Idaho Tint Laws
The Idaho tint laws detail specific automotive tint laws for various cars and SUVs. The year 1992 marked the inception of car window tinting laws in Idaho. Understanding the permissible levels of tint darkness and reflectivity is crucial to ensure compliance with these regulations. Here’s a comprehensive overview of window tinting laws in Idaho, including darkness, reflectivity, and other essential 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 Idaho:
In Idaho, the degree of visible light allowed through your car windows is measured by VLT, or Visible Light Transmission. These requirements differ depending on whether your vehicle is a sedan or an SUV or van.
Idaho Car Tint Laws For Sedans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is permissible above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side Windows: Sedans must allow more than 35% of light to penetrate their front side windows.
- Back Side Windows: For sedans, the back side windows must allow more than 20% of light transmission.
- Rear Window: To meet the compliance standards, the rear window must permit more than 35% of light to pass through.
Tint Laws For SUVs and Vans in Idaho:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is permitted above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or the top 6 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: The back side windows in SUVs and vans must allow more than 20% of light transmission.
- Rear Window: SUVs and vans also need to ensure that more than 35% of light is transmitted through the rear window.
| Type of Window | Sedans | SUVs/Vans |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or the top 6 inches | Non-reflective tint allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or the top 6 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 20% of light transmission | Must allow more than 20% of light transmission |
| Rear Window | Must allow more than 35% of light transmission | Must allow more than 35% of light transmission |
Window Tint Reflection in Idaho:
Window tint can reflect incoming light, which helps reduce glare and heat. Idaho’s tint law sets guidelines for window reflection when using tint.
Reflectivity Tint Laws For Both Sedans and SUVs/Vans:
- Front Side Windows: Reflective materials must not exceed 35% reflectivity on the front side windows.
- Back Side Windows: Similarly, the back side windows must not have reflective materials that exceed 35% reflectivity.
Additional Idaho Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
Idaho’s window tinting laws 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
State laws allow a 3% light transmission tolerance.
Certificates
Unlike some states, film manufacturers are not obligated to certify the film they sell in Idaho.
Stickers
There is no legal requirement for a sticker to identify legal tinting.
Medical Exceptions
Idaho law does permit medical exemptions for special tint, allowing 75% tint on the windshield and 20% on other windows.
Regulations for Out-of-State Drivers
The same regulations apply to out-of-state drivers as they do for drivers living in the State.
If you are from States such as Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana, you are expected to abide by these laws and regulations.
Penalties
Violating tinting regulations is considered a traffic infraction.
It’s essential to be aware that interpretations of Idaho’s tinting laws and regulations may vary based on your county or place of residence. To ensure full compliance, it is advisable to verify this information with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or law enforcement authorities.
Our records of Idaho’s window tint laws were most recently updated in 2023. We remain committed to delivering accurate, current 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.