New Jersey Window Tint Law

Dustin Hawley | Jan 26, 2023

The New Jersey tint law was first enforced in 2003, making New Jersey the 40th state to enact it. However, if you live in New Jersey, you must be careful about window tint laws.

New Jersey window tint law 

However, one of the essential things about tinting is that it can’t be a mirrored tint, whether it be any of your car’s windows - front, rear, front side, or backside. 

What Is New Jersey Tint Law?

New Jersey has one of the most permissive laws regarding window tints. The laws are easily understandable because the rule is the same for all cars, whether sedans or SUVs. Here are the specifications for various window tints in New Jersey:

  • Windshield - You are not allowed to put any tint on your windshield. 
  • Front side windows - No tints are allowed on the front side windows.
  • Back side windows - You can put tints on these, and dark tints are permissible.
  • Rear window - Tints of any darkness are allowed on this window. 

Yet another essential factor to know about window tints is VLT or Visible Light Transmission. VLT is measured in percentage, and we will discuss this in more detail. In the next section.

In today’s article, let’s look at VLT, the medical exemptions, and the penalties associated with window tints in New Jersey! 

What Is VLT?

VLT is the acronym for Visible Light Transmission. VLT is the percentage of light that gets through the car’s windows after tinting the windows. The higher the VLT, the lighter is the tint. It simply means that a lower VLT will allow less light to pass through the tint, while a higher VLT will allow more light to pass through the tint. For example, if the tint is 30%, it means the tint is not very dark, but if it is 5%, it means that the tint is exceptionally dark. The state of New Jersey has specified different percentages of the VLT for front and back windows. Although there is no tint allowed on the windshield and the front side windows, there is no specification for the vehicle’s backside or rear window. 

Medical Exemption From The Window Tint Law In New Jersey

Window tint laws do have a provision for medical exemption if you have a medical condition. The legislation allows sun-screening material for explicit medical reasons such as polymorphous eruption, persistent light reactivity, actinic reticuloid, porphyrins, solar urticaria, and lupus erythematosus.

You can fill out an application online or by mail to request MVC Sunscreening. The fourth parameter on your form is supposed to be filled in by your physician. Apply with a valid subscription from the same physician you have mentioned in the form. Here are some requirements provided by the state DMV for tinting your car with the medical exemption certificate. You must adhere to the New Jersey tint regulation requirements:

  • Apply all medical sun-screening materials to the portion of the windshield above the AS-1 line to reduce the transmittance of regular incident light reflection below 70%.
  • The sun-screening materials could be applied to the uppermost portion of the front side window to reduce visible light below 35%.
  • The sun-screening materials applied to the windshield or front side windows shall not exceed 8%.
  • All sun-screening materials applied must be of transparent film.

Penalties Associated With Tinting Your Car Windows

The New Jersey Police Department is strict about the tinting laws, and your first offense might cost you $1000, the second one will cost you $5000, while the subsequent offenses might cost you even more, depending on the NJ Statutes 39:3-75.3. Be careful to understand the laws around tinting before tinting your car windows to avoid unwanted penalties. 

Summary

The window tint laws in New Jersey are strict, and if you tint your windshield or front-side window, you might fall into trouble with the authorities. You should be fine if you just tint your back-side or rear windows. If you have a medical condition, there is also a provision for exemption from this law. However, despite the law, tinting your windows can have certain advantages, such as preventing wear and tear to your car interiors and lowering the chances of privacy infringement. Although, one needs to be careful before tinting their windows in New Jersey. 

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