I noticed that our RDX came with tinted rear windows and I like that a lot. I would like to do the same tint for my other cars. Does anyone know what is the percentage of the tint? Thanks.

 

There are different rules in every state for different types of vehicles, so a factory tinted SUV may actually be darker than a sedan and still be considered "legal".

The rear tint must be in the 50% range to be in compliance with every state, but you'll want to verify that with a tint shop (they have a tint meter).

In addition, most laws are "net" so you'll need to calculate the tint of the original window. "Clear" windows on cars are in the 85-88% range. Accordingly, if you had a window that measured 88% and you added a 50% tint, then you would be 42-44% (the addition of a layer actually decreases light transmission as well, so you'd lose another couple of %. If your state had a 50% law then your car would not be in compliance.

That said, aside from state inspections (if your state checks tint), it is unlikely that you would be stopped for having "technically darker" tint - so the 44% in a 50% state would probably cause no issues because the difference isn't readily visible.

Remember also that tint looks darker or lighter depending on the covered area and the color of the car. Tint looks darker on light cars.

If your goal is heat and UV rejection, then you can get superior performance from a light (60-70%) ceramic tint that won't scream "look at me, I wanna be a drug dealer".

 

For NM, 35% is the most for the front windows while the rears can do around 20% (factory tint). I've heard of stories of folks getting a ticket for have tint too dark for the front; but, not getting pulled over specifically just for that. Usually a speeding ticket and the driver acts like a A-hole and get the extra ticket. Make sure you roll down both front windows if you get pulled over with out of spec tint. 35% is plenty dark and it matches fairly close to the factory tint on my RDX and MDX. Anything darker might limit visibility at night and make cops real nervous when pulling you over.

 

Thanks guys. My goal is heat and UV reflection and not to make cops nervous. But also I would like to keep some stuff like ladies handbag etc inside the car when parked without making it too obvious.

 

3M Crystalline the "gold" standard in tint film. Or, Formula One Pinnacle (ceramic). If you check the BMW and Tesla forums these two most popular along with Huber. But Huber is too thick to go on a curved window and some door windows.


I'm going with the Formula One pinnacle next week. 50 on front and rear side windows. None on the rear and sun roof.


Doing the windshield in Formula Air 80. Air 80 is a close to clear ceramic tint that you can not tell from a factory stock window. Not legal in my state. But with the 50 on my side windows my vehicle will look very close to stock and should not attract attention from the tint cops. Just in case, I have a letter from a eye doctor. Total price.... $350 in FL.

 

some states such as Virginia have a medical authorization to have darker tint and still be legal with a doctors authorization of course.

Click Here
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

 

I'm not looking for a dark Gangster tint. I know that I'm cool. My GQ modeling days are over.


I just want to stop the hot Florida sun and still be able to see at night. I now have old eyes. The ceramic tints can be almost clear and give more sun protection than a cheaper much darker dyed tint.

 

Thanks for the updates. The ceramic sounds good to me. Do they mess with any upholstery / remove any door interior cladding / plastics, etc while installing them on the rear glass / doors?

 

There are multiple issues with getting the windshield tinted (aside from the fact that ANY amount of tint is illegal in every state) because it is nearly impossible to install properly, impossible to keep clean and it will cause distortions

Yep, but just because it may be possible to get an exemption doesn't mean you should.

That exemption won't keep a cop from pulling you over because the tint is too dark - it'll just keep you from getting a ticket for that. But while I've got you stopped, you failed to signal 200 yards before your last lane change - it was about 150. Uhhhh, mind if I search your car or should we wait for the dog?

 

Yes and no. It depends on the car. On some, they need to install moleskin on the window wipes to keep from scratching the tint and they may need to remove the rear deck (TSX) if you want to (illegally) tint your third brake light - you might want to do that if you have a light colored interior.

 

I would stay away from Huper Optic ceramic on the RDX. Its great tint material but it does not match the rear window color, and reflective sheen. I have the Huper tint and probably going to re-do it with another material.