NJ Window Tint Law: Everything You Need To Know

The topic of window tinting can be quite polarizing. While some view it as a style statement, others see it as a necessity for privacy or to protect against harmful UV rays. But when it comes to applying tint to your car’s windows in New Jersey, it’s crucial to understand and adhere to the state’s specific regulations.

This blog post aims to shed light on New Jersey’s tint law, offering insights into the permissible limits and answering commonly asked questions related to enforcement of the law.

Darkest Legal Tint in New Jersey

New Jersey has specific regulations about window tints on vehicles. As per the law, only the top six inches of the windshield can be tinted. For the front and rear windows, and the back windshield, New Jersey law does not allow any tint regardless of how light or dark it is, unless a medical exemption is granted. Any violation of these rules can result in fines and penalties.

Do Cops Care About Tint in New Jersey?

In terms of enforcement, police officers in New Jersey do care about tinted windows, as it is a matter of law enforcement and public safety. Illegal window tinting can hinder their ability to see inside a vehicle during a traffic stop or at a roadside safety check.

Consequently, it’s not uncommon for police to issue tickets for violations of the state’s window tint laws. The degree of enforcement can vary between jurisdictions and individual officers, but the general rule of thumb is that if your window tint violates the law, you’re likely to be pulled over and fined.

Specific Window Tint Restrictions in New Jersey

In New Jersey, the law specifically states that no vehicle can have any kind of tint on the front windshield, except for the top six inches, or on the front driver and passenger side windows. However, for the rear windows, there are no restrictions – they can be tinted to any degree. This is to ensure that law enforcement can clearly see the driver and passengers inside the vehicle.

Medical Exemptions for Window Tinting

In some instances, individuals with specific medical conditions that make them sensitive to sunlight can get an exemption for window tinting in New Jersey. If you have a medical condition like lupus or photosensitivity, your doctor can write a letter stating that it is necessary for you to have tinted windows. However, this letter must be carried in the vehicle at all times as proof of the medical exemption, and the tint must be clear, transparent, and colorless.

Can You Get Pulled Over for Tint in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, you can indeed get pulled over if a law enforcement officer believes that your vehicle’s window tint is too dark and potentially in violation of the law. It’s also worth noting that window tint violations can be used as a valid reason for police to initiate a traffic stop. If a police officer can’t see into your vehicle due to the tint on your windows, you might receive a fine, and you’ll likely be required to remove the tint.

Reflective and Non-Reflective Tint Restrictions

New Jersey law also addresses reflective and non-reflective tints. The law states that no person shall drive any vehicle on any public road or highway with a windshield or other windows composed of, covered by, or treated with any material which has a highly reflective or mirrored appearance. The purpose of this restriction is to avoid reflections that could potentially disrupt the driver’s vision or other road users.

Why Add a Window Tint?

Despite the strict regulations, many car owners opt to add window tint to their vehicles for various reasons. Tinted windows can provide increased privacy and security, block out harmful UV rays, reduce heat inside the car, and reduce glare from the sun or headlights from other vehicles. It can also add an aesthetic appeal to the vehicle. However, it’s important to balance these benefits with the need to comply with the local window tint laws to avoid penalties.

What Is The Rationale Behind New Jersey’s Specific Restrictions On Window Tinting?

New Jersey’s restrictions on window tinting are designed with road safety in mind. The prohibition of window tinting on the front and side windows is intended to ensure law enforcement can clearly see the occupants of a vehicle, a factor that is particularly crucial during traffic stops.

The restrictions also aim to reduce the potential of accidents caused by limited visibility due to dark or reflective tints. While these regulations might seem stringent, they aim to maintain a safer driving environment for everyone.

What Happens If You Get Pulled Over For Tint In New Jersey?

If you get pulled over for having illegal tint on your windows in New Jersey, the officer will likely issue a citation. You’ll be required to pay a fine, which can vary based on the severity of the violation and whether it’s a repeat offense. In addition, you’ll most likely be mandated to remove the illegal tint from your vehicle’s windows. Failure to comply with these instructions could result in further penalties.

What Are The Repercussions Of Repeat Violations Of The Tint Law?

Repeat violations of the tint law in New Jersey can lead to increasing fines and penalties. Furthermore, repeat offenses can also negatively affect your driving record, potentially leading to higher insurance premiums.

The vehicle could also fail its annual inspection, which would require the removal of the tint before it could pass. In extreme cases, continued non-compliance could lead to the suspension of the vehicle’s registration or even the driver’s license.

Can Window Tint Be Applied To Commercial Vehicles?

The same rules that apply to personal vehicles also apply to commercial vehicles in New Jersey. Commercial vehicles are not allowed to have any kind of tint on the front windshield, except for the top six inches, or on the front driver and passenger side windows. Commercial vehicles can, however, have tinted rear windows.

Conclusion

Understanding and adhering to New Jersey’s window tint laws is crucial for ensuring safety on the roads and avoiding fines or penalties. Whether you’re considering window tinting for privacy, aesthetic reasons, or health concerns, it’s important to balance your preferences with the need to remain within the boundaries of the law.

Always consult with a professional window tinting service to ensure that any work done on your vehicle complies with state regulations. Remember, safety should always be your first consideration when driving, for your sake and the sake of others sharing the road with you.