Is Mirror Tint Legal on a Car?

Mirror tint

If you desire more on-road privacy, or you want to reduce the glare in your vehicle, you might be looking at using various types of tint on the windows and windshield. Mirror tint is always an option with its reflective surface. However, is mirror tint legal on a car?

In this guide, I look at the legality of mirror tint. I also discuss some of the benefits of using mirror tint and discuss some considerations to think about before installing it.

Is Mirror Tint Legal on a Car?

Mirror tinting isn’t legal on a car in every state, but there are some places where you can use it. Each state sets its own regulations on how much light needs to pass through the auto glass tint. This amount could vary based on whether you are tinting front or back windows, so it’s best to check local laws.

For example, several states have either a full or partial ban on mirror reflective auto tint. Even if mirror tint isn’t banned outright, you will need to check the laws to see how much light must pass through. If you violate local laws, you can be pulled over and will likely be given a pricey ticket.

Here is a list of the mirror tint laws we found in various states. Remember that there are different rules for front and back window tinting and that the laws can change. This information is for entertainment purposes only and you should always double check the local laws of your country by contacting the authorities.

StateMirror Tint Legality
AlabamaMax 20% Reflective
AlaskaNot Allowed
ArizonaMax 35% Reflective
ArkansasNot Allowed
CaliforniaNot Allowed
ColoradoNot Allowed
ConnecticutMax 21% Reflective
DelawareNot Allowed
FloridaMax 25% Reflective
GeorgiaMax 20% Reflective
HawaiiNot Allowed
IdahoMax 35% Reflective
IllinoisNot Allowed
IndianaMax 25% Reflective
IowaNot Allowed
KansasNot Allowed
KentuckyMax 25% Reflective
LouisianaMax 20% Reflective
MaineNot Allowed
MarylandNo Law
MassachusettsMax 35% Reflective
MichiganMax 35% Reflective
MinnesotaMax 20% Reflective
MississippiMax 20% Reflective
MissouriMax 35% Reflective
MontanaMax 35% Reflective
NebraskaMax 35% Reflective
NevadaNo Law
New HampshireNot Allowed
New JerseyNot Allowed
New MexicoNo Law
New YorkNot Allowed
North CarolinaMax 20% Reflective
North DakotaNot Allowed
OhioNot Allowed
OklahomaMax 20% Reflective
OregonMax 13% Reflective
PennsylvaniaNot Allowed
Rhode IslandNo Law
South CarolinaNot Allowed
South DakotaNot Allowed
TennesseeNot Allowed
TexasMax 25% Reflective
UtahNot Allowed
VermontNot Allowed
VirginiaMax 20% Reflective
WashingtonMax 35% Reflective
Washington D.C.No Law
West VirginiaMax 20% Reflective
WisconsinNo Law
WyomingMax 20% Reflective

RELATED: Windshield Tint – Pros, Cons, Darkness & Is it Legal? 

Benefits of Mirror Window Tint

1. Reduces Glare

If you are sensitive to the glare from sunlight or oncoming headlights, you will appreciate the reflective tint. With this film, less of the light shines through, keeping your eyes better protected.

While this glare protection has its daytime benefits with the sunshine, especially when it is shining off of snow, it’s also equally important at night. With the reflective tint on your windshield or side windows, you can squint less when there are headlights facing your car. 

2. Stylish Appearance

Tinted windows alone are quite stylish, but there’s something special about the reflective, mirror-like design. It creates a distinctive appearance that other tint types can’t replicate. 

Depending on how the sun hits the tint, it gives off a mirror-type feel, reflecting back what’s outside the window instead of showing what’s inside the car. However, there are some people that don’t appreciate the shiny appearance and would rather go with a traditional tint. 

3. Controls Heat

When it comes to any type of window tint, you can reduce sunlight, which keeps the heat at bay. However, mirror tint does an even better job of blocking out the sunlight and heat because of its reflective design.

When the heat is kept to a minimum, the air conditioning can work better. With a more efficient AC system, you will be more comfortable, even when it gets scorching hot outside. 

4. UV Protection

When you tint the windows, you cut down on how many UV rays seep through. You might even need fewer applications of sunscreen.

With the best mirror tint, you might be able to block up to 99% of UV radiation. This doesn’t just keep you from sunburn – it also helps to reduce your chances of skin cancer. 

5. Protects Upholstery

A mirror tint is going to deflect sunlight. I’ve looked at the other benefits from this above, but don’t forget what it will do to your upholstery. Instead of having the sun’s rays beating on the upholstery, it will be better protected.

Not only will you be able to spend less money on protectants, but the upholstery will remain in better condition over time. This protection allows you to get more for your vehicle when you sell it, thereby further giving you a better return on investment. 

6. Increased Safety

The mirror reflective tint keeps would-be thieves from seeing inside the car easily. For that reason, your possessions are better protected.

Additionally, putting any film on the windows makes it stronger. It becomes more difficult to break. If you are in an accident, you are better protected from shattering auto glass during the incident. 

RELATED: How to Remove Window Tint (4 Easy Methods)

Factors to Consider Before Applying Mirror Tint

1. Local Laws

Before you tint your auto glass with any type of film, you need to check your state laws. In most states, there are different laws for the back windows, front windows, and the windshield. You might need to use different tint types for each of these windows. 

If you choose to go with something darker than what’s permitted, you can expect to be pulled over. Local police don’t usually treat tinted windows with a warning, either – you will probably get a ticket and be forced to remove the tint. It’s much easier just to follow the rules from the beginning. 

2. Car Color

It’s easy to get excited about mirror tint because of how great it normally looks. However, it’s not that stylish with every car color. You want to personally consider how it’s going to match your vehicle.

If possible, get some of the tint and put it together with your car to see what it might look like. If that’s not possible, you can look up some pictures online of your color car with mirror tint to see what you think. 

3. Cost of Application

If you are looking to save some money, you might try to apply the mirror tint on your own. While this is possible, it might not produce the results you are looking for. If you don’t have a lot of experience applying window tint, you could be left with air bubbles and an unprofessional look.

Many people prefer to have the mirror tint installed by an expert. Not only does this create a better-looking appearance, but it also gives you access to higher-end materials. If you want the window tint to last as long as possible, this is a better option, but you will have to pay more. Evaluate the cost before you get started to ensure you can follow through until the end.

RELATED: How Much Does It Cost to Tint Car Windows?

Categories: Cleaning & Detailing

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