Considering Tinting Your Vehicle’s Windows? Pay Attention to Tennessee Law

Window tint looks cool. When it’s done right, tinting the windows can elevate a vehicle’s appearance. Old clunkers, new model cars, and even trucks tend to look pretty sleek with tinted windows.

While tinting car windows isn’t illegal in Tennessee, the Volunteer State does have something to say about the process. Even though there’s legal tint in Tennessee, it doesn’t always apply to every roll of film. So, before throwing a ton of money at window tint here’s what you should know about state laws.

Reasons Tennessee Drivers Tint Their Car Windows

If you’re on the fence about paying for window tinting, knowing a bit about the benefits can help you decide.

You already know that having the windows tinted can improve the overall appearance of your vehicle. No, it’s not going to hide any dings or paint scratches. However, tinted windows can give vehicles cleaner lines. The tint helps to hide the interior elements, so all anyone focuses on are the vehicle’s lines.

Okay, so boosting the overall look of your vehicle is a benefit but what are the other reasons it may make sense to have your windows tinted?

Lower the Interior Temperature

Tennessee’s summer sun can turn your vehicle’s interior into an oven. Temperatures may not get hot enough to fry an egg on the dashboard, but they can come close. Even sitting on the seats can be a painful experience. Hot vinyl and leather seat coverings can even burn your skin. Hot car interiors can also be a health threat.

While it only takes a couple of minutes for your car’s AC system to get the vehicle’s interior down to a relatively comfortable temperature, you can take steps to help it stay a little cooler. Window shades are an option. The shade fits across the windshield, blocking sunlight. Unfortunately, you’re going to need multiple shades if you really want to keep the interior cooler than the outside temperature.

Another option is having your windows tinted. The tint can be more effective than shades and best of all, you don’t have to spend time unfolding the window covering.

Increase Privacy

Chances are, you’re not doing anything too embarrassing in your vehicle. You’re also probably not doing anything illegal. Even so, this doesn’t mean a little privacy isn’t welcome. Not everyone wants to make eye contact with the driver next to them at a red light. You can always keep your eyes looking forward, but this isn’t always easy. Sometimes, you just need to turn your head to see what’s going on outside the window.

Tinting your windows doesn’t block you entirely from view, but it does make it harder for others to see inside your vehicle. Another benefit of the added privacy is no one can scope out any valuables in your vehicle. This doesn’t mean it’s okay to leave a cell phone or purse lying out. Tinting your windows only makes it more difficult for others to see in, it doesn’t completely black out your car’s interior.

Automotive Window Tinting Options

When you head into the shop to have your vehicle’s windows tinted, be ready to decide on a type. Yes, there’s more than one type of window tint and each has specific benefits. This means one option may be a better choice for you than others:

• Basic dyed window tint. This is your most affordable option and looks great on just about any vehicle. You get a sharp, non-reflective look and adequate blockage from sunlight. The dyed tint also doesn’t cause interference with your vehicle’s infotainment system. This can be an issue with some other types of tint. The downside is the film isn’t great at blocking out heat. If keeping your vehicle’s interior cooler is a priority, you may want to look at some of the other kinds of window tints.
• Carbon window tint. This film has an appearance similar to a basic dyed window tint. You also don’t need to worry about electronic interference. Carbon window tint is also more effective at blocking both sunlight and heat. The main downside is the price. Carbon window tint tends to be pricier than some other types of film.
• Metal hybrid window tint. If you’re looking for a good mid-range window tint, this may be a great option. The film does have a reflective appearance so it’s something to consider since this can change the overall look of your vehicle. Don’t be surprised if random strangers use your windows as a mirror. The metal in the tint is effective at blocking sunlight and heat. However, the metal can also cause interference with devices like radios and cell phones.
• You may also be interested in infrared-rejection window tint. If you’re wondering about price, this type of film is typically the most expensive. The film uses advanced technology to block sunlight and heat. Your vehicle’s interior can stay several degrees cooler than the outside temperature. You also don’t need to worry about electronic interference, and the non-reflective tint looks great regardless of what you’re driving.

Tennessee Window Tinting Laws to Know

All states have some type of laws governing window tint on vehicles. These laws typically apply to the film’s shade. For example, Tennessee regulates the tint’s darkness for the front and rear windows. Other states regulate the film’s color on the front, rear, and side windows.

The tint’s darkness is measured by a VLT (visible light transmission) percentage. This measures the amount of light the tint allows to pass through the film. Volunteer State law requires all window tints to have a VLT of 35% or less.

Anything higher than 5% can result in a traffic citation. Don’t worry, penalties for having too dark of a window tint are limited to fines. You’ll also be required to remove the tint and this can be a time-consuming project.

Tinting Your Vehicle’s Windows and Staying Legal

Tinting the windows on your car does come with a price, but it doesn’t need to be expensive. You can find inexpensive window tint that blocks light, and heat and provides you with a little privacy. If you’re following the law and get a ticket, talk to a Tennessee car accident attorney.