There is no denying the importance 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 Ohio, you have come to the right place. This article will discuss the Ohio window tint law and everything around it in detail.
If you live in Ohio, this article is for you.
These Ohio window tint laws were recently updated in 2023. These laws were enacted not very long ago, in the year 2004.
What are Window Tint Laws? Why These Laws Exist?
People commonly refer to the stipulations in law that underline the restrictions on various specifications of window tints 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 Ohio?
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 Ohio, 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 Ohio according to the Ohio Revised Code Section 4513.241: Using tinted glass and other vision-obscuring materials:
Passenger Cars
For Front Side Windows: The Ohio window tint law defines that a minimum of 50% 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 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: The same rule has been applied to commercial and multi-purpose vehicles. According to Ohio law, a minimum of 50% visible light should be passing through the tint film on the front side windows.
For Rear Side Windows: Similarly, there is no restriction on the VLT% of rear side windows for commercial and multi-purpose vehicles cars. You can use as dark tint as you want.
Can You Use Tint on Windshields in Ohio?
Let’s see what the Ohio tint law says about the use of window tint on windshields.
For Passenger Cars
Front Windshield: You can only use window tint on the top 5 inches of your front windshield for passenger cars in Ohio.
Rear Windshield: You are allowed to apply a tint of any darkness level over the back windshield of your passenger car in Ohio.
For Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
Front Windshield: You can only use window tint on the top 5 inches of your front windshield for commercial and multi-purpose vehicles in Ohio.
Rear Windshield: You are allowed to apply a tint of any darkness level over the back windshield of your commercial and multi-purpose vehicles in Ohio.
What are the Reflectivity Restrictions in Ohio?
Reflectivity is slightly different from visible light transmission percentage.
While VLT% determines the amount of visible light that passes through the glass film, reflectivity measures the light a tint film disperses or reflects.
Lower reflectivity reflects less light from the window glass, while high reflectivity reflects more light.
Let’s see if there are any reflectivity restrictions in Ohio.
Passenger Cars
For Front Side Window: The Ohio window tint laws state that you cannot use reflectorized materials on the front side windows of passenger cars.
For Rear Side Windows: The Ohio window tint laws state that you cannot use reflectorized materials on the rear side windows of passenger cars.
Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
For Front Side Window: The Ohio window tint laws state that you cannot use reflectorized materials on the front side windows of commercial and multi-purpose cars.
For Rear Side Windows: The Ohio window tint laws state that you cannot use reflectorized materials on the rear side windows of commercial and multi-purpose cars.
Can You Use a Colored Window Tint in Ohio?
Yes, you are allowed to use a colored window tint in Ohio. No colors of window tint have been explicitly banned by the State of Ohio. But tinting of headlights, taillights, and license plates is completely illegal in Ohio. Plus, you would need to apply a legal tinting sticker on each window.
Is Anyone Exempt From the Ohio Tint Laws?
Ohio is the only state in the US that doesn’t exempt anyone from window tinting laws for medical reasons. You can apply for an exemption due to medical reasons in almost all other states. However, that is not how things work in Ohio.
Many petitions and lawsuits are pending on the issue of medical exemption. As soon as authorities reach some conclusion, we will update our readers. For now, only law enforcement vehicles are exempt from following the Ohio window tint law.
Are there any Penalties for Not Complying With the Window Tinting Laws of Ohio?
Yes, you may have to face penalties for not complying with the window tint laws of Ohio. If you violate the window tint laws, it’s a misdemeanor, and you’ll face a $120 fine. In the state of Ohio, violating window tint laws is a civil offense, not a criminal one.
Source: Ohio BMV, Window Tinting Hub
