There are no questions about the benefits of window tints.
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 New Jersey, you have come to the right place. This article will discuss the New Jersey window tint law and everything around it in detail.
If you live in New Jersey, this article is for you.
These New Jersey window tint laws were recently updated in 2023. They were enacted not very long ago, in the year 2003.
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 New Jersey?
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 New Jersey, 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 New Jersey according to the New Jersey Laws – Title 13, Chapter 20, Subchapter 1 – Types of sun screening materials and products:
Passenger Cars
For Front Side Windows: New Jersey is one of the few states in the US that completely prohibit the use of window tint on the front side windows of passenger cars. This means that you cannot apply any tint whatsoever.
For Rear Side Windows: On the other hand, there is no restriction on the VLT% of rear side windows for the passenger cars. You can use as dark tint as you want.
Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
For Front Side Windows: Similarly, you cannot apply any window tint on the front side of windows of commercial and multi-purpose vehicles.
For Rear Side Windows: Again, there is no restriction on the VLT% of rear side windows for commercial cars. You can use as dark tint as you want.
Can You Use Tint on Windshields in New Jersey?
Let’s see what New Jersey tint law says about the use of window tint on windshields.
For Passenger Cars
Front Windshield: The state of New Jersey doesn’t allow the application of any tint on the front shield. You cannot even apply it on the top 4-6 inches of your front windshield.
Rear Windshield: Again, on the positive side, you are allowed to apply a tint of any darkness level over the back windshield of your passenger car in New Jersey.
For Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
Front Windshield: The state of New Jersey prohibits the application of any tint on the front shield of commercial and multi-purpose vehicles.
Rear Windshield: On the other hand, you can apply a tint of any darkness level to the back windshield of your commercial and multi-purpose vehicles in New Jersey.
What are the Reflectivity Restrictions in New Jersey?
Reflectivity is slightly different from visible light transmission percentage.
Where VLT% decides the amount of visible light passing through the glass film, reflectivity is a measure of light dispersed or reflected by a tint film.
A lower reflectivity reflects less light off the window glass. Similarly, high reflectivity reflects more light.
Let’s see if there are any reflectivity restrictions in New Jersey.
Passenger Cars
For Front Side Window: According to the New Jersey tint law, the front windows should not have any mirrored or metallic appearance at all.
For Rear Side Windows: According to the New Jersey tint law, the rear windows should not have any mirrored or metallic appearance at all.
Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
For Front Side Window: According to the New Jersey tint law, the front windows should not have any mirrored or metallic appearance at all for commercial and multi-purpose vehicles.
For Rear Side Windows: According to the New Jersey tint law, the rear windows should not have any mirrored or metallic appearance at all for commercial and multi-purpose vehicles.
Can You Use a Colored Window Tint in New Jersey?
Yes, you can use colored tints on your windows in New Jersey. The tint laws of New Jersey do not explicitly ban any specific color.
But since they don’t allow you to put any tint on the front windows and windshield, you don’t have to choose a color. You are only at the liberty of choosing the color and VLT% of window tint for the rear side windows and the rear windshield.
Is Anyone Exempt From the New Jersey Tint Laws?
Yes, people with medical conditions are exempt from New Jersey window tint laws. They can contact the New Jersey Department of Public Safety in order to get an exemption letter. You will need to renew this permission every 48 months.
You can apply for tint law exemption by filling out this Application for window tint medical exemption. It is compulsory to carry this letter with you at all times in case law enforcement pulls you over for darker window tints.
Are there any Penalties for Not Complying With the Window Tinting Laws of New Jersey?
Yes, you may have to face incremental penalties for not complying with the window tinting laws of New Jersey. The fine depends upon the level of tint darkness you were using, but the penalties are quite steep in comparison to other states.
They can fine you up to $1,000 for the first conviction. Subsequent offenses within a year will result in a fine of up to $5,000. Additionally, you would need to remove the illegal tints as well.
Source: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, TintingHub
