Oklahoma Tint Law Summary
To ensure that you are legally allowed to have any darkness of window tint, you must adhere to the laws and regulations accompanying the installation of window tint on your car. Car tint laws are important, as they make the roadways and highways safer for you and everyone around you. It is wildly important to not have your windows too dark, as this can cause a myriad of vision problems for yourself, alongside many other drivers on the road. In this section, we’ll guide you through the basics of Oklahoma tint law, with a focus on maintaining safety and compliance throughout the state.
In Oklahoma, the darkness of window tint that is allowed varies by vehicle type. Shown below are the legal window tint limits for passenger vehicles in Oklahoma:
• Front Windshield – Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches.
• Front Seat Side Windows – Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Back Seat Side Windows – Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Rear Seat Side Windows – Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Rear Window – Must allow more than 30% of light in.
• Side Mirrors – Must allow more than 25% of light in on both sides.
As for SUV’s and vans , the window tint regulations vary slightly, as shown below:
• Front Windshield – Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches.
• Front Seat Side Windows – Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Back Seat Side Windows – Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Rear Seat Side Windows – Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Back Window – Must allow more than 30% of light in.
• Side Mirrors – Must allow more than 25% of light in on both sides.
Oklahoma law explicitly states that all tint visibility testing must be done using a calibrated and certified instrument that has met the requirements provided by the manufacturer. In order to legally perform lab and roadside tests, all instruments must be in proper working condition and have a manufacturer’s certificate. Fire departments, highway patrols, and other state and local law enforcement agencies may test automobile window tint using this equipment. Alongside this, the law also clearly states that the window tint film must meet the color requirements of the manufacturer. These tests must be in accordance with the performance standards established in the Department of Public Safety’s certification program.
Legal Darkness Levels for Vehicles
When it comes to the specifics, Oklahoma law regarding the darkest legal window tint level on a vehicle is fairly straightforward. In fact, Oklahoma vehicle tint laws are fairly straightforward overall, but there are just a few specific variables that vary by window and vehicle type.
The toughest tint restrictions are placed on windshields, here and nationwide. In Oklahoma, the maximum legal tint level for a windshield is clear, non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line or within four inches of the top of the driver and passenger front side windows, or whatever is specified in the manufacturer’s vehicle’s original certificate of compliance. There is no tint allowed.
Most states will allow some sort of tint on the driver and passenger front side windows, but not Oklahoma. The darkest amount of tint allowed is 25 percent VLT. Note that both front side windows must have the same VLT. Meaning, if one is 25 percent, then the other must also be 25 percent.
The rear side windows and the back window have a little more width and leeway in terms of tint shade percentage. The state allows for tint all the way up to five percent visible light transmission. However, when tint is applied to these windows, they must be "safety laminated" to meet requirements for Medical Exemption Certification in Oklahoma.
That’s pretty much the deal with the darkest legal tint in Oklahoma. Of course, there are additional tint rules (e.g., tint color), but for the purposes of this post, we’re only going to look at darkest legal tint.
Limited Exceptions to Tint Laws
While most vehicles are required to have tint that is light enough to pass through and allow law enforcement to see if there is a driver and passenger, and identify those individuals, there are some exceptions. A potential exception is medical tint.
Although it is not permitted to tint any windows of a vehicle, any method that can identify the driver and passengers is permitted. In some cases, tint may be used for a vehicle’s windshield as long as the tint is only applied to the top six inches. An exemption may also be granted for medical purposes, in which a prescription is obtained for tint that blocks certain types of light from entering the vehicle.
These prescriptions must accompany the tinted windows at all times and be kept on the driver at all times. Not having this prescription can result in increased fines and potential charges leveled. In Oklahoma, a medical exemption for tint is granted under specific conditions that are defined by law.
The application for this type of exemption includes a few different pieces of information, including an outline of the following: Any applicant who violates tint laws may face fines that vary by how many exemptions they apply for and how many they violate. The first offense that occurs without an exemption for tint can result in $100 or less in fines. A second offense may lead to $100 or more in fines, a third offense can end up costing $200 or more.
Penalties for Violation
The penalties for violating the window tint laws are clear and straightforward. First, law enforcement officers in Oklahoma are permitted to issue a citation or ticket to drivers with illegal window tint. This citation will usually result in a fine, although the exact amount may vary by jurisdiction. The fine for a window tint violation can range from as little as $50 to as much as several hundred dollars, depending on the severity of the infraction and the officer’s discretion.
In addition to receiving a citation, drivers in Oklahoma will be given the opportunity to remove the illegal tint from their vehicle’s windows. If the tint is not removed within a certain timeframe , the driver may be subject to additional penalties, or may even have their registration or registration renewal denied until they provide proof of compliance. If illegal tint is found during a vehicle inspection, the car will not pass inspection until the tint is removed.
Furthermore, should a driver be found with illegal tint repeatedly, they may face aggravated fines or other legal repercussions. Ultimately, the penalties for illegally tinted windows in Oklahoma serve as a reminder for drivers to follow the window tint laws, ensuring safety and they avoid the complexities that come with non-compliance.
Legal Tidbits for the Road
When navigating the complexities of Oklahoma’s window tint laws, it’s vital to find a tint that not only offers the right level of privacy and protection but one that also adheres to legal requirements. Here are some tips for selecting the right window film for your vehicle:
Know Your VLT Percentage Understanding visible light transmission percentages is essential when choosing the right tint. The VLT percentage indicates how much light is allowed to penetrate through the film. For windows that are required to meet a VLT minimum percentage, a darker tint will have a lower VLT, signaling that less light can pass through. In Oklahoma, the tint laws require front side windows to have a minimum VLT of 25 percent on most vehicles. Choose a tint that closely matches your state’s requirements to avoid potential legal issues.
Find a Knowledgeable Installer One of the best ways to ensure a successful tint application is to have it installed by professionals. Look for an auto window tinting service that has a proven track record and a wealth of positive customer reviews. A knowledgeable installer will have a strong understanding of local laws and will help you select the appropriate tint for your vehicle’s windows.
Check for Warranties Any reputable tinting service will provide a warranty for their work and the tint used. Be sure to ask about available warranties before selecting a service. Having a warranty in place ensures that your installer will address any potential issues that arise with your tint application, offering you peace of mind with your investment.
Ask for Recommendations A strong way to identify a reliable tinting service is to ask for recommendations from family, friends, or colleagues. Those who have had a tint application done are more likely to work with someone reputable, and their input can help you avoid any subpar services. You can also scour through online reviews to narrow down the options for a quality tint installation at a reasonable price.
In Summary When selecting the right tint for your vehicle, keep in mind your state’s tinting laws and be sure to choose a reputable installer to do the work. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect shade to comply with all regulations and meet your personal preferences.
Expected Tint Legislation Modifications
While tint laws have remained largely static in Oklahoma over the past few decades, there is always the possibility or future changes in the law. In fact, it is not uncommon for state legislatures to address window tint laws as automotive technology and safety regulations evolve. Should any new tint regulations arise in Oklahoma, these changes would most often be made to bolster the safety and security of both automobile occupants and those on the roadways. As tint technology becomes more advanced, lawmakers seek to provide clear boundaries that allow drivers to enjoy the privacy and sun protection of window film without compromising vehicle safety. Since window tinting has the potential to impact an individual’s peripheral vision, affecting driver awareness and reaction time, legislators are careful in monitoring film technologies to ensure that strict guidelines are adhered to. Additionally, there is a general consensus across the nation that dark window tint , while beneficial to many drivers for a variety of reasons, increases the risk of fatalities in the case of an accident or emergency situation. For this reason, many states prohibit window tint on certain parts of a vehicle – such as a windshield – that might impact an occupant’s ability to navigate safely from the car. Furthermore, should conflicting facts about the prevalence of window film related accidents emerge, lawmakers may look to implement tough new legal limits on tint. With technological advancements leading to over ten different variants of window film, there is a long road ahead before lawmakers could consider the possibility of even ten percent of VLT across all vehicles. As mentioned, however, the legal limit for tinted windows in Oklahoma is a minimum of twenty-four percent, which most consumers can agree is a fair and reasonable option for regulating window tint as it has been for the past twenty-five years.