Hawaii Tint Laws
The Hawaii tint laws detail specific automotive tint laws for various cars and SUVs. In 1989, Hawaii introduced car window tinting laws to regulate the darkness and reflectivity of window tints. To ensure compliance with these regulations, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements. Here’s an in-depth look at Hawaii’s window tinting laws, encompassing tint darkness, reflectivity, and other important guidelines.
Disclaimer
Even though I aced Commercial Law at school and strive to provide accurate and informative content, it’s important to note that I am not a legal expert. The information presented in this blog is based on my interpretation of the subject matter, and laws can vary by location and change over time. It is strongly recommended that readers verify all sources of information and consult with legal professionals or relevant authorities before making any decisions related to tint laws.
Understanding the Terminology Regarding Tint Laws
The most important part of the legislation is understanding what VLT is and how law enforcement services check or test the percentage.
What is VLT
VLT, or Visible Light Transmission, is a measure of the amount of visible light that can pass through a window tint or film. It is commonly used to determine the darkness or opacity of window tints, and it’s an important factor in window tinting laws and regulations.
VLT is typically expressed as a percentage. For example, a window tint with a VLT of 20% allows only 20% of visible light to pass through, making it relatively dark and less transparent. Conversely, a window tint with a VLT of 70% allows 70% of visible light to pass through and is much lighter and more transparent.
How do Law Enforcement services test the VLT percentage?
Window tinting laws vary by jurisdiction, and they often specify the maximum allowable VLT for different types of windows on a vehicle, such as the front windshield, front side windows, rear side windows, and rear window. These laws are designed to ensure that drivers have adequate visibility and that law enforcement can see into vehicles for safety and identification purposes. The manner that they go about testing the VLT is by using a VLT gauge/meter.
Here is a YouTube Short from @TrafficServices and @TorontoPolice showcasing the device and how it works. Even though it is in Canada, it still is helpful to understand how the tint darkness is measured.
Window Tint Darkness in Hawaii:
Hawaii measures the degree of visible light allowed through your car windows using VLT, or Visible Light Transmission. These requirements vary based on whether your vehicle is a sedan or an SUV or van.
Hawaii Car Tint Laws For Sedans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side Windows: Sedans must allow more than 35% of light to enter through the front side windows.
- Back Side Windows: The rear and back side windows must permit more than 35% of light transmission.
- Rear Window: The rear window should allow more than 35% of light to pass through.
Tint Laws For SUVs and Vans in Hawaii:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is permitted on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side Windows: SUVs and vans must ensure that more than 35% of light passes through their front side windows.
- Back Side Windows: SUVs and vans can use tints of any darkness on the back side windows.
- Rear Window: The rear window in SUVs and vans can also have tints of any darkness.
| Type of Window | Sedans | SUVs/Vans |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint allowed on the top 4 inches | Non-reflective tint allowed on the top 4 inches |
| Front Side Windows | Must allow more than 35% of light transmission | Must allow more than 35% of light transmission |
| Back Side Windows | Must allow more than 35% of light transmission | Any level of darkness allowed |
| Rear Window | Must allow more than 35% of light transmission | Any level of darkness allowed |
Window Tint Reflection in Hawaii:
Window tints can reflect incoming light, helping reduce glare and heat. Hawaii’s tint law provides guidelines for window reflection when using tints.
Reflectivity Tint Laws For Both Sedans and SUVs/Vans:
- Front Side Windows: Metallic or mirrored appearances are not allowed on the front side windows.
- Back Side Windows: Similarly, the back side windows should not have metallic or mirrored appearances.
Additional Hawaii Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
Hawaii’s window tinting laws also encompass several other essential regulations:
Side Mirrors
Dual side mirrors are mandatory if the rear window is tinted.
Restricted Colors
The law does not specify any banned tint colors.
Tint Variance
A 6% tint variance is permitted.
Certificates
Film manufacturers are not required to certify the film they sell in Hawaii.
Certificate of Compliance Requirement
Window tint installers in Hawaii must provide a certificate of compliance to the customer. This certificate should be kept in the vehicle at all times.
Stickers
Hawaii law does not require a sticker to identify legal tinting.
Medical Exceptions
Hawaii law does not allow medical exemptions that would permit the use of special tint.
Regulations for Out-of-State Drivers
The same regulations apply to out-of-state drivers as those for drivers living in the State.
If you are from any other State, you are required to comply with the laws.
Penalties
Violating tinting regulations carries penalties of $250 to $500 for vehicle owners and $500 to $1,000 for businesses.
Please keep in mind that Hawaii’s tinting laws and regulations may be subject to varying interpretations in different counties or places of residence. To ensure complete compliance, it’s advisable to verify this information with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or law enforcement authorities.
Our records of Hawaii’s window tint laws were most recently updated in 2023. We are committed to delivering accurate and up-to-date information. If you come across any inaccuracies or outdated details, please feel free to reach out to us. Your trust in our resources is invaluable, and we are dedicated to offering the most dependable information available.