Window tints are necessary to avoid the harmful effects of sun radiation.
But there is a lot of complication around laws and regulations of window tints. Some states allow it, while others prohibit its use.
If you’re wondering about window tint laws in Arizona, you have come to the right place. This article will discuss the Arizona window tint law and everything around it in detail.
If you live in Arizona, this article is for you.
These Arizona window tint laws, recently updated in 2023, were actually enacted in the year 1994.
What are Window Tint Laws? Why These Laws Exist?
Stipulations in law that underline the restrictions on various specifications of window tints are commonly referred to as window tint laws.
These laws determine if you can use window tints in a specific state or not. If yes, then what will be the allowable visible light transmission (VLT) percentage and reflectivity? The law also covers the penalties for violation and parties exempt from following it.
These laws exist for security and safety reasons. With increasing crime rates and car-jacking incidents, it is important for law enforcement personnel to be able to see the driver.
A dark tint enables criminals to get away without any identification. This is why, to ensure the safety of all citizens, window tint laws have been implemented in all states.
Additionally, a dark tint hinders the view of the driver. This is why the traffic administration authority ensures that drivers are able to see through glass properly.
What are the VLT% Restrictions in the State of Arizona?
Visible Light Transmission or VLT percentage is the percentage of the visible light that passes through the glass window.
A lower VLT% means a darker tint since it allows a lesser percentage of visible light to pass through it. Similarly, a higher VLT% means a lighter tint since it allows a higher percentage of visible light to pass through it.
Almost all states, including Arizona, have imposed restrictions on the VLT% of tints. VLT% restrictions can be divided into two main categories: passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
Let’s discuss both these categories in Arizona according to the Arizona Revised Statutes section 28-959.01: materials on windows or windshield:
Passenger Cars
For Front Side Windows: The Arizona window tint law defines that a minimum of 33% visible light should be passing through the tint film on the front side windows.
For Rear Side Windows: There is no restriction on the VLT% of the tint film on the rear side windows. You can choose as dark tint as you want.
Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
For Front Side Windows: According to Arizona law, a minimum of 33% visible light should be passing through the tint film on the front side windows.
For Rear Side Windows: As far as the rear side windows go, there are no VLT% restrictions on commercial and multi-purpose vehicles.
Can You Use Tint on Windshields in Arizona?
Before dwelling on the windshield tint laws of Arizona, it is important to understand the term AS-1. AS-1 stands for the 1st automotive safety standard line.
In tint laws, AS-1 means that you can only apply a tint on the top 4-6 inches of your windshield. Applying any tint below that will be considered illegal.
The angle of incidence for sunlight is such that it falls right on top of the windshield. So, more than 70% of heat and UV rays enter at the top.
Now, let’s see what the Arizona tint law says about the use of window tint on windshields.
For Passenger Cars
Front Windshield: Window tint can only be applied till the AS-1 limit of your front windshield for passenger cars in Arizona. It is typically top 4-6 inches as applied by the manufacturer.
Rear Windshield: Arizona doesn’t impose any restrictions on the VLT% of the rear windshield. Passenger cars can use any tint film on the rear windshields.
For Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
Front Windshield: You can only use window tint till the AS-1 limit of your front windshield for commercial vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles in Arizona.
Rear Windshield: You are allowed to apply a tint all over the back windshield of your commercial and MPV vehicles in Arizona. The tint can be of any darkness.
What are the Reflectivity Restrictions in Arizona?
Reflectivity is slightly different from visible light transmission percentage.
While VLT% determines the amount of visible light passing through the glass film, reflectivity measures the light a tint film disperses or reflects.
A lower reflectivity reflects less light from the window glass. Conversely, high reflectivity reflects more light.
Let’s see if there are any reflectivity restrictions in Arizona.
Passenger Cars
For Front Side Window: According to the Arizona window tint law, the front windows should not reflect more than 35% of the visible light for passenger cars.
For Rear Side Windows: According to the Arizona window tint law, the rear windows should not reflect more than 35% of the visible light for passenger cars.
Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
For Front Side Window: According to the Arizona window tint law, the front windows should not reflect more than 35% of the visible light for commercial and multi-purpose vehicles.
For Rear Side Windows: According to the Arizona window tint law, the rear windows should not reflect more than 35% of the visible light for commercial and multi-purpose vehicles.
Can You Use a Colored Window Tint in Arizona?
Yes, you can use a colored window tint in Arizona. However, the state of Arizona prohibits the use of red and amber-colored window tints. Other colors, such as blue, green, or gray, can be used for window tinting in Arizona.
Is Anyone Exempt From the Arizona Tint Laws?
Yes, people with legitimate medical conditions are exempt from Arizona window tint laws. You can apply with the Arizona Department of Transportation for permission to use a darker tint by filling out this form: Arizona Department of Transportation – Window Tinting Exemption Form.
The Department of Transportation works on the recommendation of a licensed doctor. So, you can apply for relaxation in window laws only if you have a diagnosis of photosensitive allergy.
Are there any Penalties for Not Complying With the Window Tinting Laws of Arizona?
The state of Arizona has relatively relaxed window tint laws. However, you may have to face a small fine of up to $50 for the first offense. If the police find you driving with illegal window tint, they may stop you and check the tint darkness with a refractometer.
In case the window tint is darker than the prescribed limit, police will write you a fix-it ticket, also known as the Equipment Repair Order. The same ticket is issued for a broken taillight. It carries a small fine with instructions to remedy the issue.
In the case of window tint, you must remove the illegal tint and install one with prescribed darkness. However, if you fail to do so within the given time, it will result in a fine of up to $250.
Source: Arizona Department of Transportation, Window Tint Laws
