what is the legal tint in arkansas

Natashya

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05-02-2025

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Arkansas law regulates window tint for all vehicles, aiming to balance safety and driver visibility with personal preferences. Understanding these regulations is crucial to avoid fines and ensure legal compliance. This guide will clarify Arkansas's window tinting laws.

Arkansas Window Tint Laws: A Comprehensive Overview

Arkansas's window tint laws primarily focus on the percentage of visible light transmission (VLT). VLT measures how much light can pass through the window tint. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint.

Front Windshield: The Arkansas law is quite restrictive when it comes to the front windshield. No tint is permitted on the front windshield except for a small strip at the very top. This strip is usually limited to a height of 5 inches.

Front Side Windows: The front side windows (driver and passenger) must allow at least 25% of light to pass through. This means a maximum tint of 75% is allowed. This is a fairly common percentage among other states.

Back Side Windows and Rear Windshield: For the back side windows and the rear windshield, there are no restrictions on the tint percentage. You can install as dark a tint as you desire on these windows.

Additional Requirements:

• Reflectance: Arkansas law doesn't specifically address the percentage of light reflected by the tint. However, it's advisable to avoid excessively reflective tints, which can impair visibility for other drivers.
• Color: The law doesn't specify tint color. However, tints that significantly impair visibility (such as mirrored tints) are generally illegal. A law enforcement officer has the discretion to make a call.
• Sticker: No special sticker or certificate is generally required to prove legal compliance. However, it's always a good idea to keep your tint installation paperwork in your car.

Measuring Your Window Tint

You might want to ensure that your tint complies with the law. Several methods exist:

• Professional Measurement: Auto detailing shops or window tinting businesses often offer VLT measurements. This is a precise and reliable method.
• DIY Meter: You can purchase a VLT meter online. These meters vary in accuracy, but provide a reasonable estimate.

Remember that even with a VLT meter, it's always subject to interpretation from law enforcement.

Exceptions to Arkansas Tint Laws

Certain exceptions may apply, particularly for medical reasons. Individuals with medical conditions that require reduced light exposure might be eligible for a waiver or exemption. You would need to provide documentation from a physician to support such a claim. Always confirm this with the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Penalties for Illegal Window Tint

Driving a vehicle with illegal window tint in Arkansas results in a citation. The penalties typically involve fines and potentially the need to remove the illegal tint before legal issues can be resolved.

Staying Compliant with Arkansas Tint Laws

To avoid legal trouble, ensure your vehicle's window tint adheres to the state's regulations. It's advisable to have your tint professionally installed to minimize the risk of non-compliance. If you're unsure, it’s always recommended to err on the side of caution and opt for a lighter tint. Remember that law enforcement officers have the final say in determining whether a tint complies with state regulations.

This information is for guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always refer to the most current Arkansas state statutes and consult with legal professionals for specific legal advice.