Window Tint Law in Illinois | What Is The Legal Tint in Illinois?

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​If you plan to get your windows tinted for your vehicle, then make sure you first get familiar with the window tint law in Illinois.

To drive safely and protect other drivers from unwanted accidents, the state of Illinois has enacted a set of rules and regulations for the security of everyone.

This post has gathered all the laws and regulations for tinted windows of a vehicle in Illinois. Make sure to read them all because there are some differences between Sedans and MPVs laws. 
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Window Tint Laws in Illinois
Whether you own a Sedan or an MPV, there are some differences that you need to be aware of before tinting your windows!

Tint Darkness For Sedans

When we talk about tint darkness, we want to ensure we are aware of a term called VLT or Visible Light Transmission. VLT means how much visible light is allowed through your vehicle's windows.

The lower the VLT, the darker the film!

The percentage of light that can pass through your tinted window in Illinois is particular for Sedan cars.​

  • Windshield: Tinting is allowed on the top six inches.
  • Front Side windows: The tint should allow more than 35% of the light in
  • Back Side windows: Tint should allow more than 35% of light to pass through
  • Rear Windows: The tint should allow more than 35% of light to pass through

Tint Darkness For MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles)

  • For the windshield, the tint should be non-reflective and on top of six inches of the windshield.
  • The tint should allow more than 50% of the light to pass through the front side windows
  • There are no strict rules for back Side Windows, so any tint darkness is acceptable.
  • Similarly, any tint darkness is permissible for Rear Window. 

Illinois Window Tint Reflection Laws

Window tint is known to reflect incoming light and reduce glare. Illinois has a specific reflection of light allowed; thus, make sure you also consider this!

Tint Reflection for Sedans

  • Front Side windows: Must be non-reflective
  • Back Side windows: Must be non-reflective

 Tint Reflection For MPVs

  • The window must be non-reflective, without a mirrored or metallic appearance from the front side.
  • The same rules apply to the Back Side Windows.

Additional Rules and Regulations Related to Legal Tint in Illinois

  • Your vehicle must have dual side mirrors if the back windows are tinted. Dual-side mirrors allow you to see more clearly on both sides.

  • If the front side windows are not tinted, then all windows behind the driver could have any percentage of tints. This rule makes the darkest tint legal in Illinois.


  • No specific stickers are required to recognize legal tinting.

  • Certificates - The window film manufacturers do not need to certify the film they sell in this state!

Frequently Asked Questions on Illinois Window Tint Law

​Is 5% Tint Legal in Illinois?

No, 5% tint is not legal in Illinois except for some particular medical reasons. If the tint is 5% dark, the tinted window only allows 5% of the light to pass through. 

Thus it rejects 95% of visible light. 5% of tinted windows are very dark and appear black even in daylight. 
 
Is 20 Percent Tint Legal in Illinois?

20% tint is not legal in Illinois. It means that your tinted window blocks 80% of light, allowing only 20% to pass through the window.

The legal tint limit in Illinois varies from vehicle to vehicle. Under some special conditions, you may use a lower percentage. However, this includes a medical exemption. 


How Much Is a Ticket for Tinted Windows in Illinois?

You can get a window tint ticket in Illinois if you don't follow the law enacted by the state.

Infringing the tint laws is a petty offense In Illinois. Your fine can vary from $100 to $500, depending on the situation. If it is your first time, the penalty could be as low as $50, but the fine would be higher if it is your second-time violation. 

If you want to stay out of trouble, follow all the rules and regulations within the legal limit of Illinois state. 

Are There Window Tint Exemptions in the state of Illinois?

Due to some medical reasons, there are window tint exemptions for people in Illinois.

  • People suffering from porphyria can go for darker window tints. These people are sensitive to sunlight or rays.

  • People suffering from inherited Xeroderma Pigmentosum are exempted from Illinois's regular window tint law. Their skin and eyes are sensitive to UV rays.
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  • Other conditions such as lupus erythematosus, disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis, or albinism, which would require that person to be shielded from the sun's direct rays, are also entitled to operate a said vehicle with tinted windows.

If you suffer from another condition affecting your skin or eyes and need a medical exemption for special tint, check with your physician!

Final Words on Tinted Windows For Illinois State

​Illinois tint laws are simple and easy to follow. From the windshield to the front or back windows, a specific VLT is allowed for every car window.

As drivers, we must make sure we choose the right tint percentage allowed for the type of vehicle we own. Whether it is a Van, SUV, or Passenger Vehicle, we must follow the state's law.

Car tinting has a stylish look and cuts the heat and glaze of the sun. But at the same time, they can also be inconvenient for drivers and officers.

It is difficult for law enforcement agencies to look into a vehicle in case of suspicion of an illegal act. It also makes it hard to recognize victims after a vehicle accident. 

It would be best if you always abode by the rules in your state regarding tinted windows to be safe and not get in trouble, as every state has different laws for auto window tinting. Knowing the Illinois law for automotive window tint can save you from many inconveniences.
References
https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/vsd704.pdf
https://iwfa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/State-Law-chart-2021.pdf​

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