Arkansas tint laws were enacted in 1993 in order to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians by regulating the amount of tint allowed on car windows.
These laws dictate the amount of visible light transmission (VLT) that is permitted on various windows of a car.
VLT refers to the amount of light that can pass through the tint and into the car.
The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint.
Regulations Regarding Window Tint in Arkansas
Arkansas tint laws vary depending on the type of window being tinted. The following sections outline the specific regulations for each type of window.
| Type of Window | VLT Percentage | Tint Color | Side Mirrors Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windshield | 75% | Red, Yellow, or Amber | No |
| Front Side Windows | 25% of light in | Red, Yellow, or Amber | No |
| Back Side Windows | 25% of light in | Red, Yellow, or Amber | Yes |
| Rear Window | Any Degree | Red, Yellow, or Amber | Yes |
Windshield
According to Arkansas tint laws, the windshield must allow at least 25% of outside light to pass through.
This means that the tint cannot be darker than 75% VLT.
However, a non-reflective tint may be applied to the top 5 inches of the windshield or the AS-1 line, whichever is longer.
Front Side Windows
The front side windows, or the windows to the left and right of the driver, must allow at least 25% of outside light to pass through.
This means that the tint cannot be darker than 75% VLT.
Back Side Windows
The back side windows, or the windows behind the driver, may be tinted to any degree, as long as the car has side mirrors that provide a view behind the vehicle.
Rear Window
The rear window may also be tinted to any degree, as long as the car has side mirrors that provide a view behind the vehicle.
Additional Regulations
In addition to the regulations above, Arkansas tint laws also dictate the following regulations:
Reflection
The tint on all windows must not be more reflective than a standard window.
This means that the tint cannot be so reflective that it impairs the driver’s vision.
Medical Exemptions
Drivers with a medical condition that requires them to be shielded from the sun’s rays may be exempt from the Arkansas tint laws.
However, they must obtain a medical exemption certificate from the Arkansas State Police and have it in their possession while driving.
Color Restrictions
The tint on all windows must be red, yellow, or amber in color. This means that blue, green, and other colors are not allowed.
Side Mirrors
As previously mentioned, the car must have side mirrors that provide a view behind the vehicle if the back side windows or rear windows are tinted.
Exceptions to Legal Limits
There are a few exceptions to the legal limits on tint in Arkansas.
For example, limousines and other luxury vehicles may have darker tints than what is normally allowed.
Additionally, law enforcement vehicles may have a tint that is darker than what is allowed for civilian vehicles.
Penalties for Breaking the Law
Breaking the Arkansas tint laws can result in fines and other penalties.
The following sections outline the penalties for breaking the law.
Fines
The fine for breaking the Arkansas tint laws is $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense, and $1,000 for a third offense.
First Conviction
If a driver is convicted of breaking the Arkansas tint laws for the first time, they may be given a warning and given the opportunity to fix the tint on their car.
Second Conviction
If a driver is convicted of breaking the Arkansas tint laws for the second time, they may be required to pay a fine and have the tint on their car removed.
Third Conviction
If a driver is convicted of breaking the Arkansas tint laws for the third time, they may be required to pay a fine, have the tint on their car removed, and have their car impounded.
Other Penalties
In addition to the penalties above, a driver who breaks the Arkansas tint laws may also be required to appear in court, have points added to their driver’s license, and have their car registration suspended.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If a driver is pulled over and found to be in non-compliance with the Arkansas tint laws, they may be required to have the tint removed from their car.
If the tint is not removed, the driver may face additional penalties, such as having their car impounded or their license suspended.
Benefits of Legal Tint
While it may be tempting to tint your car windows darker than what is allowed by the Arkansas tint laws, it’s important to remember that legal tint has its benefits.
Legal tint can help reduce the amount of heat that enters your car, which can help keep you and your passengers cool and comfortable on hot days.
It can also help protect the interior of your car from fading and sun damage.
How to Get Your Car Tinted Legally in Arkansas
If you’re interested in tinting your car windows, it’s important to make sure that you do it legally.
To get your car tinted legally in Arkansas, you should first research local window tinting businesses and make sure that they comply with Arkansas tint laws.
You should also make sure that they use high-quality tint that meets Arkansas regulations.
When you take your car in to be tinted, make sure that the tint is within the legal limits set by Arkansas tint laws.
You should also make sure that the tinting business is aware of any medical exemptions that you may have, and that they have the appropriate documentation on file.
In conclusion, Arkansas tint laws are in place to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians by regulating the amount of tint allowed on car windows.
By understanding these laws and complying with them, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.
If you’re interested in getting your car windows tinted, make sure that you do it legally by working with a reputable window tinting business that complies with Arkansas tint laws.
FAQs
What is the penalty for tint in Arkansas?
Penalties for breaking Arkansas tint laws include fines up to $1,000 and tint removal.
Is 15% tint all-around legal?
No, 15% tint all around is not legal in Arkansas.
What grade of tint is legal in Arkansas?
Windshield and front side windows must have 25% VLT; back side and rear windows may have any degree of tint.
Can you get pulled over for tint in Arkansas?
Yes, you can get pulled over for illegal tint in Arkansas.
Is 20% tint legal in Arkansas?
No, 20% tint is not legal on the windshield or front side windows in Arkansas.
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