As you prepare to hit the roads of Alabama, you’re probably wondering what window tinting laws you need to follow. You’re not alone – many drivers are unclear about the rules, and non-compliance can lead to serious consequences.
Here’s what you need to know: Alabama’s laws dictate that your windows must allow at least 32% of visible light to pass through, with some exceptions for the front windshield. But that’s just the beginning – there are also rules about reflective material, certification, and even medical exemptions. What else do you need to know to stay on the right side of the law?
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Alabama Window Tinting Regulations
When driving through Alabama, your vehicle’s windows must comply with the state’s strict window tinting regulations.
Alabama window tint laws require that all windows, except the upper six inches of the front windshield, allow at least 32% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) with a 3% tolerance.
The reflective material on your windows may not reflect more than 20% of light.
Alabama Window Tinting law permits medical exemptions for certain medical conditions, which require certification from a physician.
Compliance stickers are required on all tinted windows, and stickers must be affixed by a tinting dealer to certify compliance with the state’s window tinting law.
Automotive Window Tint Simulator
Move the slider above to see how dark the tint will look. Usually, the actual tint will appear with 0-5% variation than what you see here.
Window Tint Darkness and Reflection
Across Alabama’s roads, the darkness and reflection of window tint play a crucial role in determining compliance with the state’s regulations.
As you consider getting your windows tinted, it’s essential to understand the rules governing window tint darkness and reflection.
- On your front windshield, the top 6 inches can have non-reflective tint, but the rest must allow more than 87% of visible light transmission.
- Your front side windows must allow more than 32% of light transmission, guaranteeing you can see other drivers and pedestrians clearly.
- The back side windows and rear window of sedans must also allow more than 32% of light transmission, but SUVs and vans have more flexibility.
- The reflective material on your windows can’t reflect more than 20% of light, preventing glare that could obstruct your view or others on the road.
- Manufacturers must certify their film to guarantee compliance with Alabama’s window tint law, so be sure to check for certification before making a purchase.
Medical Exemptions and Waivers
You may be eligible for a medical exemption from window tinting laws if you have a medical condition that requires you to limit your exposure to sunlight.
A medical exemption allows you to install window tints with a lower visible light transmission (VLT) than what’s normally permitted.
To obtain an exemption, you’ll need to provide certification from a licensed medical professional stating your condition and the specific tint requirements necessary to alleviate your symptoms.
Medical Exemptions Defined
Several states offer medical exemptions, allowing individuals with specific health conditions to tint their windows beyond the standard limits.
If you have a medical condition that requires a darker window tint, you may be eligible for a medical exemption under Alabama tinting laws. This exemption may be issued if you have a medical condition that requires a certain level of visible light to be blocked from entering your vehicle.
You may qualify for a medical exemption if you have one of the following conditions:
- Photophobia or severe sensitivity to light
- Melanoma or other skin cancers
- Lupus or other autoimmune disorders
- Albinism or other pigmentation disorders
- Inherited porphyria or other genetic disorders
Certification Requirements
Your doctor’s diagnosis is just the first step in obtaining a medical exemption for window tinting in Alabama. To certify, you’ll need to verify the film you use meets the state’s requirements. The material must have a visible sticker or label from the manufacturer, indicating it complies with Alabama’s laws. The sticker should be affixed to the driver’s side window, stating the film’s VLT (Visible Light Transmission) percentage.
| Certification Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer’s Sticker/Label | Must be affixed to driver’s side window |
| VLT Percentage | Must be indicated on the sticker/label |
| Material Compliance | Must comply with Alabama’s window tinting laws |
| Glass Application | Film must be applied to the glass correctly
Compliance and Certification Stickers
When getting your vehicle’s windows tinted in Alabama, you’ll need to guarantee the installer affixes a visible sticker or label of compliance, which serves as proof that the tint meets the state’s visibility and reflectivity standards.
This sticker is required for all vehicles registered in the state and helps enforce the window tinting law.
You should verify that the sticker is properly displayed, as failure to do so can result in penalties or fines.
Sticker Requirements Explained
How do you guarantee your window tinting installation meets legal requirements?
One vital aspect is complying with Alabama’s sticker requirements.
To verify your tint job is legal, you need to display a visible sticker or label on the driver’s side window that indicates the tint’s Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage.
The key sticker requirements:
- The sticker or label must be affixed by a tinting professional or the manufacturer.
- The manufacturer determines the material applied to the sticker or label.
- The sticker or label must be certified to comply with Alabama’s window tinting laws.
- The sticker or label must be visible and easily readable.
- The sticker or label must display the VLT percentage to verify compliance with Alabama’s regulations.
Visible Compliance Labels
Alabama’s window tinting regulations emphasize the importance of Visible Compliance Labels, also known as Compliance and Certification Stickers, which serve as tangible proof of a tint job’s legality.
As a vehicle owner in the State of Alabama, you must guarantee that your window tint meets the state’s regulations, including the allowed Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage.
A compliance sticker, affixed by a tinting dealer, is required for all vehicles registered in Alabama to certify compliance with the state’s window tinting law.
This sticker/label proves that the window tinting meets the state’s regulations, and manufacturers must also certify the film they sell in the state, often indicated on the compliance sticker.
Failure to display a compliance sticker can result in fines and penalties for non-compliance.
Certified Dealer Applications
To become a certified dealer, you’ll need to apply for a Compliance and Certification Sticker, which is a crucial step in guaranteeing your tinting business meets Alabama’s window tinting regulations.
This sticker/label serves as proof that your business conforms to the state’s window tint rules and regulations.
- You’ll need to display a visible sticker/label of compliance on all vehicles with tinting, including new and existing installations.
- The compliance sticker/label certifies that the window tinting meets Alabama’s window tinting law and guidelines.
- Failure to display a compliance sticker/label can result in fines and penalties for non-compliance.
- As a certified dealer, you’ll need to guarantee all tinting installations meet Alabama’s window tinting regulations.
- By obtaining a Compliance and Certification Sticker, you’ll demonstrate your commitment to compliance and customer satisfaction.
Vehicle-Specific Tinting Laws
In regards to window tinting laws in Alabama, different types of vehicles are subject to specific regulations.
As a car owner, you should know that passenger cars and station wagons can have a non-reflective tint on the top six inches of the front windshield, but all other windows must allow at least 32% light transmission with a 3% tolerance.
Multi-purpose passenger and recreational vehicles have similar front windshield and front seat window restrictions, but permit darker tinting on windows behind the driver as allowed by the vehicle manufacturer.
Additionally, Alabama allows medical exemptions for certain medical conditions, requiring certification from a physician and issued with conditions and limitations prescribed by the Department of Public Safety.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Upon being found guilty of violating Alabama’s window tinting laws, you’ll face penalties that escalate with each subsequent offense.
A first conviction can trigger a $100 fine, 10 days in jail, or both.
A second conviction can lead to a $200 penalty and an entire month in prison.
Third and any subsequent window tinting violations can see the offender fined $300 and imprisoned for up to three months.
Police officers in Alabama will often let non-criminal offenders go with a warning after a first window tint offense, but this isn’t always the case.
Failure to comply with the laws can result in a fix-it ticket, giving you a chance to correct your window tint and avoid harsher penalties.
Additional Tinting Rules and Exceptions
While traversing Alabama’s window tinting laws, you’ll encounter specific exemptions and exceptions that can help you avoid penalties.
For instance, adjustable sun visors mounted forward of the side windows and not attached to the glass are exempt from window tinting laws. Additionally, signs, stickers, or other matter displayed in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the front or rear windshield are also exempt.
Other exempt items include direction, destination, or termination signs on passenger common carrier motor vehicles, transparent items on the uppermost six inches of the windshield, and federal, state, or local stickers or certificates required by law.
These exemptions allow for certain flexibility in window tint regulations, but it’s essential to understand the rules to guarantee your vehicle’s window tint is legal and to certify that it complies with all applicable laws.
