Windshield tint

[jrgehri]

I am being quoted for Geoshield DarkMatter (30%) ($299...no windshield)...I have a few questions that I'd appreciate any input on:

1) Is it normal to tint the windshield? Won't this make the car appear more uniform? Should I go with a lower tint on front?

2) I want to car to remain classy, is this tint too dark? has anyone had any experience with this tint?

Thanks for all of your help guys and gals!

2010 Hyundai Genesis Tau Black/Black

 

[ctrcbob]

I am being quoted for Geoshield DarkMatter (30%) ($299...no windshield)...I have a few questions that I'd appreciate any input on:

1) Is it normal to tint the windshield? Won't this make the car appear more uniform? Should I go with a lower tint on front?

2) I want to car to remain classy, is this tint too dark? has anyone had any experience with this tint?

Thanks for all of your help guys and gals!

2010 Hyundai Genesis Tau Black/Black

First off, I "assume" that Geoshield DarkMatter is a brand name, even though I have never heard of it. I've used LLumar, 35% (or is it 37%) as that percentage is the darkest that is legal. Now to answer your questions.

1. Tinting windshield IS NOT LEGAL. If your installer says it it legal, or just wants to do it, DON'T DO IT. You will get stopped and issued a big fat ticket.

2. 30% too dark?? Perhaps not, but in most states, Including Florida, New Mexico and New York, the legal limit is 35% or 37%. This being said, you may very well get away with a tint darker than the above 35%/37%, however the LEO's always look for any excuse to stop you. (See below) Why bring attention to yourself. Get a legal tint.

Tinted windshield; they WILL stop you.
Dark tint on other windows, they probably will not stop you for just that, however if they stop you for something else, the too dark windows will just assure you a ticket.

 

[scottdk]

You questions can be answered further on the following thread.

http://www.genesisowners.com/hyunda...ead.php?t=713&highlight=window+tinting+advice

 

[Mark_888]

Tinting laws (including the allowed VLT%) vary by state, but no state allows aftermarket tinting on the front windshield, except on about the top 6" of the windshield.

Some states such as CA and NY have very strict tinting laws on the front side windows, but allow darker tints (lower VLT%) on the rear side windows and the rear. You should google the tint laws for your state so understand what is legal and illegal. Don't assume that a tint shop will always only do legal tint jobs.

 

[Mark_888]

After googling Geoshield DarkMatter, it is a high-tech nano-Ceramic film that is probably equivalent to other ceramic films such as Formula One Pinnacle ceramic (all ceramics use nano-technology or sputtering to make them).

Therefore it is a very high quality film that does an excellent job of keeping heat out, but will not interfere with any car or mobile electronics. $300 is a good price for a tint job with this type of film, assuming the installer does a quality job.

It would look best to use the same film all around (except for the windshield as explained above). The film you mentioned is a 30% VLT, but many states only allow 35% or higher on front side windows, but you could probably get away with this small difference without a problem. If your state only allows 50% or 70% on the front sides, then using a darker film on the rear might be advisable even if it does not look quite as good as having the same film all around (except windshield).

 

[jrgehri]

Thanks for the replies...it looks like the DarkMatter comes in 30% and 40%, I'll have the shop provide samples of both and decide...I'll be sure and post some pics after I get it done, Black on black tends to get HOT here in Alabama!

 

[Mark_888]

Thanks for the replies...it looks like the DarkMatter comes in 30% and 40%, I'll have the shop provide samples of both and decide...I'll be sure and post some pics after I get it done, Black on black tends to get HOT here in Alabama!

It turns out that the laws for AL are 32%, so 30 is probably OK.

 

[scottdk]

For everyone's reference -


1st number is front side windows

2nd number is for rear side windows

3rd number is for the back window

4th number is for the windshield visor measured in inches long/down (a few states measure this in VLT)

AL 32% 32% 32% 6"

AK 70% 40% 40% 5"

AZ 33% ANY% ANY% AS1

AR 25% 25% 10% 5"

CA 70% ANY% ANY% 4"

CO* 27% 27% 27% 4"

CO* NO% ANY% ANY% 4"

CT 35% 35% ANY% AS1

DE 70% ANY% ANY% AS1

FL 28% 15% 15% AS1

GA 32% 32% 32% 6"

HI 35% 35% 35% 4"

ID 35% 20% 35% AS1

IL NO ANY% ANY% 6"

IN 30% 30% 30% AS1 ?

IA 70% ANY% ANY% AS1

KS 35% 35% 35% AS1

KY 35% 18% 18% AS1

LA 40% 25% 12% AS1

MA 35% 35% 35% 6"

ME 50% 50% 50% 4"

MD 35% 35% 35% 5"

MI ? ANY% ANY% 4"

MN 50% 50% 50% NO ?

MO 35% ANY% ANY% AS1

MS 35% 35% 35% AS1

MT 35% 20% 20% AS1

NE 35% 20% 20% AS1 OR 5"

NV 35% ANY% ANY% AS1

NH NO 35% 35% 6"

NJ NO ANY% ANY% NO

NM 20% 20% 20% AS1 OR 5"

NY 70% 70% ANY% 6"

NC 35% 35% 35% AS1

ND 50% ANY% ANY% 70%

OH 50% ANY% ANY% 70%

OK 25% 25% 25% AS1 OR 5"

OR 35% 35% 35% 6"

PA 70% 70% 70% NO

RI 70% 70% 70% AS1

SC 27% 27% 27% AS1

SD 35% 20% 20% AS1

TN 35% 35% 35% AS1

TX 25% 25% ANY% AS1 OR 5"

UT 43% ANY% ANY% AS1

VT NO ANY% ANY% AS1

VA 50% 35% 35% AS1

WA 35% 35% 35% 6"

WV 35% 35% 35% 5"

WI 50% 35% 35% AS1

WY 28% 28% 28% AS1 OR 5"


Updated: Jan 16 2007
These laws may not be current and are often enforced differently by different PD's. In all cases, refer to you local authority for enforcement policies, current laws, rules or regulations. Your current state law is the final authority, not this website! The numbers represent the percentage of light transmitted through the tinted glass, so the lower the number, the darker the film allowed. Generally the films are sold as 5%(limo), 20%(dark), 35%(medium), 50%(light).
S.U.V.s often have different regulations, which are not listed here.

Tintdude.com (2007)