Pennsylvania's Legal Requirements for Window Tint

If you live or drive in Pennsylvania, understanding the state’s window tint rules is essential. These regulations are designed to balance privacy and comfort while keeping drivers, pedestrians, and law enforcement safe. Pennsylvania has clear standards for how dark window tint can be, depending on the type of vehicle and the window location. Knowing these limits before installing film can save you from unexpected fines or costly removals down the road.

Understanding VLT and Why It’s Important

VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission, which measures the percentage of light that passes through both the window glass and the tint film. The higher the number, the lighter the tint. For example, 70 percent VLT lets in a lot of light, while 5 percent VLT is extremely dark and offers maximum privacy.

Pennsylvania bases its tint laws on VLT. If your windows allow too little light or use a reflective coating, they may be considered illegal regardless of how new or high-quality the film is. Understanding VLT helps you choose a tint that supports visibility, avoids trouble with law enforcement, and keeps your vehicle compliant.

Legal Window Tint Limits for Sedans and Coupes in Pennsylvania

Passenger cars such as sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks follow the strictest tint rules in the state. Here are the guidelines you must follow:

Windshield

• Tint is not permitted across the full windshield.

• Only a non reflective strip at the top around 3 inches or above the AS-1 line is allowed.

Front Side Windows

• Must allow at least 70 percent VLT.

• This is a very light tint, almost clear, to maintain visibility.

Rear Side Windows

• Must also allow at least 70 percent VLT.

Rear Windshield

• Must meet the same 70 percent VLT minimum.

• If tinted, you must have dual side mirrors for proper rear visibility.

Reflective, metallic, or mirrored films are not allowed on any passenger car windows. These rules mean sedans in Pennsylvania cannot legally use dark privacy film on any window.

Pennsylvania Tint Rules for SUVs, Trucks, and Other MPVs

Multi purpose vehicles, including SUVs, minivans, vans, and trucks, have more flexibility, especially for passengers in the rear. Here is what the law allows:

Windshield

• Only the upper non-reflective strip is permitted.

Front Side Windows

• Must allow at least 70 percent VLT, just like sedans.

Rear Side Windows

• Any darkness is allowed, from light tint to full privacy.

Rear Windshield

• Any tint level is permitted, as long as the vehicle has dual side mirrors.

Reflective or mirrored tint is still prohibited. This flexibility makes dark rear tint especially popular among SUV and truck owners.

When You Can Qualify for a Medical Window Tint Exemption in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania allows a medical exemption for window film in certain circumstances. If you have a condition that makes you sensitive to light or UV rays, you may qualify for special approval from a licensed physician or optometrist. This exemption must be reviewed and validated by PennDOT’s Medical Advisory Board.

Important details:

• The exemption applies only to colorless film, not dark or shaded tint.

• You must keep the official exemption certificate in the vehicle.

• If you sell the vehicle, the film must be removed unless the new owner also qualifies.

This exemption provides extra protection for people who truly need it while maintaining overall road safety.

Fines and Consequences for Non-Compliant Tint in Pennsylvania

Tint violations in Pennsylvania can result in citations and fines, often around 110 dollars per occurrence. You may also receive what is known as a fix-it ticket, which requires you to remove the illegal tint and provide proof of correction.

Although tint is no longer checked during the annual safety inspection, law enforcement officers can issue violations at any time. In some cities, you may even receive a citation for a parked vehicle. Because enforcement varies, keeping your tint within legal limits is always the safest choice.

Quick Reference Chart for Pennsylvania Tint Regulations

Here is a simplified chart to help you quickly check what is legal in the state:

Vehicle Type	Window	Legal Tint Requirements
Passenger Cars (Sedans, Coupes, Hatchbacks)	Windshield	No tint except top 3 inch non reflective strip
	Front Side Windows	Minimum 70% VLT
	Rear Side Windows	Minimum 70% VLT
	Rear Windshield	Minimum 70% VLT. Dual mirrors required if tinted
Multi Purpose Vehicles (SUVs, Vans, Trucks)	Windshield	No tint except top 3 inch non reflective strip
	Front Side Windows	Minimum 70% VLT
	Rear Side Windows	Any darkness allowed
	Rear Windshield	Any darkness allowed. Dual mirrors required
All Vehicles	Reflective Tint	Not permitted on any window

*Remember that metallic or mirrored tint is illegal for all vehicle types.

Choosing The Right Window Tint if You Live in Pennsylvania with UPPF

Choosing a legal window tint in Pennsylvania is simple when you select a high-quality, non metallic film that meets the state’s VLT requirements. UPPF’s Manta Ceramic Window Film is a suitable choice because:

• It is non metallic and non reflective, making it fully compliant with Pennsylvania regulations.

• It offers strong heat rejection and keeps your cabin cooler.

• It blocks 99 percent of harmful UV rays to protect passengers and interiors.

• It maintains clear visibility with stable color that will not fade or bubble.

• It comes in multiple VLT options so you can meet the 70 percent requirement on front windows and choose any legal shade for rear windows on SUVs and trucks.

· Multiple VLT Options: Available in 70%, 50%, 45%, 35%, 20%, and 5% to meet your specific needs.

Explore Ceramic Window Film