Window Tinting Laws in New Hampshire
When it comes to window tinting laws, different states have varying regulations. In New Hampshire, you’re allowed to tint your vehicle, but you need to follow specific guidelines.
In this article, we’ll discuss the primary New Hampshire window tinting laws.
Tint Darkness Limits
The Visible Light Transmission (VLT) refers to the amount of visible light that passes through your vehicle’s windows, including the windshield. In New Hampshire, the front side, back side, and rear windows can have a VLT rating of 35% or higher.
Therefore, 35% of visible light can be allowed to pass through the window once you’ve tinted them. Sedans and SUVs with a tinted windshield are allowed to have a VLT rating of 35%, while those with a factory-installed window tint may have a VLT rating up to 70%.
Tint Reflection Limits
As per the New Hampshire window tinting law, your vehicle’s tinted windows should not have excessive reflection, which could cause a metallic or mirrored appearance. If your windows reflect too much light, it can interfere with other drivers’ vision, making it an accident hazard.
Therefore, your vehicle’s side and rear windows should have a low reflectivity rate, such as 35% or less.
Other Regulations
When tinting your vehicle’s windows in New Hampshire, there are other regulations that you should keep in mind. These include the following:
Dual Side Mirrors – If you’re using a tint with less than 70% VLT for your rear windshield, you must ensure that your vehicle has dual side mirrors.
Restricted Colors – Only the traditional black, gray, and brown tints are allowed in New Hampshire. Manufacturer Certification – You can only use window tints certified by the manufacturer and meet the appropriate state standards.
Stickers – You must display stickers on your tinted windows identifying that the required legal standard has been met. Medical Exemptions – People with certain medical conditions that require protection from harsh sunlight may apply for an exemption from the tinting laws.
Penalties – Failure to comply with New Hampshire state’s tinting laws attracts penalties such as being stopped by law enforcement, having your vehicle’s registration suspended, and being subjected to fines.
New Hampshire State Information
Now that we’ve covered the primary window tinting laws in New Hampshire let’s talk about the state itself.
State Description
New Hampshire is a state located in the northeastern region of the United States. It is part of the New England area and has a size of approximately 9,349 square miles.
The state shares borders with Maine to the east, Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north. The state’s capital is Concord, and it has a population of over 1.3 million people.
Major Cities
There are several vibrant and growing cities in the state of New Hampshire. These cities include Nashua, Portsmouth, Manchester, Concord, Dover, Keene, Laconia, Hanover, and Derry, among others.
Nashua – Nashua is the second-largest city in New Hampshire, located in the southern part of the state. It’s known for its vibrant downtown area and is home to several universities, including Rivier University and Daniel Webster College.
Portsmouth – This charming coastal city is located in the southeastern region of New Hampshire. It’s known for its historic sites, craft breweries, and scenic waterfront.
Portsmouth is also home to the University of New Hampshire’s campus. Manchester – As the largest city in New Hampshire, Manchester boasts a thriving business community, a rich cultural scene, and several higher educational institutions.
The city is home to Saint Anselm College, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester Community College, and the University of New Hampshire’s Manchester Campus. Concord – Concord is New Hampshire state’s capital and boasts an intriguing mix of old-world charm and modern lifestyle amenities.
The city is home to several historic sites, including the New Hampshire State House, the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, and the Capitol Center for the Arts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding New Hampshire’s window tinting laws is crucial if you want to avoid penalties and ensure your vehicle is safe and compliant. Also, exploring the state and these cities is an excellent way to appreciate what New Hampshire has to offer.
There’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or cultural events. So go ahead, explore the state!
Tint Law References
In the state of New Hampshire, the primary tinting regulations fall under House Bill 224. It states that a person may not drive a vehicle with any tinted or smoked glass unless they meet certain standards.
These standards include a maximum VLT rating of 35% for front and back side windows. Window tints that come with an original vehicle manufacturer’s rating of above 35% are legal in the state.
Additionally, the windshield can have a tint with a maximum VLT of 35%. The rear window can have any shade of tint, provided the vehicle has exterior rearview mirrors on both sides.
Vehicles that have tinted or smoked glass may not be driven on New Hampshire roads unless they meet all legal requirements. It’s essential to keep these regulations in mind if you’re looking to apply window tinting on your vehicle in New Hampshire.
Failure to comply with the law may result in penalties such as fines, registration suspension, and even court appearances.
Medical Exemption Info
There are situations where drivers may need to use tints with a VLT rating that exceeds 35% on their vehicle. For example, some individuals have certain medical conditions that put them at high risk of skin cancer, including photosensitivity.
In such cases, they may need to apply tints with a higher VLT rating that doesn’t exceed 70%. In that way, they can protect themselves from harmful UV rays.
To qualify for an exemption, an application must be made with the New Hampshire Department of Safety. If approved, the exemption will be valid for up to two years.
The exemption must be carried in the vehicle, and the driver must also carry a note from their doctor stating their condition warrants a higher VLT rating. It’s crucial to note that medical exemptions only apply to the left and right windows.
The front windshield must still comply with the VLT rating of 35% or less. The law prohibits the use of tinted plastic, film, or other materials that limit more than 35% of the visible light in the driver’s view through the windshield.
Tinting Laws for Headlights and Taillights
New Hampshire also has tinting laws for headlights and taillights. The law states that a driver cannot have film or any other material attached to the headlights that can obscure the image, reduce the light emitted, or change the color of the headlights.
This law applies to both headlights and fog lights. The taillights and rear signal lights can be tinted, but the tint can’t obscure more than 20% of the emitted light.
This ensures that other drivers can see the taillights when the driver brakes or signals. As with window tints, it’s crucial to ensure that the headlights and taillights’ tints meet the legal standards.
It’s also worth noting that tinting your headlights isn’t safe, as it affects your headlights’ brightness. Therefore, it can be a safety hazard as other drivers may not be able to see you effectively in low-visibility conditions.
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Conclusion,
New Hampshire state has strict regulations regarding window tinting laws, and it’s important to adhere to these regulations to avoid penalties. House Bill 224 specifies the maximum VLT rating and the type of tints that must be applied to vehicle windows, and failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines and registration suspension.
Medical exemptions exist for those who need to use tints with a VLT that exceeds 35%, but these tints are only allowed on the left and right windows. Additionally, those who want to tint their headlights and taillights must ensure that the tint doesn’t obscure more than 20% of the emitted light.
By following New Hampshire’s window tinting and headlight/taillight tinting laws, drivers can ensure they’re legally compliant, as well as drive safely on the roads. Window tinting laws in New Hampshire are stringent, and it’s essential to comply with these regulations to avoid penalties.
House Bill 224 specifies the maximum VLT rating and the type of tints that should be applied to vehicle windows. The law also stipulates that headlights and taillights should not be tinted to an extent that it obscures the emitted light.
Drivers with medical conditions that necessitate the use of tints with a VLT rating exceeding 35% in left and right windows may apply for a medical exemption. By adhering to the law, drivers can drive safely on the roads while staying legally compliant.