Alabama Code Title 32, Chapter 5C: Window Tint and Medical Exemptions We`ve worked hard to stick to this chart so you get the exact headlight tint laws for each state in one place. However, some information may change over time. If you notice an error, please let us know. Feel free to send us an email or use the box below. We hope you find this information useful. Q: Can you legally tint your windshield in Alabama? Answer: Only the top 6 inches of a windshield can be tinted in Alabama and must remain transparent, which means that a window film strip is allowed, but you cannot legally attach a 6-inch opaque vinyl strip. Alabama`s car window tint laws are quite flexible when it comes to window tint colors and are relatively permissive when it comes to reflectivity, or the amount of window tint that makes windows look like mirrors that emit light. Alabama`s current tint law allows all colors of window tint, and this applies to front and rear side windows, rear windshields, and duct tape on a vehicle`s windshield. However, windshields should not have any type of tint under this six-inch window film strip, and this includes the colored tint of the glass, even if it does not reduce the percentage of VLT. As for reflection, which can reduce glare from sunlight during the day and oncoming headlights at night, making driving safer, according to Alabama`s window film rules, windows should reflect no more than 20%. (Reflective window film can also lower interior temperatures, which means less use of air conditioning and a more comfortable driving experience, and it can pay for its own installation costs by reducing fuel consumption through this temperature reduction.) Note that clogged windows can be illegal in Alabama, and if a window tint is blown, cracked, blurred, or otherwise damaged in such a way that it reduces the clarity of visibility through a window, it can fall outside the regulations. Because many colored window tints are substandard and can be affected over time, it may be best to avoid colored shades to make sure your vehicle doesn`t violate Alabama`s auto tint laws.
Unlike many states, Alabama`s vehicle laws do not impose any requirements or limits on side mirrors regarding window tint. Each window tint of a vehicle with replacement window film applied must have a sticker that clearly shows that the tint complies with the laws of the State of Alabama. These glues or labels should be placed between the glass and the tint layer and when installed by professionals, they are subtle and do not easily change the appearance of the vehicle, but they can be discovered and easily read by someone looking for them. Before applying the tint, be sure to talk to your window tint installer and confirm that they are using a legal window tint under Alabama law and will apply all correct labels and stickers if necessary. The majority of U.S. states have a legal TRV requirement of 30% and above. States with consistent sunny and dry weather, such as Florida, have even lower VRT requirements of 28%. Many car mod enthusiasts would love to be in these states, as such laws offer the freedom of car headlight mods. However, states with colder and wetter climates have stricter requirements.
For example, in Alaska, the TRV of lighthouses must be 70% and above. This law often affects owners of newer vehicles equipped with the automatic dimming feature, as they cannot use this feature and must turn it off to avoid a ticket. Division 32, Motor Vehicles and Transportation, Chapter 5C: Medical Exemptions (32-5C-4): You may apply for an exemption from this Chapter for certain medical conditions. The certificate must be issued by your doctor. The exemption may be granted subject to conditions and restrictions imposed by the Department of Public Safety. Compliance Sticker (32-5C-6): All new colours and vehicles with existing tints that comply with the standards must have a visible sticker/label. These stickers/labels must be affixed by a dye dealer. No person may affix to the windshield or windows elements that contravene section 32-5C-2.
Most Alabama police officers let non-criminal offenders go with a warning after an initial window tint offense is recorded, but penalties for illegal window tinting can get pretty harsh in repeated incidents. A first conviction for an illegal glass tinting offence can result in a $100 fine, 10 days in jail, or both, although this is rarely enforced. A second offence can result in a $200 fine and a full month (30 days) imprisonment. Subsequent violations of window tint by third parties and windows can result in a fine of $300 and imprisonment for up to three months. Given the permissiveness of Alabama state laws governing window tinting, there`s never really a good reason to get an illegal window tint in Alabama. If you recently moved to the state on a vehicle that was previously governed by the laws of another state, or if you bought a car that you are concerned doesn`t comply with Alabama`s tinting laws, take the vehicle to a certified window tint store and have it inspected. If they find that your car`s window tint doesn`t meet state tint regulations, any reputable window tint installer can also easily remove the window film from the car without damaging the car, and bringing your car, truck, or SUV into compliance with state tint regulations is much cheaper than risking one fine after another. Not to mention the possible prison sentence.