North Dakota Car Window Tinting Laws
Are you planning to install window tinting on your car in North Dakota? Before you do so, it is important to know and understand the rules and regulations governing this matter.
Here are the primary points to consider:
Tint Darkness for Sedans
For Sedans, North Dakota enforces a Visible Light Transmission (VLT) limit of 50% for the windshield, 50% for the front side windows, and no limit for the back side windows and the rear window. VLT refers to the amount of visible light that can pass through the window.
The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint.
Tint Darkness for SUVs and Vans
For Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Vans, the VLT limit is 50% for the windshield and front side windows. There are no limits for the back side windows and rear window.
Window Tint Reflection in North Dakota
North Dakota law permits window tinting that creates a metallic or mirrored appearance. However, the reflective properties cannot exceed 20% in reflectivity for the front windshield and side windows.
The back window has no restrictions on the amount of tint reflection allowed.
Other North Dakota Window Tinting Rules and Regulations
Drivers should not install tinted windows that restrict visibility. Tinted windows must not obscure or diminish the driver’s view of the road and surrounding areas.
Additionally, tinted windows must have side mirrors that give a clear view of the areas behind and to the sides of the car. North Dakota also prohibits drivers from using certain colors in window tinting, such as red, blue, and yellow.
For example, tinting with a red hue may suggest a certain land vehicle’s affiliation with emergency services or law enforcement. Finally, drivers must have certification details on hand documenting their window tint installation.
This documentation should have details such as the percentage of VLT and the brand name and address of the manufacturer or installer. Drivers should also have stickers indicating that the vehicle has legally installed window tinting.
Geography and Demographics of North Dakota
North Dakota is one of the states in the Upper Midwestern Region of the United States. Notably, it borders Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Canada as well as Minnesota, South Dakota, and Montana.
Bismarck, North Dakota’s capital city, is one of North Dakota’s largest cities alongside Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston, Dickinson, West Fargo, and Mandan. North Dakota is the 19th largest state in the U.S. by land area, measuring 70,698 square miles.
North Dakota’s population is among the least populous in the U.S., ranking 47th of the 50 states. North Dakota’s rural environment and the lack of an extensive urban area contribute to its low population density.
It is the fifth least densely populated state in the United States.
Counties in North Dakota
North Dakota is divided into 53 counties, each with unique characteristics, populations, and histories. The smallest county in terms of size is Dickey County, measuring a mere 1,136 square miles, while the largest is McKenzie County with an area of 2,742 square miles, which is nearly three times larger.
Many of North Dakota’s counties are rural and agricultural, producing commodities such as wheat, beef, corn, and soybeans. The largest county in terms of population is Cass County with over 170,000 residents.
Meanwhile, other counties have fewer than a few hundred residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, North Dakota has specific laws governing the installation of window tints in vehicles, as well as a unique geographical and demographic makeup. Understanding these rules and regulations can help ensure that your car remains compliant.
Additionally, having a grasp of North Dakota’s counties and their distinctive agricultural, social, and political landscapes can help you appreciate the diversity of the state.
Tint Law References in North Dakota
North Dakota tinting laws and regulations are enforced by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and law enforcement authorities. These ordinances are put in place for the safety of drivers and to maintain law and order on the roads.
At the DMV, drivers must have their windows inspected before installation of any tint. This inspection ensures that all windows comply with state regulations.
During the inspection, DMV officials will check the VLT percentage of all windows. They will also verify that the tint is not too reflective, and that there is sufficient visibility through all windows.
If the windows do not meet the North Dakota tinting laws and regulations, the car will fail the inspection. Furthermore, when installing window tints, drivers should note that these regulations are updated regularly.
In 2023, the tint laws will change again to ensure that even darker tints are prohibited on the front side windows of passenger vehicles. The limit for front side windows and rear front windows will be reduced to 40% VLT.
The back side windows and rear window will stay the same with no VLT percentage restrictions. The reason for these constant updates to the laws is to remain consistent with advances in technology, improve road safety, and also to prevent misuse of tinted glass.
Law enforcement authorities in North Dakota are aware of the tinting rules, and violators will be penalized accordingly. If someone is driving a vehicle with unlawfully tinted windows, the police can issue a citation or even confiscate the car if the tint is too dark or reflective.
If the driver continues to drive with illegal tints, they may face additional fines and penalties. Additionally, the court can order the car owner to remove the tint and restore the windows to compliance if they fail inspection at the DMV.
This can cause car owners significant expenses as removing the tint and reinstalling compliant tint can be a costly procedure. Compliance with North Dakota’s tint laws and regulations, therefore, is essential to avoid any unnecessary expenses, penalties, and possible seizure of the car.
To summarize, North Dakota’s tint laws and regulations are stringent, and complying with them is critical. In 2023, changes will be made to the current laws to ensure even greater compliance.
To avoid penalties, fines and seizure of the car by law enforcement authorities, drivers should ensure that all their car windows have permissible tints. In summary, understanding and complying with North Dakota’s tint laws and regulations is crucial to avoid penalties, fines, and seizure of the car.
Department of Motor Vehicles and law enforcement authorities enforce these rules to maintain safety and ensure compliance with ongoing technological advancements. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in significant expenses, and furthermore, in 2023, the laws will change once again, making compliance even more critical.
Therefore, drivers should ensure that their car windows have permissible tints that comply with North Dakota tinting laws and regulations to prevent any unnecessary expenses.