Are you thinking of getting your car windows tinted in Louisiana? If so, it is important to know the state’s laws and regulations to avoid hefty fines and penalties.
In this article, we will discuss the various rules and laws surrounding window tinting in Louisiana and provide useful information that will help you make an informed decision about window tinting.
Window Tint Darkness and VLT
Let’s start with some important terminology – Visible Light Transmission (VLT). VLT refers to the percentage of visible light that can pass through your car’s windows.
Basically, the higher your car’s VLT, the more natural light can enter your car, whereas a lower VLT means more light is blocked. In Louisiana, the state law sets specific limits to how dark your car’s window tint can be, ultimately affecting your VLT.
For sedans, the front, back, and rear windows must allow at least 40% of visible light to pass through. On the other hand, for SUVs and vans, the front windows must allow at least 40% of visible light, while the back and rear windows can be any level of darkness.
Tint Reflection for Sedans and SUVs
The state of Louisiana also has a law that regulates the reflectivity of your car’s window tint. Reflectivity refers to the amount of light that bounces back from your car’s window, which can cause glare and visibility problems for other drivers.
This is especially true when driving at night or in poor weather conditions. For sedans, the front and back side windows must not reflect more than 25% of visible light.
The same goes for SUVs and vans, with the added regulation that the back side windows can have a reflectivity level of up to 50% as long as the front windows do not exceed 25%.
Side Mirrors
It is important to note that if your car’s tint darkness reduces your VLT below 40%, your car must have side mirrors on both sides. This is to ensure that the driver has maximum visibility while operating a vehicle, which is essential for safe driving.
Restricted Colors
Louisiana has specific regulations on window tint colors. The state only allows for certain types of colors, making sure that the color does not obstruct the driver’s view or cause a distraction to other drivers on the road.
Red, blue, and amber are colors that are not allowed, whether for medical exemptions or any other reasons.
Certificates and Stickers
When you get your car’s windows tinted in Louisiana state, you must receive a certificate of compliance from the tint installer. The certificate confirms that your tint meets the state’s standards and reduces the likelihood of receiving fines later on.
Your car’s tint installer should also provide a sticker for your vehicle that indicates that your windows are tinted legally in accordance with Louisiana law, also reducing the chances of getting pulled over by authorities.
Medical Exceptions
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from being exposed to direct sunlight, you can apply for a medical exemption, which can allow you to have a darker tint level than what is typically allowed by the state law. It is essential to obtain the appropriate paperwork from your doctor when applying for a medical exemption.
Penalties
Window tinting regulations in Louisiana are strictly enforced by state authorities. Drivers who violate these laws and regulations face penalties, ranging from a request to remove the tint, to fines, and potentially even lawsuits.
If caught, it will be important for drivers to take immediate action to remedy the violation to avoid continued legal action. In conclusion, window tinting laws and regulations in Louisiana are in place to ensure that drivers are safe when operating a vehicle.
It is crucial to understand these laws and regulations when considering window tinting, and it is recommended to have your car’s windows tinted by a reputable manufacturer or installer. As for drivers currently with tinted windows, make sure to check your vehicle’s current tint levels and refer to Louisiana state laws to avoid potential legal consequences.
Louisiana Window Tinting Regulations
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States. In terms of geography, Louisiana boasts a diverse landscape that includes grasslands, swamps, and coastal regions.
It has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot and humid summers, mild winters, and frequent thunderstorms, making window tinting a popular choice for many drivers. The state of Louisiana is divided into 64 parishes instead of counties.
The largest city is New Orleans, with a population of over 390,000 people, and the state capital is Baton Rouge, which has a population of approximately 220,000 people.
Louisiana Window Tinting Laws by VLT
As previously discussed, Louisiana has specific rules and regulations regarding window tinting. The state requires that all vehicles must have a minimum VLT of 40% for front and rear side windows on sedans, while SUVs and vans must also adhere to the same limit for the front windows.
However, there are no restrictions on the level of darkness for back and rear windows on SUVs and vans. This limit is intended to give drivers enough visibility and to ensure that law enforcement officers can clearly see inside the vehicle.
If the tint darkness lowers the VLT percentage below 40%, the driver must have both side mirrors installed. This is to ensure that the driver has a proper view of other vehicles, pedestrians, and any road obstruction.
Reflective Tint
In addition to the VLT regulations, Louisiana also has laws regulating the level of reflectivity of window tint for both sedans and SUVs/vans. The law limits the reflectivity for front side windows to no more than 25% for sedans, and no more than 25% for SUVs or vans.
However, the law does permit back side windows on SUVs and vans to have up to 50% reflectivity, so long as the front windows do not exceed 25%.
Restricted Colors
Another aspect of Louisiana’s window tinting laws is the regulation of colors. The state limits the color of the tinting material to only green, gray, and neutral charcoal, ensuring that the color does not interfere with driver visibility from the vehicle’s indoor environment.
Colors such as red, blue, and amber are prohibited for use, even for medical exemptions.
Medical Exemptions
Drivers with medical conditions may be exempt from Louisiana’s window tinting rules. Drivers who suffer from certain medical conditions that require limited sun exposure can apply for a medical exception to the state’s normal tinting requirements.
The medical exemption allows drivers to have their windows tinted to a darker level than the specified percentage limits.
Penalties for Violating Louisiana Window Tint Laws
Violations of Louisiana’s tinting laws can result in a variety of penalties and enforcement measures. The state issues a civil traffic citation with a fine for violating these laws, which can range from $150 to $500, depending on the circumstances.
Fines for repeat offenders can be even higher. Law enforcement officials in Louisiana typically enforce window tinting laws during routine traffic stops and auto accidents.
They may also conduct random inspections and testing for excessive tinting levels. If violations are found, drivers can be ticketed on the spot, or the violation goes on record for the next time they’re stopped.
Enforcement and Interpretation of Window Tint Laws
The state’s law enforcement authorities are responsible for enforcing Louisiana’s window tinting regulations, and the Department of Motor Vehicles is responsible for interpreting and administering the rules. DMV employees are trained to administer the rules regarding exemptions and other special cases, and they carry out inspections and issue compliance certificates.
If you’re unsure whether your tint level and reflectivity comply with Louisiana’s laws, you can contact your local DMV office to discuss it. They can help you with your questions and provide you with a copy of the applicable regulations, as well as other information such as paperwork necessary for medical exemptions.
Louisiana Window Tinting Regulations Continued
Medical Exceptions and Tinting
While Louisiana allows medical exemptions for window tinting, some medical conditions may not qualify for an exception. For example, if a driver has a medical condition that puts them at an increased risk of skin cancer, they may not be eligible for an exemption unless they provide detailed documentation from a physician.
Similarly, a condition that merely enhances a driver’s comfort level while inside a vehicle is unlikely to qualify for an exception. The responsibility of applying for a medical exemption falls on the driver.
Documentation must be provided upon application, along with the completed application. The DMV will make a final decision regarding the exemption request.
Requirement for Manufacturer Certifications
In Louisiana, it is illegal to install window tinting film that does not meet the state’s standards. The manufacturer of the film must certify that it complies with the state’s regulations and provide proof of that compliance.
This requirement ensures that the tinting film manufacturer provides testing documentation to demonstrate that its film specifications match Louisiana’s regulations.
Placement of Required Identification Sticker
Drivers who receive legal window tinting in Louisiana must also have a certified and required identification sticker placed on their vehicle’s driver side window. This sticker, issued by the DMV, indicates that the vehicle has legal tinting and is not in violation of Louisiana’s window tinting laws.
It’s important to place the identification sticker correctly. The sticker must be located in the lower corner of the driver’s side window, in a location that does not block the driver’s view of the roadway.
It’s also important to keep the sticker clean and visible, as law enforcement officers may use this sticker to determine the vehicle’s compliance with window tinting laws.
Conclusion
Louisiana has clear regulations on window tinting. Adherence to these regulations will help avoid fines and legal action.
Drivers must comply with the state’s Visible Light Transmission and Reflectivity limits and understand that there are only three colors allowed for use. Medical exemptions exist for cases with genuine medical needs, and drivers must obtain manufacturer certifications and comply with the placement of necessary identification stickers.
To ensure that tinting adheres to state regulations, drivers must have their car’s windows tinted by a reliable and trustworthy installer. An installer should provide certification of compliance with Louisiana’s regulations, and they should apply the required identification sticker in the correct locations.
Adhering to these regulations will ensure that drivers can enjoy the benefits of tinted windows without the legal consequence of non-compliance. In conclusion, understanding and complying with Louisiana’s window tinting regulations is crucial for all drivers.
The state has specific rules regarding Visible Light Transmission (VLT) limits, reflectivity, colors, and medical exemptions. Drivers should be aware of the penalties for violations and the enforcement by law enforcement authorities and the DMV.
Manufacturer certifications ensure that tinting film meets state standards, and the proper placement of identification stickers is required. By following these regulations, drivers can enjoy the benefits of window tinting while staying on the right side of the law.
So, before getting your car windows tinted, make sure to familiarize yourself with Louisiana’s window tinting laws to avoid potential fines and legal consequences. Stay safe and compliant on the roads.