Connecticut is a state located in the southernmost region of the New England area. It shares borders with Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York and is renowned for its beautiful beaches and stunning fall foliage.
In this article, we will delve into two important topics; Connecticut window tinting laws and general information about the state of Connecticut.
Connecticut Window Tinting Laws
Window tinting is a popular car modification that can make your driving experience more comfortable and stylish. However, it is essential to adhere to the state laws regarding window tinting to avoid penalties and ensure your safety.
The state of Connecticut has set specific regulations concerning tint darkness and reflection for different types of vehicles. If you own a sedan, your car’s front side windows must have at least 35% Visible Light Transmission (VLT).
The backside and the rear windows can have a VLT of 35% or lower. For SUVs and Vans, the windshield’s top edge may have tinting of four inches or less, but it must not extend beyond the AS-1 line.
The front side windows must have a VLT of 35% or higher, while the back side and rear windows may have a VLT of 35% or lower. Additionally, the state of Connecticut has prohibited the use of any reflective tinting on the front side windows for both sedan and SUVs and vans.
However, reflective tinting for the backside and rear windows is allowed. Furthermore, the law requires the use of side-mirrors if the car’s rear window is tinted.
The tint colors available are limited to red, amber, and yellow. A variance of plus or minus 3% in VLT readings is allowed for the car’s window tint.
Lastly, medical exceptions for darker or reflective window tinting are available in Connecticut, but they require certification from licensed medical professionals. To ensure compliance, vehicle owners must obtain certificates and stickers from certified installers.
Connecticut as a State
Demographics and Population
Connecticut has a population of approximately 3,605,597 people. It is the 29th most populous state in the USA and the 4th most densely populated, with a population density of 739 people per square mile.
Cities in Connecticut
Connecticut has numerous notable cities known for their unique beauty, entertainment, and attractions. Hartford, the state’s capital, is home to the Mark Twain House and the Wadsworth Atheneum.
New Haven is home to Yale University, one of the most prestigious universities globally, and the New Haven Green. Stamford is famous for its historic architecture and vibrant downtown.
Bridgeport is the state’s most populated city, and it has several parks and theatres. Norwalk is renowned for its maritime aquarium and restaurant scene.
Greenwich is affluent and has numerous parks, beaches, and golf courses. Waterbury has several historic sites, such as the Union Station Clocktower and the Mattatuck Museum.
Danbury has numerous hiking trails and history museums. West Hartford has trendy shopping districts, while Westport is famous for its dockside shopping.
Newtown is a quaint sleepy town with a charming street and many beautiful homes. Meriden is home to the Castle Craig Tower and the Hubbard Park.
Groton has numerous beaches and is a popular tourist destination. New Britain is home to the historic Walnut Hill Park.
Hamden has several parks and historic architecture. Middletown has many cultural institutions such as Wesleyan University, the Middlesex Hospital, and numerous beaches.
Fairfield has several beaches and parks, with many charming homes. New Canaan is affluent and has several parks and golf courses.
New London is famous for its waterfront and numerous cultural institutions. Milford has numerous historic sites such as the Mary Taylor Memorial Church.
Branford has several beaches and trails. Darien is affluent and has one of the lowest crime rates in the state.
Glastonbury has numerous hiking trails and outdoor spaces. Wallingford has several outdoor parks.
Ridgefield has a historic downtown and several parks. Wethersfield is famous for its picturesque town center.
Bristol is home to ESPN and the American Clock and Watch Museum. Trumbull has several outdoor recreational areas.
Southington has several museums and beaches. Farmington has several trails and parks and is home to the Hill-Stead Museum.
Torrington is home to the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. East Hartford has the Pratt and Whitney Stadium and numerous parks.
Enfield has several outdoor spaces, such as the Scantic River State Park. West Haven has several public beaches.
Manchester has numerous trails and outdoor spaces. Simsbury is home to the Stratton Brook State Park.
New Milford has several parks and outdoor spaces. Shelton has several outdoor spaces, including the Indian Well State Park.
Storrs is home to the University of Connecticut campus and the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. Cheshire is famous for hiking trails and the historic Whitney Mansion.
Newington has several parks and the Millpond Falls. Norwich has numerous museums and historic sites such as the Slater Memorial Museum.
Old Saybrook has several public beaches and is a popular summer retreat. Naugatuck has several parks and trails.
Guilford is famous for its collection of historic homes, agricultural fairs, and beaches. Southbury is home to the Audubon Center and numerous outdoor spaces.
North Haven has several parks and a vibrant nightlife. South Windsor is home to the historic Wood Memorial Library and the Nomads Adventure Quest.
Lyme has Lyme-Old Lyme High School and numerous public parks. Ansonia has several parks, including the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.
Connecticut’s Counties
Connecticut is organized into eight counties, including Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland and Windham, each with its own distinct features and attractions.
Conclusion
In this article, we have outlined Connecticut’s laws regarding window tinting and provided information on the state’s geography, population, notable cities, and counties. We hope that the information provided will help readers understand Connecticut better and stay compliant with the state’s laws when modifying car windows.
If you live in Connecticut and want to get your car windows tinted, it’s essential to know the state’s laws regarding window tints. To avoid getting pulled over by law enforcement and to ensure that you don’t break any rules or regulations, it’s essential to be informed.
In this article, we will dive into the Connecticut tint laws’ more specific details, including where you can find the legal references and information about medical exemptions.
General Statutes of Connecticut
The Connecticut state laws regarding car window tinting can be found in the General Statutes, Title 13b, Chapter 246, Section 14-99g. This section of the Connecticut General Statutes establishes the legal requirements for window tinting on vehicles in Connecticut.
The law describes the permissible levels of opacity, or Visible Light Transmission (VLT), for each window of a vehicle, with specific limits on the front side, back side, and rear windows. Connecticut law mandates that no vehicle may have window tinting with a VLT level of 35% or lower on the front windshield or front side windows, and no lower than 35% on the rear windows and rear windshield.
The VLT percentage refers to the amount of visible light that can pass through the window, and it is calculated by measuring the amount of light that passes through a window in a square area. It is also essential to note that tinting the front windshield is restricted to the top four inches, with the reminder of the windshield remaining completely clear.
The law also mandates that side mirrors on the vehicle must be utilized and functioning to offset the loss of visibility created by the tint, and it must not interfere with the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.
Medical Exemption Information
In some cases, individuals may require medical exemption for a higher level of tint in their vehicles. Patients with medical conditions that are susceptible to UV radiation or sensitive to bright light, such as lupus, melanoma, or xeroderma pigmentosum, may apply for a medical exemption.
The procedure for this exemption involves applying for a window tinting medical exemption certificate. The certificate is necessary to avoid ticketing when driving on the roads with window tints outside the legal limit due to medical conditions.
The certificate is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and must be endorsed by a licensed physician or optometrist. The certificate requires the licensee to certify that the individual receiving the window tint exemption requires tinting of 20% VLT film or darker for medical reasons as specified in Section 14-99g of the General Statutes.
The exemption is only valid for the specific vehicle to which it pertains and must include the vehicle’s make, model, and year as well as the license plate number. The exemption is valid for two years and may only be renewed with a new certificate that is signed and dated by the physician or optometrist not earlier than sixty days before the expiration date.
It’s essential to note that medical exemptions are only allowed for patients with certified medical conditions. Violating the laws regarding window tinting without this certificate will result in a ticket/fine.
Therefore, it is best to obtain an exemption certificate, so you will not have to worry about any issues. In conclusion, before you tint your car windows, be aware of the legal limits on opacity and reflectivity set by Connecticut state law.
While there is allowance for medical exemptions, it requires obtaining a medical exemption certificate from a licensed medical professional, particularly deeming a high VLT necessary. Abiding by these regulations will ensure that you stay on the right side of the law and don’t accrue citations related to your car’s window tint.
In summary, Connecticut has established specific regulations for car windows’ opaqueness and reflectivity. The state’s General Statutes outline the legal requirements for window tinting on vehicles.
Front side and front windshield windows must have a VLT of at least 35%, and back side and rear windows must have a VLT of no less than 35%. Additionally, reflective tints are prohibited for the front windows of all vehicles.
With regards to medical exemptions, if an individual requires a higher level of tint due to a medical condition, they may apply for a medical exemption certificate. It is essential to comply with these regulations to avoid penalties and ensure a safe driving experience.