An Overview of Indiana’s Tinting Laws
Each state has specific laws regarding the use of window tint on vehicles. Due to concerns about safety and visibility, differentiating elements between passenger cars and trucks are considered in the rules. For example, the tinting laws in Indiana for SUVs differ from passenger cars. In Indiana, window tinting is measured by visible light transmission. This means the percentage of light getting through the window.
Window Tint Specifications
For sedans or newer model SUVs, the law requires:
• Windshield: 30% VLT (Visible Light Transmission)
• Front Side Windows: 30% VLT
• Back Side Windows: 30% VLT
• Rear Window: 35% VLT
The Indiana tint laws for vans, larger SUVs, and trucks are as follows:
• Windshield: 30% VLT
• Front Side Windows: 30% VLT
• Back Side Windows: 15% VLT
• Back Window: 15% VLT
Exemptions from VLT Requirements
There are certain exemptions from the VLT requirements for Indiana tint laws. First, all vehicles are exempt from the windshield requirement; however, only if the windows are able to "meet the legal standard when they are tinted." This means if the vehicle is pulled over the police officer must be able to confirm that the tint still allows approximately at least 35 percent of light to pass through. If this is not the case, the police officer will issue a compliance ticket and warn the driver . Then, the driver has seven (7) days to go to the law enforcement office with the ticket. They must show that the tint is able to allow an adequate amount of light without the tint film applied. If it does not, the motorist will be fined accordingly.
Additionally, the laws for window tinting in Indiana exempt certain cars. A passenger vehicle is exempt from the Indiana tint law with a manufacturer’s designation certifying the vehicle is manufactured for the purpose of limiting interior heat. Certain other vehicles with a specialty purpose may qualify, as well. Examples include limousines, hearses, and specially-equipped law enforcement vehicles. These vehicles may be allowed darker shades as long as they pass inspection by the county sheriff.
Exceptions for Eye Problems
Indiana tint laws state that drivers of motor vehicles with vision impairments that justify the need for darker tint also may be exempt. However, medical verification is required to allow the darker aftermarket window film tint. The verification has to be signed by a licensed physician, and must state that the special dealer-tinted windows are medically necessary.
Additional Rules and Information
Any window tint, regardless of the amount of VLT to comply with Indiana tint laws, has to be installed on the inside of the window and windows must be "tempered safety glass." All film windows must be free of bubbles or tears and have no manufacturer logo on the tint.
Tint Percentage Restrictions
The tint percentage limits in Indiana law are measured by the percent of visible light allowed to enter through the window film installed. For passenger vehicles, the tint percentage limitations are as follows:
Front side windows: Must allow more than 30% of the light in;
Back side windows: Must allow more than 30% of the light in;
Rear window: Must allow more than 30% of the light in; and
Windshield: The law does not state any rules about the tint percentage on the windshield.
For MPV vehicles, the tint percentage limitations are as follows:
Front side windows: Must allow more than 30% of the light in;
Back side windows: Must allow more than 30% of the light in;
Rear window: Must allow more than 30% of the light in; and
Windshield: Behalf the light entered through the windshield in the top 5 inches of glass measured down the top of the windshield from the top is tinted to have a light transmittance of not less than 30%.
Exceptions and Special Permission
There are some exceptions to the general rules above. Subsection (c) states that a law enforcement officer may not stop or issue a citation based on a driver’s dark window tint, if the officer’s sole basis is that the windows are darker than the Constitution allows. If you’ve been pulled over under this particular circumstance, you should speak with an experienced vehicle-related attorney as your tint may not actually violate the law.
Other exceptions to Indiana’s window tinting law apply to those who suffer severe medical conditions of certain types, most commonly, within the criminal law sector. Indiana requirements state that if an individual with the following is operating a vehicle that does not have the same protection, he or she may be eligible for a special permit:
•A condition that causes the skin to be extremely sensitive to sunlight.
•A condition that causes a danger to the life or health of the driver.
•A condition that cannot be corrected.
To obtain one of these permits, the driver must present to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), upon each renewal application for an Indiana Vehicle Registration and Title, a certificate signed by a physician, physician’s assistant, or advanced practiced nurse for a condition that would "routinely" require the use of tinted windows.
Infractions and Penalties
The penalties associated with illegal window tinting in Indiana can add up quickly, and the state takes its laws regarding legal window tinting very seriously. If you’re caught driving a vehicle that has darker than legally permitted window tinting you can expect to be pulled over, have your tinting tested and, if investigations determine the tint is illegal, face a number of significant penalties.
The first consequence is a fine, which is the most common form of penalty for illegal tinting. Fines are typically administered on an incremental basis—the more you go over the legal tint limit, the higher the fine. In some cases, fines for illegal window tinting can reach as high as $500 or more.
Indiana may also require you to have the illegal tint removed, which can be an expensive procedure. Even worse is the time you have to spend having the tint replaced, meaning your rights as an Indiana driver may be restricted .
Some authorities may also require drivers to either reduce or remove non-compliant tint in order to renew vehicle registrations. This can create additional financial stress and lead to significant delays in having your license plates renewed until you comply with the state’s regulations.
Depending on the situation, window tinting, especially front window tinting, could be flagged as a failure for a vehicle’s annual inspection, meaning you might need to get a full inspection done. This complicates the vehicle registration process, and could result in additional fines or other consequences.
Overall, these penalties are designed to protect vehicle operators, as well as those around them. Failure to comply with the law and having to deal with the resulting penalties could serve only to increase your risk of being involved in accidents down the road. It’s important for your protection as a driver to be aware of the window tint laws in your state and comply with them faithfully.
Picking a Compliant Tint Shade
Optimizing your application choice is key in keeping within the state requlations that must be met to pass an inspection in Indiana. There are stricter laws in Indiana than other states. Many municipalities may differ. Always check with your local ordinances.
The tint shop should be aware of your laws, and give you work that meets those regulations. If you are in question, inquire about your state regulations and apply that knowledge to your final choice of legal windows tint.
If you feel the need to verify the % of the tint before you leave the shop, it can be done, using a product known as a light meter. You can also record the % of tint that is currently on the vehicle for insurance purposes & then have it checked again after the vendor applies another layer. If the % is increased too much it will not pass the inspection. Write down exact details about the tint installed on the windows of your vechile. Include the name & phone number of the company you purchased the tint from or had it installed at. Also, keep a receipt with the details on it. If you need to prove where you purchased & who installed the tint or paper for future reference you have the information available to give to the police officer.
Window Film Laws in Indiana and Surrounding States
Indiana’s window tinting laws may be more rigid than some neighboring states that are less strict. Here is what you should know about how Indiana’s laws compare to those of states nearby:
Illinois
Illinois has a 35 percent light transmittance requirement. You must submit a Medical Exemption Certification Form (Vermillion) from a licensed medical physician if you plan to have a transmittance rating below the state standard of 35 percent.
Kentucky
Kentucky has a 35 percent light transmittance requirement. Kentucky follows the same rules outlined by law in Indiana regarding other variables, such as reflectivity.
Ohio
Ohio has a 50 percent transmittance requirement for tinted windows on the front side windows. In Ohio , there are no state restrictions on the tinting of rear-side and rear-window glass.
Illinois
Illinois follows the same tinting schedules as Indiana. The only difference is it does not have a "maximum tint emissivity" requirement. Illinois jade window film must not be darker than its manufacturer’s film sample.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, no percentage figures are present for tint on the windshield. Kentucky requires a reflection standard of 14 percent on the windshield and a reflected light transmittance standard of 13 percent on the windshield as well. For the front-side windows, Kentucky requires a 35 percent light transmittance requirement and a reflection standard of 10 percent.