What does each tint percentage actually look like?
VLT is the percent of visible light that passes through the window. Lower is darker. Slide through the common percentages, then check your state's legal minimum before you book.
The most common pick. 35% of visible light passes through; 65% is blocked.
- Heat rejection depends on the film, not the shade: a 70% ceramic film can reject more heat than a 20% dyed film.
- Legal minimums differ by state and by window. Check yours before you pick.
Questions people ask
What does 35% tint look like?
Noticeably darker than factory glass but you can still see the driver in daylight. It is the most common choice for front side windows where legal.
Is 5% tint legal?
On front side windows almost never. Several states allow it on rear side and back windows, sometimes only with dual side mirrors. Check your state.
Does a darker tint reject more heat?
Not necessarily. Heat rejection comes from the film technology. A 70% ceramic film can block more infrared heat than a 20% dyed film.
Does factory glass already have tint?
Most factory glass transmits 70 to 80% of light, and rear privacy glass on SUVs is often about 20%. Film stacks on top, so the final VLT is lower than the film rating.
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