Georgia Window Tint Law Explained
In Georgia, the window tinting regulations for vehicles are codified in Georgia Code Annotated Title 40 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic), Chapter 8 (Equipment and Accessories Generally), Article 15 (Safety Glass, Window Tinting, Bumpers and Tint Banners). Generally speaking, the use of tinted glass is legal in Georgia, however, it cannot be excessively so. This is because an officer in the State of Georgia is not allowed to pull someone over for window tint alone – there would have to be an additional reason for it. Therefore, if you use window tinting that is within the legal limits, the officers can’t simply stop you for window tint, and therefore, Georgia specifically sets out how dark people can tint their windows on their vehicles.
The statue that addresses what is allowed is Georgia Code Annotated ยง 40-8-73.1, which states that:
On and after July 1, 1999, no person shall operate any passenger vehicle, van, truck, or combination thereof with the windows of such vehicle tinted or covered by any means, including, but not limited to, laminated, plated , or film-type tint or covering unless the tint or covering meets the requirements of this Code section. The tint on the drivers and passenger side windows must be of a light transmittance of greater than 32 percent and must not transmit more than 20 percent of illumination at or below a level four inches above the window tint manufacturer’s specified location measured from the bottom of the window. The tint on the top of the front windshield must have a light transmittance of greater than 32 percent and must not exceed the AS1 line or upon an area inspected and identified as the tinted area by the window tint manufacturer at or below a level four inches above the window tint manufacturer’s specified location measured from the top of the window down. The lower edge of the tinted portion must not be lower than a line parallel to the top of the window at a level four inches above the window tint manufacturer’s specified location measured from the bottom of the window. The tint on the windows located behind the drivers seat must be of an accessory tint light transmittance of greater than eight percent and privacy tint must not transmit more than 6 percent of illumination at or below a level four inches above the window tint manufacturer’s specified location measured from the bottom of the window.
Any person who is convicted of a violation of this Code section shall be punished as provided in Code Section 40-13-2.
The only exception to this is if you have a medical exception and then you are allowed to tint your windows further. Generally, you will have to obtain a prescription through a doctor at a doctor’s office or an eye doctor. The law does require, however, that you undergo what they call a "medical inquiry" and that a "prescription" must be signed by a physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist giving you an exception.
This is an overview of some of the laws specifically on window tint in the state of Georgia.
Lawful Window Tint Percentages
Windshield VLT: 32% for passenger cars and SUVs, 6 inches from the top of the windshield. All vehicles must have a 1" tint band above AS-1 line or top of windshield in addition to the VLT requirements.
Front Side Windows VLT: 32% for passenger cars and SUVs, 6 inches from the diver’s side of the car to the middle of the panel. Vehicles, trucks and vans will have a requirement of 20% VLT for front side windows.
Back Side Windows VLT is "non-reflective" except for limousines, hearses or emergency or law enforcement vehicles such as police cars. However, in most cases, the tint cannot be darker than 20%.
Rear Window VLT is "non-reflective" in most cases if you are not driving a limousine, hearse, or emergency or law enforcement vehicle such as a police car. However, in most cases the tint can’t be darker than 20% VLT.
Front Windshield Tint: Certificates are required for limousines, hearses or emergency vehicles such as police cars that were manufactured with window tint. A person who operates a vehicle for a child transport service, taxi, limousine, shuttle bus, airport shuttles, vanpool, or any other public service vehicle or any other vehicle for hire that is operated for gain and which has window tint may not knowingly permit the use of another substance like a "sunshade" on the windshield that has a light transmittance of less than 32%.
Exemptions and Special Exceptions
In some cases, there are exceptions and special circumstances that allow for darker window tints than those normally permitted for the general public. Persons who can demonstrate a medical need to have a nonreflective tint on their vehicle’s windows may be able to secure an exemption to Georgia’s window tinting regulations by filing an application with a $25 fee. Georgia officials will grant a medical exemption only for persons suffering from ailments such as ocular albinism, lupus, certain cancers, or light sensitiveness. Medical exemptions do not apply to windshield tinting.
Some vehicles exempt from normal window tint regulations in Georgia include:
These personal vehicles may have windshield tint level ranging from 6 to 30 percent VLT. These vehicles may have side windows tinted to 32 percent VLT, in addition to a tinted rear window. Some vehicle types, such as buses, vans, ambulances and the like are held to different standards of window tint, as substantiated by Georgia’s Gov. Code Ann. 32-8-64. The tinted tint on these vehicles can be 11 to 32 percent VLT.
Penalties for Unlawful Window Tint
Beyond the inconvenience of having to remove and replace the illegal tint, there are also the risk of a fine and penal consequences. Section 40-8-79.1 (b) of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated provides that a citation and fine may be issued to the owner of the vehicle or the lessee for violation of the statute by an officer authorized to enforce the laws of the state or a county or municipal police officer. A second violation within 24 months will result in a misdemeanor of a higher tier (possible imprisonment up to 60 days or a $1,000 fine) if the second violation is subject to the penalties of subsection (b) of the Section. The owner of the vehicle remains responsible for any penalty assessed for illegal tinting that occurs after leasing or renting the vehicle. There is also the possibility that the operator can be cited (up to 12 months in jail). The fines do not appear to be significant even when one considers multiple re-tinting violations. It is unlikely that criminal charges will be brought for window tint violations that occur in the same vehicle within the same 24 month period by the lessee. The law only provides for fines and misdemeanors. Criminal fines are capped at $1,000 with no minimum value and imprisonment is limited to 12 months. There is the possibility that if traffic fines are levied and go unpaid that ultimately it could cost you more than the window tint is worth.
Maintaining Compliance with Window Tint Regulations
Ensuring your window tint is legal is a simple process. First and foremost, you can stay up-to-date on the most current Georgia laws, which are easily accessible to the public on websites such as the Georgia Department of Revenue or the Georgia Department of Public Safety. Alternatively, your local or state law enforcement agencies should also have the most recent information on legal tinting levels. Whichever you choose, its best to make sure that you are getting the most up-to-date information, as legislation can change without much warning and often does .
If you are curious about your vehicle’s current window tint, the Georgia Department of Revenue offers a free website portal for citizens to submit an inquiry about their current tint levels. This is available at no cost to the user and results are received via e-mail within 24-48 hours. Of course, this process can be a hassle for vehicle owners, so if you don’t want to test the law and would rather just play it safe from the start, find a tinting service that has copies of the legislation as well as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications for various vehicles so you can make sure you are in compliance.
Taking these simple steps can help ensure that you are driving with legal window tint in Georgia.
Perks of Compliant Window Tint
Staying within the legal tint limit has multiple benefits. First is safety. Window tint that adheres to the limits prescribed by law ensures that you, as the driver, maintain full control of your vehicle at night. When you install illegal tint, you create a safety hazard for yourself and others on the road. You are also violating GA statute 40-8-73.
Second of all, installing legal window tint is a better value. Spending a little more up front to have the job done right can save you from having to spend double, triple, or even quadruple the money later to fix a legal issue caused by legal tint. Some states, such as Florida, actually make it a first degree misdemeanor with a fine of between $500-$1000 for operating a vehicle with illegal window tint.
Third, legal tint keeps your insurance premiums down. Having a tinted window that reflects back the officer that pulls you over is a red flag for any cop. So if you get pulled over repeatedly for having illegal window tint, guess what happens…they’ll most likely try to find anything they can on you. Even if they don’t, constant stop violations are sent to the DMV, which will in turn increase your insurance rates.
Reputable Window Tint Providers in Georgia
When considering window tint services in Georgia, it is essential to evaluate the service provider’s reputation, experience, and knowledge of local laws. A reliable tint shop will have certified installers and provide warranties for their products and services. Always look for customer reviews and ratings online before making a decision to ensure you are choosing a reputable business. Word of mouth and personal recommendations can also be valuable.
Before selecting a window tint service, it is a good idea to request a consultation or estimate in person . This will allow you to gauge the service provider’s professionalism and knowledge. During this process, they should be able to review your options and suggest the best product according to your needs and preferences.
Also, for your protection as a consumer, it is recommended that you utilize a tint service that has been approved by the Better Business Bureau. In addition, certified tint services usually provide a warranty on their work. A warranty is a form of protection for consumers in the event tint film begins to bubble or peel, or if the tint film does not meet the expectations outlined at the time of purchase.
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