Overview of Window Tint Laws in Georgia
Georgia is stringent about the limits of window tint. Our laws specifically control the level of darkness you can legally have in your car and prohibit window tint for some car types.
Most people think of window tint in terms of how it looks, but our laws dictate levels of tint, also known as visible light transmittance (VLT). Georgia state law sets the tint limit for the driver’s and passenger’s front windows at 32 percent. The tint limit for other windows is 35 percent.
These percentages mean that the tint doesn’t block more than 32 or 35 percent of light respectively from passing through. These percentages create a dark tint that is a dull color, not the shiny shade tint found in popular aftermarket products. Instead tinted windows in Georgia have a matte fabric appearance.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, however. The tint limit for the rear side windows of sport utility vehicles and vans is 6 percent. In addition, non-reflective film coloration is permitted above the AS-1 line or above the manufacturer’s brand name. The AS-1 line is the colored line that runs parallel to the windshield weather strip on the front window or between the visor and weather strip.
In Georgia, reflectivity is prohibited for front side windows, front windshields, and rear windshields. This means reflective tint cannot be placed on the windshield, as well as the driver’s, passenger’s, and rear side windows. All manufacturers’ tint is prohibited as well.
State laws are vague and don’t list precise measurements for tint and reflectivity. They are broad, meaning in areas where there are police forces, such as North Georgia, officers have set ways of telling whether window tint is too dark. Usually, officers decide whether window tint is too dark if it appears that the occupant of the car can’t be seen from the outside, both day and night.
Since law enforcement officers tend to be given a lot of leeway in these matters, occasionally they will tell a driver that they must drive their vehicle to a restaurant parking lot for an officer to check the tint strength before allowing them to leave. As can be imagined, there are issues with this kind of scenario .
In Georgia, law enforcement officers often stop vehicles with window tint that appears too dark and pulls them over. Drivers are then told that they need to have their vehicle inspected for legal tint strength. Officers often require drivers to pull into a parking lot or shopping center lot immediately following the stop, deeming it a "fix-it ticket." If a driver refuses, or if it is after business hours on a weekend, they are told they face misdemeanor charges. This leads to years of legal battles, often with the State Patrol or county officers insisting that the tint strength be checked with the Magna-Tech tint meter. The tinted windows must not measure anything less than 32 percent VLT in the front mirrors and 35 percent in the rear. Often officers will give drivers erroneous tint readings, leading to more time spent fighting the charge in court.
Some in law enforcement say that Georgia does not require a Magna-Tech tint meter and that any device that accurately measures the tint on a window is satisfactory. This leads to inconsistent policies between state and local law enforcement, which may require different equipment to be used on the same day. Some agencies, like North Fulton County, use tint meters that read percentages lower than those listed above. There is no consistent directive and drivers have been told that they would only pass the test if they drive to the specific measurements of 32 percent and 35 percent markings.
What this means for Georgians is that the current situation is not ideal. Drivers with tinted windows are being inconvenienced and subjected to unnecessary strains on their time and wallets. Drivers must carry a copy of the windshield law in their glove compartment so they can show it to any officer for clarification. The Magna-Tech machines in a number of places are not accurate, therefore they waste a lot of time because of mistakes.
Although these tint rules are rare among jurisdictions, they are a response to safety and security issues that law enforcement forces face. This policy helps officers patrol our roadways effectively and consistently. Improvements in electronics technology have made these measurements easier without as much confusion.
Percentage of Tint Allowed
Georgia has restrictions on the percent of allowable tint on the different types and locations of car windows. The law in Georgia forbids tint darker than 32% with no more than 20% reflectiveness to be used on the windshield. This law allows for tint on the windshield above the AS-1 line or the top 5 inches of the windshield, whichever is longer. For passenger vehicles, tint with no more than 32% reflectiveness is allowed on front side windows while no restrictions are placed on the back side windows. On SUVs and vans, no restrictions are placed on the passenger side windows and the rear window. However, the film must be certified by the manufacturer. The law allows a vehicle to have a sticker showing acceptable tint certification or an arm band as evidence of being legally tinted. There are no restrictions on the use of clear coating or film designed to reflect light, provided it is bonded to the window glass. Note that these rules apply to all cars, vans, trucks, and SUV’s. The percentage of tint is measured by the amount of light transmitted through the window film and into the vehicle.
Exemptions and Exceptions
Exceptions and exemptions for legal window tint in Georgia are very strict in that they apply only to specific medical conditions or circumstances. A few of the most commonly accepted exceptions for tint exemptions are as follows:
Georgia specifically provides for exemptions to tint for certain medical conditions and other justifications in O.C.G.A. 40-8-73.1(b). These exemptions must be documented via the issuance of a Certificate of Exemption, which we’ll take a closer look at in the next section. For now, let’s take a look at the specific conditions for which the State has made exemptions to the standard window film rules:
While the exemptions above are fairly limited, an exception not covered in OCGA 40-8-73.1(b) is applicable for any tinted window that has been certified as part of the vehicle manufacturers original equipment or is to be included in an assembly line production which will manufacture vehicles in which that tint will be applied.
These exemptions are not without limitations or precautions. The tint applied must not have a light transmittance of less than 43 percent except as provided for above. In other words, while the tint can have a high VLT of 60% to 70% VLT, it cannot be any darker than 35% VLT. Second, the exemption should not exceed 31.5 centimeters or 12.4 inches in the vertical dimension below the AS-1 Line or an equivalent line. As above, the exemption applies to no more than 25% of the height of the windshield.
While not specifically enumerated in the law, most tint shops will require a visible light transmission (VLT) histogram chart to verify that it does in fact comply with the 43 percent allowable tint and the documentation to support the need for the exception or exemption.
Georgia also requires certification from DOT of window film to be used to exempt windows which are not at least 43% VLT. The Certificate of Exemption must state: "Certificate of Exemption from Georgia Restriction on Window Tint: O.C.G.A. 40-8-73.1(c). The tinted window meets FMVSS 205 requirements."
Penalties for Violations
Enforcement of Georgia’s window tint law comes once a year, on average. Georgia has no statewide program to issue tickets for window tint, and when the fine for violating the law gets raised courts across the state stopped writing tickets.
The Standard for window tint is a driver’s side window that is no more than 32% tinted, and a passenger’s side window that is no more than 20%. The penalty for violating this law is a fine of $15.00 and court costs.
The only court costs currently available are a $4.00 technology fee, a $15.00 surcharge that goes towards the state government, and a $10.00 court improvement fee. So let’s add this up, the $15.00 for tint, the $4.00 for the technology fee, and the $25 surcharge for the state, and the total fines you pay if you are pulled over for tinted windows would be $54 for a violation.
But wait, there’s more! You have to add in the court improvement fee as well. For most courts that will be no less than $10.00 , bringing your total for a violation of window tint laws to around $64.00.
Of course the ticket also carries any additional penalties that come with getting a ticket.
After the ticket has been received the driver will have to appear in traffic court to pay the ticket. Many judges will allow an individual to demonstrate their compliance with window tint laws at the time of court, under the condition that they provide adequate proof of the windshield tint.
If the individual can prove their windshield tint compliance at the time of court, most judges will dismiss the ticket. However, some observing judges may maintain a streak of ticket morality through their courtroom, and dismissing such a charge only sends the wrong message. More and more judges are maintaining a no tolerance policy for window tint violations. (See case law below).
11-1-13. Distribution of products; limitation on amount. (a) No manufacturer or distributor shall distribute or sell any product, including window tint, which: (1) Causes the vision of the driver to be obstructed; or (2) Causes a violation of Code Section 40-8-73.1, relating to prohibited window tinting.
Guidelines for Selecting Legal Tints
When it comes to choosing window tints that comply with Georgia’s regulations, there are some practical steps vehicle owners can take to ensure their tints are legal while still adding the desired amount of privacy and insulation. Here are some tips:
- Always purchase window tinting products from reputable and established retailers. Buying from unknown brands or sellers may increase the chances of having illegal window tinting.
- Consult with government agencies. The Georgia Department of Revenue Vehicle Registration and Titling covers restrictions for windows and the law enforcement agency in the vehicle owner’s county can provide additional information.
- Look at window tint ratings. In general, window tint stickers will contain markings that reflect the product’s level of tint and whether or not it meets local requirements. Tints with such markings may contain details such as:
• The brand name of the manufacturer;
• The model number of the product;
• The visible light transmission percent and reflection percent;
• The model names of applicable window tint products;
• The name or logo of a recognized testing authority; and
• The logo of the national window film association.
4. Choose window covers that have been tested and certified previously. Aside from standard tinting products, some manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers of window covered products can apply for applicable certifications. Filming and tinting materials already certified by the International Window Film Association are accepted in Georgia and all 50 states.
5. Have window tints professionally installed. Some brands advertise themselves as "do-it-yourself", but choosing professional installation helps eliminate any concerns about whether the tint passes through the normal checks performed by law enforcement regarding tint levels.
Questions & Answers
Window Film FAQs
These are common questions that car, truck or SUV owners have about Georgia window tint laws:
Q. I had a 2% tint on my windows. Is there any way of knowing how much window tint my new windows have?
A. Yes. A light meter is used to check the tint on your window film. An experienced installer that is familiar with Georgia’s laws uses this tool to check the light, so you know if you are in compliance. The light meter should be able to be purchased for around $50 dollars.
Q. What if I don’t pass inspection with the new window tint?
A. You will have to remove the tint or have it redone to pass state inspection. The cost for removal and replacement varies by location.
Q. How do I know if any of my windows are in compliance with Georgia window tint law?
A . Most of the time when we do inspections at Drive Safe Auto Glass/Windshields the rear window past inspection but the front driver and passenger windows need to be redone to pass Georgia law. We recommend giving us a call to set up an appointment to have us check your window tint.
Q. How do I know if I still have the legal amount of tint on my windows?
A. We provide lifetime warranty on all tint we apply at Drive Safe Auto Glass/Windshields. However, you might want to call to get your windows checked anyhow.
Q. If my rear window is tinted can I have a different tint on the front windows?
A. No. Your whole vehicle must be the same percentage all the way around. Most states laws require tint to be install the same way.