Ohio Window Tint Laws (Fully Explained)

Window Tint Laws Ohio

For Ohio drivers who are considering window tinting or want to verify that their vehicle's tint complies with state regulations, understanding Ohio's window tint laws is key.

These laws define the acceptable levels of window tint darkness and reflectivity to ensure safety and visibility on the road.

This post will thoroughly explain Ohio's window tint regulations, covering how dark your tint can be, any restrictions on reflectivity, and other important legal considerations.

Whether you're looking to apply new tint to your car windows or ensuring your existing tint is within legal limits, this guide will equip you with the necessary information to navigate Ohio's window tint laws confidently.

 

What Is VLT?

Visible light transmission is the percentage of light that's allowed to pass through a car's windows through a window tint.

The higher the VLT, the more light can pass through the window tint. For instance, a film with a 75% VLT allows 75% of the light to go through, while a film with a 5% VLT allows only 5% of the light to pass through.

In each state, there are specific limitations on the amount of light that can pass through a car's windows through VLT.

Ohio Window Tint Laws

The laws in Ohio vary depending on the type of window tint and how much light can be absorbed by the windows. For instance, the law on front window tint will differ from that on back windows.

Ohio Window Tint Laws for Sedans, SUVs, and Vans

  • Front windshield: maximum of 70% of VLT is permitted
  • Front-seat side windows: maximum of 50% of VLT is permitted
  • Back-seat side windows: Any amount is permitted
  • Rear window: Any amount is permitted

Window Tint Reflection Laws Ohio

Although car window tint can reduce heat and glare by reflecting incoming light, you must be within limits to benefit from its effectiveness.

For instance, the percentage of reflectivity on the rear and front windows should stay the same.

What Is the Darkest Legal Tint?

Different states have laws prohibiting the use of TintTint that don't meet this standard. In Ohio, the window tint laws are not as stringent as those in other states.

For instance, the law in the state allows only 50 percent VLT on the front side windows. However, some states allow a free range for rear and backside windows.

In the United States, Iowa and New York are two states that have the strictest window tint laws.

In Iowa, the law allows for up to 70 percent VLT on the front side windows, while in New York, the law allows 70 percent for side windows and free-range TintTint for the back.

In contrast to Ohio, states like Florida have lower car window tint requirements.

In the state, drivers must have at least 28 percent of VLT on the front windows and 15 percent on the rear and back windows.

The Importance of Tint Laws

In addition to providing law enforcement officers with a clear view of who's inside a vehicle, window tint laws also help protect the safety of the officers.

In Ohio, law enforcers use a meter to measure and determine the level of light transmission allowed through a car's windows.

They also require vehicles to have stickers that identify the level of window tint.

Reasons for Window Tinting

Most car owners choose to install window tint due to the safety and looks it provides.

Darker windows are also more appealing to some drivers as they help prevent potential thieves from looking inside their vehicles.

In the event of a car crash, properly installed window tints can help protect the occupants and prevent them from getting scratched or broken.

With a darker seal, the windows are less likely to break, which means the occupants are less likely to get injured.

Other Ohio Window Tint Laws

In Ohio, there are a few things that you should consider before you decide to tint your windows.

Before you start the process of installing window tint, make sure that you thoroughly check the state's laws.

  • In Ohio, side mirrors are not required unless the windshield's view is obstructed.
  • All tint colors are permitted in Ohio
  • In Ohio, window tint manufacturers must follow the state's certification rules. Before buying window tint, ensure that the film you're buying is certified.
  • In Ohio, a certified sticker is required between the glass and the film when installing window tint.
  • In Ohio, there are no medical exemptions for particular requirements regarding window tint.

Ohio Window Tint Medical Exemption

The State of Ohio does not allow medical exemptions for people who want to tint their windows to provide a more natural and darker tint.

If you would like to appeal this, you can contact the State Representative.

Is 5 or 20% Tint Legal in Ohio?

In Ohio, it's not allowed to tint a car's windows if the light transmittance value is less than 50%. And there are no medical exemptions to this law.

Types of Car Window Tints

1. Dyed Window Tint

This type of window tint with a layer of glue and dye inside it can enhance the appearance of a car. It can also help people lower their expenses. It is relatively inexpensive to procure.

2. Hybrid Window Tint

The hybrid film used for window tint comprises dye and metalized components, effectively blocking harmful ultraviolet rays and heat.

It can also endure various activities. If you are looking for an incredibly resilient window tint, this is the choice for you.

3. Metallized Window Tint

The particles used for the metalized window tint are made up of metallic elements, which makes it incredibly dense.

This type of Tint is ideal for people who want to avoid the appearance of discoloration and fading.

How to Remove Window Tint from Cars

Using a Steamer

To remove the Tint, roll the window down slightly and make sure that the top surface is visible.

Using a steamer two inches away, steam the outer surface of the window to get rid of the adhesive.

Doing this will help speed up the dissolution process of the adhesive.

After steaming the window, carefully lift it using a sharp object to remove the corners. If there are no easy edges, additional steam should be applied to loosen the adhesive residue.

Using your hands, carefully remove the outer surface of the window tint. Continue steaming the Tint in areas that are still sticky.

Using Ammonia or Soap and Water

To protect your vehicle's interior from the effects of ammonia, you can use plastic sheets or garbage bags.

Make sure that the bags fit the windows by cutting them into pieces. You can also use soap and water to help the bags stick.

Make sure that the windows are completely covered in ammonia. Using the garbage bags, cover the windows for about an hour.

Sharp objects are used to remove the window tint carefully. After carefully lifting the outer surface of the film, use the blade to get the stuck parts.

Using a Hair Dryer

Although a hair dryer is an effective tool for removing the window tint's adhesive residue, it can take patience to get the job done. Roll it down slightly to ensure that the car's window's top surface is visible.

To get the most out of the hair dryer, run it over one of the corners of the window tint to remove the adhesive.

As you peel the window tint, run the hair dryer over it to get the most out of the adhesive. Doing so will allow you to remove the film easily.

Average Cost for Car Window Tint

Non-reflective car window tint can cost around $100 to $400, though the price can go much higher for better quality films, such as ceramic or special ones.

The cost of car window tint can vary depending on the type of film used. The quality of these films has improved due to advancements in technology.

The price of car window tint can also vary depending on the film's heat rejection.

Other factors, such as the size of windows and the number, are additionally taken into account to come up with an estimate.

Compared to dye films, ceramic films are known to cost more. This is because of their high quality and their unique technology. Compared to dye films, ceramic films offer better longevity.

One of the best types of car window tints is ceramic film. Unlike other types of films, this one does not contain dye or metal. It also doesn't obstruct radio and GPS signals.

When choosing car window tint, you should consider its safety, as well as the interior temperature.

This type of film can help prevent your vehicle from getting damaged or even getting involved in an accident.

Another advantage of ceramic film is it can block the sun's heat, which makes it one of the top car window tint products recommended by some.