If you plan to tint your vehicle’s windows and have a vehicle registered in North Carolina, you should know the state has a few window tint laws that likely apply to your vehicle. Once you know all about window tint laws in North Carolina, you can ensure your vehicle’s tint meets state regulations and won’t put you at risk of a costly ticket.
Explaining the North Carolina Window Tint Law in 2024
If your vehicle has after-factory window tinting, you’re required to have it checked during a North Carolina state inspection to see if it fits North Carolina law (specifically, G.S. 20-127). During this inspection, the inspector will check a few factors, such as your tint’s length, the total light transmission percentage, and the light reflectance transmission. The specifics of each requirement can be found below:
- Percentage of light transmission requirement: Based on instruction from the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV), your vehicle’s window tint can’t be darker than 32% when measured by a window tint meter approved for use in NC. In G.S. 20-127, the law states a tinted window’s total light translation has to be at a minimum of 35%. The law further explains that a measurement of 32% by an approved light meter is presumed to meet the 35% restriction.
- Length of tint requirement: A vehicle’s windshield tint can’t extend below its windshield’s AS1 line or five inches below the windshield’s top, depending on which measurement is longer.
- Light reflectance requirement: A tinted window must have a light reflectance of 20% or less.
- Tinted film design requirement: Regardless of whether you use a film or another material to tint your vehicle’s window, it must be non-reflective. The tint also can’t be amber, yellow, or red.
By following the above requirements when tinting your vehicle, you should pass the window tinting portion of your NC state vehicle inspection.
What Vehicles Don’t Have to Follow North Carolina Window Tint Laws?
While the above requirements apply to most vehicles, some vehicles don’t have to follow NC window tint laws. These vehicles include:
- Motor homes (defined in G.S. 20-4.01 (27)d2).
- Property-hauling vehicles, but the exception only applies to these vehicles’ rear windows (defined in G.S. 20-4.01 (31)).
- Ambulances (defined in G.S. 20-4.01 (27)f).
- Excursion passenger vehicles (defined in G.S. 20-4.01 (27)a).
- Law enforcement vehicles.
- Limousines.
- Multipurpose vehicles (e.g., SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans) that can carry 10 passengers or fewer and are constructed on a truck chassis or have special features made for occasional off-road operation. The exception only applies if the tinted window is located behind the driver.
- Vehicles registered in a different state, with the window tint meeting the requirements of the state where the vehicle is registered.
- Vehicles with an NCDMV-issued medical exception.
Are There Medical Exceptions for NC Window Tint Laws?
North Carolina’s window tint laws do allow medical exceptions for individuals affected by photosensitivity to light. These exceptions allow approved individuals to have darker window tints. To receive a medical exception permit, you must apply for it with the NCDMV’s Medical Review Program. If you receive the permit, you should be aware of the following rules:
- Medical exception permits remain valid for up to five years.
- Individuals can’t have more than two medical permits simultaneously.
- Permits must be in the vehicle that applies to it, and permits aren’t interchangeable.
- The medical exception sticker needs to be displayed in the left-hand corner of the rear window. Keep in mind that you can receive a $200 fine for failure to properly display your medical exception sticker.
How to Ensure Your Tint Meets NC Window Tint Laws
All you have to do to make sure your vehicle’s window tint complies with NC law is take it to a licensed inspection station. Inspection stations are often located at vehicle dealerships, service stations, and vehicle repair garages. The inspector will confirm whether your vehicle meets North Carolina’s window tint laws. If you fail your inspection, you’ll need to remove your window tint entirely or replace it with a window tint that meets the requirements described previously.
Schedule a North Carolina State Inspection for Your Vehicle at Chapel Hill Tire
If you need a vehicular North Carolina state inspection in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, or the surrounding areas, Chapel Hill Tire has you covered. During our comprehensive inspection, our team can check your window tint to ensure it meets NC requirements. We also offer a wide selection of vehicle repair services, allowing us to quickly fix most problems an NC state inspection might turn up. Whenever you need service, make sure to check our coupons to see how much you can save!
Review our NC state inspection services today. If you’re ready to bring your vehicle in for an inspection, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle Area.