Automotive tinting laws in Indiana are meant to govern the darkness of tint and where it can be applied on vehicles. If you own a car, you need to understand Indiana’s automotive tint laws to ensure compliance and avoid potential fines or penalties. At Blackburn Romey, we try our best to enlighten our clients and help them remain compliant with the current state law.
Here, our attorneys explore the tint laws in Indiana and how they may impact you as a driver or vehicle owner.
Indiana window tint law was enacted in 2003 to govern how dark you can tint your car windows. They measure this standard through Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which tells you how much light can pass through the window. These rules depend on whether you’re driving a passenger or multipurpose vehicle (MPV). It is important to note that if you don’t follow these regulations, you may face serious penalties.
Violation of tint laws in Indiana can be classified as either class A or class C infractions. Usually, tint tickets in Indiana can range from $500 to $10,000 based on the violation assessment by the authorities.
Also, if your tint is found to be non-compliant during a traffic stop or inspection, you may be required to remove the tint entirely or have your vehicle impounded. It’s important to note that tint tickets in Indiana can add points to your driving record, which may increase insurance premiums or even lead to license suspension.
For sedans, the front side windows must let in more than 30% of light. The same goes for the back windows and rear windshield.
But if you’re driving a SUV or van, you can tint the windows darker. However, you need to leave a few inches at the top untinted.
Also, note that the rear side windows of any vehicle shouldn’t reflect more than 25% of the light.
This means that if your window tint is over 25% reflective, you are in violation of the legal tint law unless you have medical grounds. In Indiana, there are provisions for medical exemptions that allow individuals to have darker window tints than what the state law typically permits.
To qualify for a medical exemption, you must obtain a medical exemption certificate from a licensed optometrist or physician. If the doctor certifies that you qualify for a medical exemption, they will provide you with documentation stating the nature of your medical condition and the need for darker window tints. You must always carry this documentation and show it to relevant authorities when required.
If your vehicle’s window tint does not comply with the state’s regulations, you can get pulled over. Law enforcement officers may use visual inspection or tint meters to determine if your vehicle’s window tint is within the legal limits.
If you were in a car accident and believe another driver’s excessive window tint contributed to the accident, Blackburn Romey can offer you legal guidance and support. An attorney handling cases involving personal injuries can provide the legal representation you need to protect your rights and seek justice. Reach out to us today for a free initial consultation.
Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Tom Blackburn, who has more than 47 years of legal experience, including over 39 years specializing as a personal injury attorney.
