Window tinting is a popular way to enhance the look of your car, increase privacy, and reduce heat. However, it’s essential to understand and comply with Car Tinting laws to avoid legal issues. In Alabama, these regulations are clearly defined to ensure safety and visibility. Here’s a breakdown of Alabama’s car tinting laws for passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles.
For passenger cars and station wagons, Alabama law specifies the following:
- Windshield Tint: Only the top six inches of the front windshield can be tinted. The tint applied to this area must be transparent, meaning it cannot significantly reduce light transmission.
- Side and Rear Windows: All side and rear windows can be tinted, but the tint must allow at least 32% of light to pass through. There is a 3% tolerance for this measurement, meaning readings as low as 29% are generally acceptable.
- Reflectivity: The window tinting material cannot be excessively reflective. It is limited to a maximum reflectivity of 20%, ensuring that it does not create hazardous glare for other drivers.
For multi-purpose passenger vehicles and recreational vehicles, which include SUVs, vans, and trucks, the rules are slightly different to accommodate vehicle design and function:
- Front Windshield and Front Side Windows: These windows are subject to the exact same tinting restrictions as passenger cars and station wagons. This means the upper six inches of the windshield can have transparent tint, and the front side windows must allow at least 32% light transmission (with 3% tolerance).
- Rear Windows (Behind the Driver): For windows behind the driver’s seating position, darker tinting is permitted. Alabama law allows for tint darkness as permitted by the vehicle manufacturer under Federal Law. This generally means that factory-installed privacy glass on the rear windows of SUVs and vans is legal.
- Side Mirrors: If darker tinting is installed on the rear windows of multi-purpose vehicles, the vehicle is required to have outside rearview mirrors on both sides. This ensures adequate rear visibility for the driver.
- Vehicle Classification: It’s important to note that the vehicle manufacturer determines the classification of the vehicle as either a passenger vehicle or a multi-purpose vehicle.
All vehicles registered in Alabama must adhere to these window tinting laws, as outlined in Alabama Act 96-534, which became effective on August 15, 1996. This is codified under Title 32, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Chapter 5C of Alabama law.
Alabama law also provides for medical exemptions to these tinting rules. Individuals with specific medical conditions may apply for a waiver that allows for darker window tint. To obtain a medical waiver, certification from a physician is required, and the Alabama Department of Public Safety may issue the exemption with specific conditions and limitations.
To ensure compliance, Alabama requires compliance stickers. Any new window tinting, and vehicles with existing tint that meets the legal standards, must display a visible sticker or label of compliance. These stickers must be affixed by a certified tinting dealer. It is illegal for any person to install window tinting material that violates Alabama’s window tinting law.
For further details regarding medical waivers, you can contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Driver License Division, Medical Records Unit. Their contact information is:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Driver License Division
Medical Records Unit
P.O. Box 1471
Montgomery, AL 36102
Phone: 334.242.4239
Understanding and adhering to Alabama’s car tinting laws is crucial for all vehicle owners in the state. By staying informed, you can ensure your vehicle is compliant and avoid potential legal issues.
