Experts on Illinois Window Tinting Laws

In 2009, the State of Illinois passed bill HB3325, which allows both front and rear car window tinting on all passenger vehicles. This does include SUVs and MPVs, but they have a different percentage allowable under the state law. It also allows limited window tinting on the front doors, while the old law allowed for no window films on front driver and passenger doors.

Let me give you a brief overview for those who are not sure of the tint shades. Most film manufacturers classify their films by the amount of light that is allowed through the films. For example, a 5% “Limo” tint keeps out 95% of the light. Generally, the smaller the number, the darker the film. The most common film “shades” are as follows: 50%, 35%, 30%, 20%, 15%, and 5%.

Next, understand that the “clear glass” in all of our vehicles (those without the privacy glass) does actually have some “tint” in the glass. In understanding the new law, you must factor in this slight tint of the glass along with the tinted film to get a total darkness or tint level. For example, a 35% film PLUS the “tinted glass” actually equals 30% overall darkness when measured with a glass meter.

Unlike the old Illinois law that allowed any darkness behind the front doors but allowed for no film on the front driver and passenger door glass, the new Illinois tinting law allows film on the front doors with limits.

The Illinois tinting options are as follows:

  • OPTION 1

    30% net darkness on all the vehicle windows, except the windshield. Using the above explanation, you must use a film, along with the “tint of the glass” that is no darker than 30%. Typically, most window film manufacturers' 35% films meet this criteria.

  • OPTION 2

    If you want to go a little darker on back doors and back glass, you may go up to a 25% net darkness on the rear doors, quarter glass and back windshield. However, then the front driver and passenger doors may only be filmed to a 45% total film darkness. Typically, most window film manufacturer’s 30% films meet the rear criteria, along with 50% for the front doors.

  • OPTION 3

    Is the old law, darker than 25% on the rear windows, nothing is allowed on the front drivers and passenger front doors.

  • OPTION 4

    If you have a truck, SUV, or minivan that has factory tinted privacy glass, you may use a 50% (45% total darkness) on the front doors.

At Tint To U, we can educate you about the minimum state standards and work with you to find a window film that offers the performance and value you desire, while staying within the guidelines. Check the Illinois tint laws here.

For a hassle-free estimate on car window tinting from Chicago and Southwest Suburbs leading automotive window film company, contact Tint To U now.
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