Tinting your windows is a great way to protect your car’s interior from fading, warping, and cracking. It also protects your upholstery by filtering out harmful UV rays.
Most importantly, lightly tinted windshields do an excellent job at blocking glare from oncoming traffic which helps to reduce eye fatigue.
Despite the advantages, the use of window tint in Vermont is regulated by law. This has to do with the amount of privacy this upgrade affords.
Find everything you need to know about tint laws in Vermont in this guide.
Is Window Tint Legal in Vermont?
Instituted in 1984, the Vermont tint law stipulates the rules of how dark or reflective your vehicle’s window tint should be.
This can be especially useful to know if you are planning to purchase a car with tinted windows or planning to get the windows of your current car tinted.
Permitted Window Tint Darkness in Vermont
So what is the permitted window tint darkness level in Vermont? Tint darkness is calculated as a percentage, with the help of a unit called VLT or the visible light transmission percentage.
VLT indicates the amount of light that can pass through any given medium — tint film in this case. The lower the VLT, the darker the window tint will be and the higher the VLT, the more light that can penetrate via the vehicle’s windows.
Below are the VLT details for various types of vehicles in Vermont.
Sedans
Windshield: You can have a non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line
Driver-side windows: Legally, no tint can be applied to the window
Passenger-side windows: Legally, no tint can be applied to the window
Rear window: Tint of any darkness can be used
SUVs and Vans
Windshield: A non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line is allowed
Driver-side windows: No tint is permitted to be applied to this window
Passenger-side windows: No tint is permitted to be applied to this window
Rear window: You can use a tint of any darkness
Tint Reflection
Often, vehicle window tints also have a metallic or mirrored appearance that helps to reflect the oncoming headlights or sunlight. This helps to reduce the glare falling into the driver’s eyes and also helps to block the heat.
When you consider tint reflection vs tint darkness of a tint film, both are quite different. Tint darkness is the amount of light that the film allows to pass through it. On the other hand, tint reflection is the amount of light that is reflected by the film.
Vermont does not permit the use of reflective window tint film.
Other Tint Rules You Need to Know
Some of the other tint rules that are important to know include:
- If the back windows of the vehicle are tinted, then dual-side mirrors are required.
- The state does not restrict the use of any tint colors.
- Window tint film manufacturers need not certify the tint film they sell in Vermont.
- The tint law in Vermont does not require a sticker to identify legal tinting.
- The state allows medical exemptions for the use of a darker tint.
State of Vermont Info
Situated in the New England region of the U.S., Vermont is the only state in New England that is not bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.
Vermont was discovered way back in the 1500s and was originally one of the 13 colonies. The area has been inhabited by indigenous people for over 12,000 years.
Vermont is the major producer of maple syrup in the country and is known for its stunning autumn foliage, ski resorts, cheese trails and craft beer.
Population: 647,378
Capital: Montpelier
Registered vehicles: 607,890
Total lane miles: 29,273
Number of highways: 5
Tint law references: Vermont Statutes
Medical exemption info: Medical Exemption Application