Behind the Tint: Understanding Window Tinting Percentages

Whether you're a car enthusiast or simply looking to enhance the aesthetics and comfort of your vehicle, tinting your car can be an easy and affordable option.

When it comes to window tinting, you may have noticed that there are a variety of percentages associated with different tints. These numbers can be confusing and can leave you uncertain about which option to choose.

In this blog post, we will decode what these percentages mean and guide you toward choosing the best percentage for your vehicle.

What Do the Percentage Levels Mean?

The percentage levels in window tints represent the amount of light transmission allowed through the tinted windows. It signifies how dark or light the tint will appear from both the inside and outside of your vehicle. Essentially, the lower the percentage, the darker the tint. The higher the percentage, the lighter the tint.

Understanding LOCAL Regulations

Before delving deeper into the different tint levels, it's important to understand that every region has its own regulations regarding the darkness of tints. These regulations typically stipulate the maximum allowable percentage of tint darkness for different windows of a vehicle, such as the windshield, front side windows, rear side windows, and rear window.

Common Percentage Levels



5-20% (Dark Tint)

Tints in this range provide a high level of privacy and significant heat and glare reduction. However, they may limit visibility, especially during nighttime driving. Such dark tints are typically favored for aesthetic appeal and may be commonly used on the rear windows. 5% tint is commonly known as "limo tint."

20-35% (Medium Tint)

This range strikes a balance between privacy, heat reduction, and visibility. Medium tint percentages offer adequate protection against harmful UV rays and reduce glare, making them popular for side windows and rear windshields.

35-50% (Light Tint)

Lighter tints in this range provide minimal privacy while still offering some level of heat reduction and UV protection. They allow good visibility both during the day and at night, making them suitable for windshields where visibility is crucial for safe driving.