


The best way to avoid window tint penalties in the state of Illinois is by being aware of the law. If you choose to get an aftermarket window tint, be sure that your windows are within the legal parameters.

Get the Perfect Window Tint

Window tinting improves the appearance of your car while also protecting you from UV rays and keeping your interior cool. It also provides safety, privacy, and prevents your windows from shattering.


It is important when getting your windows tinted to make sure that you're following the Illinois tint laws.


Xtreme Auto Glass & Window Tint have experience and expertise to ensure that you get the perfect tint for your vehicle while staying within the law. Reach out for a quote and get your perfect window tint today.

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