Window tinting can affect driver visibility, safety, and, in the event of a car accident, financial liability. The Indiana window tint law has specific limits for window darkness and the amount of light that tinted windows must transmit. Violating the law can lead to steep fines.
The limits on window tinting are to ensure the driver has an unobstructed view of the road and that the vehicle occupants can be recognized through the window from outside the vehicle. Very dark windows make it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles and pedestrians. If you have been injured in a car crash and you believe window tinting or windshield glare contributed to the accident, you may have a right to seek compensation. You should have an experienced car accident attorney evaluate the accident during a free case review.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is Visible Light Transmission?
- 2 What Is Window Tint Reflection?
- 3 What Is the Window Tint Law in Indiana?
- 4 Indiana Darkness Law
- 5 Indiana Reflectivity Law
- 6 Does Indiana Law Restrict the Color of Window Tint?
- 7 Does Indiana Have Any Exceptions to the Window Tint Law?
- 8 What Are Penalties for Violating Indiana’s Window Tint Law?
- 9 Contact an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer
What Is Visible Light Transmission?
Visible light transmission (VLT) is the percentage of light that passes through your windows. The lower the VLT, the darker the tint. Indiana law sets minimum VLT percentages for different windows to maintain safe visibility inside and out. Any legal tint of at least 30 VLT may be applied to the side windows or rear windshield. A 30 percent VLT means that 30 percent of light passes through a window.
Understanding the VLT limits is essential. Even a minor miscalculation can make a vehicle illegal and unsafe and contribute to an auto accident. A tinted window or windshield that is too dark can prevent another road user from making eye contact with the driver.
What Is Window Tint Reflection?
Reflectivity is how much sunlight or light from headlights your windshield or windows reflect. Indiana limits reflective tint to avoid glare that could blind other drivers. If your tint is too reflective, law enforcement can issue a citation. Reflectivity may affect liability if you’re in a motor vehicle accident. Even if your tint passes darkness tests, it can still be illegal if it’s too reflective.
If you were injured in a car crash caused by the blinding glare from another car’s windows, you should have a personal injury attorney review the accident and evaluate your legal options.
What Is the Window Tint Law in Indiana?
Indiana’s window tint law regulates the darkness and reflectivity of a car windshield and windows. The rules vary depending on whether your vehicle is a sedan, SUV, or van.
Complying with the rules protects you and other road users.
Indiana Darkness Law
Indiana’s darkness law specifies the minimum amount of light that must pass through each window.
- Sedans – Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line on the windshield. Tinting below the AS-1 line on the windshield is illegal because it can obstruct the driver’s view and increase the risk of accidents. Indiana law states that front side, back side, and rear windows of sedans must allow more than 30 percent of light to pass through.
- SUVs and Vans – Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line on the front windshield. The front side windows must allow more than 30% of light to pass through. Back side and rear windows can have any tinting, as long as it is limited to several inches from the top of the window.
Indiana Reflectivity Law
Reflectivity laws limit how mirror-like your window tint can be. Excessively reflective tint can blind other drivers, especially in direct sunlight or at night. Reflectivity rules apply regardless of VLT. Generally speaking, all vehicles’ front and rear side windows cannot exceed 25 percent reflectivity.
Does Indiana Law Restrict the Color of Window Tint?
Indiana does not prohibit specific tint colors. However, colors that significantly reduce visibility or are highly reflective may violate VLT or reflectivity standards.
For example, specific unusual tints, such as red, amber, or blue, may draw attention from law enforcement. This could lead to a traffic ticket if law enforcement believes the tint impairs your visibility.
Factory-installed and aftermarket tints are acceptable, as long as they comply with VLT and reflectivity standards. Tint applied outside the legal limits, even if recommended by a professional, is not exempt from enforcement.
Does Indiana Have Any Exceptions to the Window Tint Law?
Indiana’s window tint law makes an exception for drivers or regular passengers who need protection from direct sunlight for medical reasons. In other words, if you have a medical condition that requires shielding from the sun, you may qualify for a waiver allowing a darker tint.
A licensed Indiana physician or optometrist must certify the condition, and that certificate must be kept in the vehicle at all times. The medical certification isn’t permanent – you have to renew it every year to stay compliant and avoid fines.
What Are Penalties for Violating Indiana’s Window Tint Law?
Violating Indiana’s window tint law is either a Class A or Class C infraction. Violations can result in citations, fines ranging from $500 to $10,000, and orders to remove illegal tint. In some cases, repeat offenses may carry higher penalties.
Illegal tint can affect a car accident claim if it is found to have contributed to a crash. For example, if a driver with illegal tint causes a collision, their violation may influence liability and damages.
Injury victims may have a right to pursue personal injury claims and demand compensation for medical expenses if an experienced attorney can show that a car’s reflection or an illegally dark-tinted window contributed to the crash and the victim’s injuries and hospital bills.
That’s why it’s so crucial for automobile owners to comply with VLT and reflectivity standards. It may help prevent you from being ticketed and protect you from additional liability in a collision.
Contact an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a crash and believe another driver’s window tint contributed to the accident, contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. The legal team at Truitt Law Offices focuses on personal injury cases and has more than 40 years of experience helping car accident victims.
While past results are not predictive of future outcomes, our Indiana law firm has a track record of seeking maximum compensation for accident victims. Our seasoned attorneys understand insurance company defense strategies. When we handle your case, your car accident claim will receive the attention it deserves. Truitt Law Offices has 100+ five-star reviews on Google, and our testimonials and results demonstrate how we’ve helped clients navigate the claims process.
Get in touch with an experienced personal injury lawyer through the Truitt Law Offices contact page for a free consultation. When you meet with one of our compassionate Indiana car accident attorneys, we’ll answer your questions, evaluate your auto accident, and explain your options. Our goal is to help you seek a fair settlement for your medical bills, lost income, future medical expenses, and other losses. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and successfully resolve most car accident cases without a trial.
If you have a legal claim, our law firm will be ready to gather evidence, identify insurance coverage, and take legal action against the at-fault driver. We will guide you through the process of filing an insurance claim and a car accident lawsuit. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering full and fair compensation for your injuries.
