In New England, the summers can get rather hot and sunny. That’s why it’s not uncommon to see many cars with tinted windows in Rhode Island. This is done to make driving comfortable and to keep the car cool.
Car window tints can also help preserve the interior of your car from damaging UV rays. If you want to tint the windows of your vehicle, there are rules and regulations mandated by the state that must be followed.
And, if you’re wondering what the Rhode Island tint laws are in this post, we’ll give you a complete lowdown on what’s legal and what’s not.
Is Window Tint Legal in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island tint laws were introduced in 2000. It is legal to have your car’s window tinted in the state, but there are certain rules and regulations specified by the Rhode Island tint law that you must follow.
The tint laws in the state are subject to being updated at any time and so it may be a good idea to know the current laws because window tint violations in Rhode Island can end up costing you hundreds of dollars.
One of the major criteria to consider when buying window tint film for your vehicle in Rhode Island is the VLT (visible light transmission) of the film.
Find below the permissible VLT and reflectiveness of the window tint film permitted by the state.
Permitted Window Tint Darkness
When choosing a window tint film, the most important parameter to keep in mind is the VLT, which is essentially the measure of light that can penetrate your car.
For example, a window that is not tinted has 100% VLT, whereas a completely blacked-out window will have 0% VLT because light cannot pass through it.
Sedans
Windshield: You can have a non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line
Driver-side windows: Should let in over 70% light
Passenger-side windows: Should let in over 70% light
Rear window: Should let in over 70% light
SUVs and Vans
Windshield: Allowed to have a non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line
Driver-side windows: Should allow for more than 70% light
Passenger-side windows: Should allow for more than 70% light
Rear window: Tint of any darkness is permitted
Acceptable Tint Reflection
Apart from preventing the light from entering the vehicle (VLT or tint darkness), window tints also help to reflect the incoming light, which in turn, helps to reduce the heat and glare.
This is known as tint reflection. And, depending on the type of tint and vehicle, Rhode Island’s tint laws allow for a certain level of tint reflection.
Below are the permissible window tint reflection levels allowed by the Rhode Island tint laws for different types of vehicles.
Sedans
Windshield: No reflective tint allowed
Driver-side windows: No tint reflection restrictions
Passenger-side windows: No tint reflection restrictions
Rear window: No tint reflection restrictions
SUVs and Vans
Windshield: No reflective tint allowed
Driver-side windows: No reflection restrictions specified
Passenger-side windows: No reflection restrictions specified
Rear window: No reflection restrictions specified
Other Tint Rules You Need to Know
- Unlike other states, there are no rules that connect the use of window tint to side mirrors.
- There are no restrictions on window tint colors.
- There is no requirement for window film manufacturers to certify the tint film sold in the state by them.
- The driver of the vehicle does not need to display a sticker to identify legal window tinting.
- The state permits medical exemptions for the use of a special tint.
- In Rhode Island, vehicle window tint violations are considered misdemeanors and can cost up to $250 per offense.
State of Rhode Island Info
Officially known as the State of Rhode Island, Rhode Island is located in the New England region and is the smallest state in the US in terms of area.
Also popularly known by its nickname, “The Ocean State”, Rhode Island has many bays and inlets that comprise around 14% of its area.
The state is situated along the beautiful Atlantic Ocean coast. Only around 48 miles long and around 36 miles wide, with its stunning beaches, national parks, history, art and culture, is a popular tourist destination.
Population: 1.09 million
Capital: Providence
Registered vehicles: 866,625
Total lane miles: 12,664
Number of highways: 8
Tint law references: Rhode Island General Laws
Medical exemption info: Medical Exemption Application