Alabama Tint Laws : 2024 Updated [32% Of Light In]

Alabama tint laws were enacted in 1996 and regulate the amount of visible light that can pass through a vehicle’s windows.

These laws are in place to protect drivers and ensure that they can see clearly while on the road.

Violating Alabama tint laws can result in fines, legal trouble, and increased insurance rates.

In this article, we’ll explore Alabama tint laws, what’s legal and what’s not, and how to get your car tinted legally in Yellowhammer State.

Regulations Regarding Window Tint in Alabama

Alabama tint laws regulate the amount of visible light that can pass through a vehicle’s windows.

The state has specific regulations for each window of a vehicle, including the windshield, front side windows, back side windows, and rear windows.

Window	Legal Tint Limit
Windshield	Tint allowed on the strip at the top above the AS-1 line
Front Side Windows	32% VLT required, unless exempt
Back Side Windows	32% VLT required, unless exempt
Rear Window	No minimum VLT, but tint can’t be more reflective than standard window
Reflective Tint	Prohibited on the front windshield and front side windows
Medical Exemptions	Allowed with a prescription or medical authorization from a licensed physician
Color Restrictions	None
Side Mirrors	Required if back side windows are tinted
Exceptions	`Vehicles with factory-installed tint, historic vehicles (at least 25 years old), and law enforcement vehicles are exempt`
Penalties	Fines and legal action, including possible court appearances, community service, driver’s license suspension, and jail time for multiple offenses

Windshield

Alabama law prohibits the use of tint on the windshield, except for a strip at the top of the windshield that doesn’t extend below the AS-1 line.

The AS-1 line is a marking on the windshield that denotes the maximum allowable tint.

Front Side Windows

For front-side windows, Alabama law allows a minimum of 32% of visible light transmission (VLT).

This means that at least 32% of the outside light must be visible through the window.

However, some vehicles are exempt from this requirement, such as trucks with a gross weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds and buses designed to carry 15 or more passengers.

Back Side Windows

Back-side windows are subject to the same 32% VLT requirement as front-side windows, but there are exceptions for certain types of vehicles.

Passenger cars, SUVs, and vans are subject to the 32% VLT requirement, but trucks with a gross weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds and buses designed to carry 15 or more passengers are exempt.

Rear Window

Alabama law doesn’t specify a minimum VLT for the rear window, but it does prohibit the use of tint that’s more reflective than a standard window.

Reflective tint can interfere with a driver’s visibility and create a hazard on the road.

Additional Regulations

Aside from the VLT requirements, Alabama law has additional regulations that car owners should be aware of:

Reflection

The use of tint with a reflective quality is prohibited on the front windshield and front side windows.

This type of tint can create glare and impair a driver’s vision, particularly at night.

Medical Exemptions

Alabama Tint Laws allow drivers with a medical condition that requires protection from sunlight to use tint that’s darker than the legal limit.

However, drivers must have a prescription or medical authorization from a licensed physician that indicates the required level of tint.

Color Restrictions

Alabama law doesn’t impose any restrictions on the color of tint that can be used on car windows.

However, certain colors may make it more difficult for law enforcement officers to see into the vehicle, which could lead to suspicion of illegal activity.

Side Mirrors

If a car’s back side windows are tinted, Alabama Tint Laws require that the vehicle have side mirrors that provide a view of at least 200 feet behind the car.

Exceptions to Legal Limits

There are certain exceptions to Alabama’s legal limits on window tint. These include:

Vehicles with factory-installed tint: If a vehicle comes with tinted windows from the manufacturer, it’s exempt from Alabama tint laws.
Historic vehicles: If a vehicle is at least 25 years old, it’s exempt from Alabama tint laws.
Law enforcement vehicles: Vehicles used by law enforcement agencies are exempt from Alabama’s tint laws.

Penalties for Breaking the Law

If a driver violates Alabama tint laws, they could face fines and legal action.

The penalties for breaking the law increase with each subsequent offense.

Fines

The fine for a first offense of illegal tint in Alabama is $25. For a second offense, the fine is $50, and for a third offense, the fine is $100.

First Conviction

In addition to the fine, a first conviction of illegal tint in Alabama may result in a court appearance and having to remove the illegal tint.

Second Conviction

A second conviction of illegal tint in Alabama carries a steeper penalty.

In addition to the fine, the driver may be required to perform community service, attend a defensive driving course, or have their driver’s license suspended.

Third Conviction

A third conviction of illegal tint in Alabama is considered a misdemeanor offense.

The driver may face a fine, community service, and up to 90 days in jail.

Other Penalties

In addition to the fines and legal penalties, drivers who violate Alabama tint laws may also face increased insurance rates and difficulty passing vehicle inspections.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

If a driver is pulled over and found to be in violation of Alabama tint laws, they may be required to remove the illegal tint before they’re allowed to continue driving.

Drivers who refuse to comply with an officer’s instructions may face further legal action.

Benefits of Legal Tint

While illegal tint may look sleek, legal tint can also provide many benefits to car owners.

Legal tints can help protect a car’s interior from sun damage, reduce glare and heat, and improve privacy without obstructing the driver’s vision.

Legal tint can also help drivers stay within the law and avoid costly fines and legal trouble.

How to Get Your Car Tinted Legally in Alabama

To get your car tinted legally in Alabama, you’ll need to find a reputable installer who knows the state’s tint laws.

Look for an installer who’s familiar with Alabama’s VLT requirements and can help you choose a tint that meets the legal limit for your vehicle.

Before getting your car tinted, make sure to check with your insurance company to see if there are any restrictions on tint.

Some insurance companies may require that the tint meets certain specifications or that the installer is licensed and insured.

Once you’ve chosen an installer, make sure they provide you with a receipt that includes the tint’s VLT rating and any other pertinent information.

Keep this receipt in your car in case you’re pulled over and asked to provide proof of your tint’s legality.

FAQs’

Can you get pulled over for window tint in Alabama?

Yes, you can get pulled over for having window tint that does not comply with Alabama’s regulations.

Law enforcement officers are authorized to check the tint levels during a traffic stop, and if the tint is found to be too dark, a ticket can be issued.

How much does a window tint ticket cost in Alabama?

The cost of a window tint ticket in Alabama can vary depending on the severity of the violation and the jurisdiction.

Typically, a first-time offense can cost around $50 to $100, while subsequent offenses can result in higher fines and even a court appearance.

Is 20 tint legal in Alabama?

No, 20% tint is not legal in Alabama for side and rear windows. The darkest legal tint for these windows is 32% VLT.

Tint that is darker than this can result in a ticket and fines.

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