Pennsylvania Window Tint Laws 2025 – What Tint is Legal in PA?

Pennsylvania Window Tint Laws 2025 – What Tint is Legal in PA?

If you’re planning to tint your vehicle’s windows in Pennsylvania, it’s important to know the latest regulations. Tinting can improve comfort, reduce glare, enhance privacy, and protect interiors. But it must be done legally. In 2025, Pennsylvania window tint laws will remain strict, especially for passenger vehicles. 

This guide explains what is legal, what’s not, and how TERMINAX can help you choose a compliant tint solution that doesn’t compromise on performance or style.

What Is Window Tint VLT?

Before diving into legal limits, it’s helpful to understand VLT—Visible Light Transmission. This percentage indicates how much visible light passes through the glass and film combined.

• A 70% VLT means 70% of light is allowed through—a light tint.
• A 20% VLT allows only 20% of light through—a much darker tint.

The lower the percentage, the darker the tint.

Pennsylvania Window Tint Laws for Passenger Vehicles

According to Title 75 §4524 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, the following rules apply to standard passenger vehicles (e.g. sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes):

• Windshield: Must allow more than 70% VLT. A non-reflective strip is permitted on the top three inches.
• Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 70% VLT.
• Rear Side Windows: Must allow at least 70% VLT.
• Rear Windshield: Must allow at least 70% VLT.
• Side Mirrors: Required if rear windshield is tinted.

Reflective or mirrored tints are not permitted. This means you must use non-metallic, non-mirrored films.

Window Tint Rules for SUVs, Trucks, and Vans (Multi-Purpose Vehicles)

If you drive a multi-purpose vehicle—such as an SUV, van, or truck—you have more flexibility under Pennsylvania law:

• Windshield: Must allow more than 70% VLT, with a non-reflective 3-inch top strip allowed.
• Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 70% VLT.
• Rear Side Windows: Any darkness is permitted.
• Rear Windshield: Any darkness is permitted.
• Side Mirrors: Required if the rear window is tinted.

This means you can legally use dark tint (including 20% or lower VLT) on your rear side and back windows if you own an SUV or van, but front windows must still comply with the 70% rule.

Reflectivity and Color Restrictions

• Reflective tint: Pennsylvania prohibits metallic or mirrored films on any window.
• Color tint: There are currently no explicit color bans, but highly reflective or brightly colored films may still be considered non-compliant.
• Certification and Stickers: Installers are not required to provide film certification in Pennsylvania, but many offer compliance stickers for assurance. These are not mandatory but are recommended for clarity during inspections.

Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania allows window tint darker than the legal limit only for drivers with certain medical conditions that require reduced light exposure, such as lupus or photosensitivity.

To qualify:

1. Your physician or optometrist must complete a Medical Exemption Application.
2. Submit the application to PennDOT’s Medical Advisory Board for review.
3. Upon approval, you may install special colorless UV-filtering film that reduces visible light transmission.

You must carry the exemption certificate in your vehicle at all times in case of inspection.

What Are the Penalties for Illegal Tint in Pennsylvania?

Violating Pennsylvania tint laws can result in:

• Fines of up to $110 per violation.
• A “fix-it” ticket requiring the removal of the illegal tint.
• Vehicle inspection failure if the tint is found non-compliant.
• In cities like Philadelphia, law enforcement can now ticket parked vehicles with illegal tint, not just moving ones. This policy was enforced more strictly starting July 1, 2024.

Repeat offenders may face steeper penalties or even vehicle impoundment in extreme cases.

Summary Table: Legal Window Tint by Vehicle Type

 

Window Location	Passenger Vehicles	Multi-Purpose Vehicles (SUVs, Vans, Trucks)
Windshield	> 70% VLT + 3″ strip	> 70% VLT + 3″ strip
Front Side Windows	≥ 70% VLT	≥ 70% VLT
Rear Side Windows	≥ 70% VLT	Any darkness permitted
Rear Windshield	≥ 70% VLT	Any darkness permitted
Side Mirrors	Required if rear tinted	Required if rear tinted

 

Why Drivers Prefer Darker Tint (and Where It’s Legal)

Many Pennsylvania drivers want 20% tint or even darker shades for the following benefits:

• Improved privacy and security.
• Reduced glare from sunlight and headlights.
• Enhanced UV and heat protection for passengers and interiors.
• Better style and appearance.

The good news is that SUV and truck owners can enjoy these benefits legally—just make sure your front windows still comply.

How TERMINAX Keeps You Compliant and Protected

Choosing the right tint brand is just as important as knowing the law. TERMINAX delivers advanced, high-performance films designed for maximum protection and full compliance with Pennsylvania regulations.

Why Choose TERMINAX?

• Available in multiple VLT levels, including 70%, 50%, 35%, 20%, and 5%.
• Nanoceramic and carbon films with no metal content—safe for electronics and fully non-reflective.
• Blocks over 99% of harmful UV rays and reduces heat by up to 60%.
• Colorless UV options for medical exemption customers.
• Includes optional compliance sticker kits for inspection peace of mind.

Whether you’re a sedan driver trying to stay legal or an SUV owner upgrading your style, TERMINAX offers a solution that protects you, your passengers, and your vehicle.

How to Stay Legal When Tinting Your Car in PA

1. Identify your vehicle type—Passenger car or multi-purpose?
2. Understand the legal VLT limits—Most front windows require at least 70% VLT.
3. Use non-reflective, non-metallic tint—No mirrored films.
4. Apply for a medical exemption if you need darker tint for health reasons.
5. Keep your tint paperwork or exemption certificate in your vehicle.
6. Choose a professional installer familiar with Pennsylvania state laws.
7. Select TERMINAX film for premium performance and guaranteed compliance.

FAQs

Can I use 20% tint on my SUV in Pennsylvania?

Yes, but only on the rear side windows and rear windshield. The front side windows must still allow 70% or more light.

Are metallic or mirrored tints allowed in PA?

No. Reflective or mirrored tint films are not legal in Pennsylvania.

Can I get a tint exemption for medical reasons?

Yes. You need physician certification and approval from PennDOT. Only clear or colorless UV films are allowed under the exemption.

Can I be fined if my parked car has illegal tint?

Yes. In some areas like Philadelphia, police can now issue tickets to parked vehicles with illegal tint.

Conclusion

To summarize, Pennsylvania window tint laws in 2025 are strict but manageable:

• Passenger cars must have at least 70% VLT on all windows.
• SUVs, vans, and trucks may have any darkness on rear windows.
• Medical exemptions are available for qualifying individuals.
• Reflective and metallic films are not allowed.
• Fines and enforcement are increasing, especially in urban areas.

Stay ahead of the rules and keep your ride cool, legal, and stylish with TERMINAX—a brand trusted for clarity, compliance, and performance.