Darkest legal tint for Cars in Rhode Island
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- Rear window: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
Darkest legal tint for SUV and Vans in Rhode Island
- Windshield: Must allow more than 70% of light in, any darkness on top 3 inches.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear window: Any darkness can be used.
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In the state of Rhode Island car window tint laws have in place since then year 2000. Thus they are on the older side for state tint laws, as many states have tint regulations dating back to the 1990s, while most were passed or updated later into the 21st century. Overall, save for some recent updates to Rhode Island tint rules, however, most window tint products in use today, such as nano-ceramic based window film, are still covered by the original Rhode Island tint laws.
Still, the state’s window tint laws are subject to updated and changing at any time, so it’s a good idea for you to stay current with your following tint laws for cars in Rhode Island, as window tint violations in the state add up to hundreds of dollars in costs.
The key thing to check for is your tint darkness, which is tracked in terms of visible light transmission, or VLT for short.
The higher the VLT number, the more transparent the window; the lower the number, the darker and more private the tint. So a window tint rated at 70% VLT adds a bit of tint and privacy, while a 5% tint adds total blackout privacy, for example.
Police and inspectors can check VLT darkness on the scene during a stop with handheld devices, so it’s hard to avoid window tint tickets if you have illegal tint, there’s really no safe way to press your luck with extra dark tint.
Windshield Window Tint Law in Rhode Island
As in most states, in Rhode Island cars and bigger vehicles (like vans, trucks, and SUVs, e.g., often called collectively by the abbreviation MPVs) are subject to the same rules for windshield tint laws. The rules allow windshield tinting down to the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, which is shown in small letters and numbers right on the glass itself – if you cannot find an AS-1 line, then the tint should be a strip not larger than five inches, and no windshield tint can be reflective.
Many cars come with windshield tint applied at the factory; if your vehicle did not, you should by all means get this tinting as it reduces glare while you drive, especially at sunrise and sunset when the sun is at a sharp angle. As for the other window film on your car, it’s about reducing sun glare to be sure, but also about adding privacy and style, lowering interior heat, and protecting the cabin against ultraviolet light damage.
Window Tint for Cars in Rhode Island
Cars in Rhode Island can have window tinting that’s rated at 70% VLT or lighter on all side windows and on the rear window (meaning the rear windshield, in other words). This 70% VLT tint is not subject to specific reflectivity rules.
While this 70% tint is plenty of added darkness and reflectivity to make a car more private and to change the look of the car, keep in mind you do not need darkening tint to get all benefits of window tint beyond that the added privacy. Even much lighter, optically clear window tint can reject 99% of the sun’s UV light that leads to interior fading and cracking to upholstery and dash surfaces, reduces how much IR heat gets into the car, and reduces the glare that causes eye strain and makes driving dangerous. Never think that darker window tint is the best window tint in Rhode Island.
Window Tint for MPVs in Rhode Island
Vans, trucks, and SUVs in Rhode Island may have front side windows tinted to the same 70% VLT rating as is permitted for all windows of cars. As for rear windows, meaning side windows behind the driver row and cargo areas, and on the rear windshield, the glass may be tinted to any darkness, including full privacy tint that fully blocks view into the vehicle.
As with cars, the tint on larger vehicles can be rated at any reflectivity, which is rare as most states limit window reflection.
Other Window Tint Laws in Rhode Island
There are several rules you must follow to meet Rhode Island tint laws and also some more flexible allowances than other states that are refreshing.
Unlike in most states, there are no dual side view mirror rules related to window tint.
There are also no bans on any color of window tinting, so even red, amber, yellow, and metallic tints are legal in the state.
You do not need to apply stickers that identify legal window tint to your vehicle, and window tint manufacturers and vendors do not need to certify the tint they sell in Rhode Island as cleared for sale in the state.
Rhode Island does allow medical exemptions for window tint darker than allowed by state law for people with conditions such as extreme photosensitivity (light sensitivity) or skin issues that may be exacerbated by excess light exposure. Talk to a doctor or official from the Rhode Island DMV to discuss your window tint medical exemption options.
Window Tint Violation Ticket Cost in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island window tint tickets are misdemeanors and are not criminal offenses, but each Rhode Island window tint ticket can cost up to $250, so you can be hit with steep penalties especially if the authorities choose to issue you several violations during one stop or if you get repeated citations without getting your illegal window tint replaced or removed.
