Legal Tint in ND: What Every North Dakota Driver Needs to Know

If you’re a driver in North Dakota, you know that the climate can be unpredictable—blistering heat during summer, icy winters, and strong winds year-round. Window tinting is a popular solution to help manage these challenges, providing benefits like improved privacy, UV protection, and enhanced comfort. However, North Dakota, like every other state, has specific laws regarding window tinting that must be followed.

In this guide, we’ll explain what constitutes legal window tint in ND in a way that’s simple and easy to follow. We’ll also share why it’s important to ensure your tint is within the legal limits, as well as how TERMINAX can help you achieve a legal, high-performance tinting solution for your vehicle.

Why Should You Tint Your Vehicle’s Windows in North Dakota?

Before diving into the legal aspects, it’s worth understanding why window tinting is so popular among North Dakota drivers. Tinting isn’t just about aesthetics; it provides practical advantages that help you deal with the harsh North Dakota climate and the day-to-day driving experience.

• Sun Protection: While winters are long and cold, North Dakota summers can be hot and sunny. Tinting helps reduce the amount of heat that enters your vehicle, making it cooler and more comfortable. It also blocks harmful UV rays, preventing your skin from being exposed to the sun’s harmful effects while driving.
• Privacy: In cities like Fargo or Bismarck, privacy is often a concern. Tinting adds a layer of security by limiting visibility into your vehicle, especially when it comes to valuables or personal items in the backseat or trunk.
• Improved Comfort: No one likes driving with glare in their eyes, whether from sunlight or snow. Tinted windows reduce glare, making driving more comfortable and less straining on your eyes, especially during morning and evening commutes.
• Preserve Vehicle Interior: UV rays don’t just affect your skin—they can also damage your car’s interior, causing seats and dashboards to fade or crack over time. Window tinting helps protect your vehicle from these harmful effects, keeping it looking new for longer.

North Dakota Window Tint Laws: What You Need to Know

In North Dakota, window tinting is regulated by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which measures how much light passes through the window tint and the glass. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT percentage.

North Dakota’s tint laws are based on vehicle type and window location. Let’s take a closer look at the legal requirements.

For Passenger Vehicles (Sedans):

• Windshield: You can apply tint to the top 5 inches of the windshield, and it must be non-reflective.
• Front Side Windows: The front side windows must allow at least 50% of light to pass through (VLT ≥ 50%).
• Rear Side Windows: These windows must allow at least 20% of light to pass through.
• Rear Window: The rear window must also allow at least 20% of light to pass through.

For SUVs, Vans, and Trucks (Multipurpose Vehicles):

• Windshield: Tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield, with the same non-reflective requirement.
• Front Side Windows: The front side windows must allow at least 50% of light to pass through.
• Rear Side Windows and Rear Window: There are no specific restrictions on these windows, meaning you can apply a much darker tint.

Additional Considerations: Reflectivity and Tint Color

North Dakota also has additional rules about the reflectivity of the tint and the color of the film used:

• Reflectivity: Window tint cannot reflect more than 20% of light. This ensures the film doesn’t cause too much glare or disrupt the view for other drivers.
• Tint Color: In North Dakota, tint colors must be neutral—no red, amber, or blue tints are allowed, as they can interfere with visibility and be distracting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Tinting Your Vehicle in North Dakota

While window tinting is a straightforward process, many drivers make mistakes that can lead to fines or other legal issues. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when tinting your vehicle in North Dakota:

Choosing a Tint that’s Too Dark

One of the most common mistakes drivers make is selecting a tint that is darker than what’s legally allowed. Remember, front side windows must allow at least 50% of light, and rear side and rear windows must allow at least 20% of light. If you choose a tint that doesn’t meet these requirements, you may face penalties or the need to remove the tint.

Ignoring Reflectivity Limits

Another mistake is not considering the reflectivity of the tint. North Dakota law limits the amount of light tint that can reflect to 20%. If the tint is too reflective, it may be considered illegal, even if it meets the VLT requirements.

DIY Tinting

While DIY tint kits are readily available, they can be tricky to apply and often result in bubbles, peeling, or improper adhesion. More importantly, DIY tint jobs are usually not compliant with state regulations. It’s best to work with a professional installer to ensure your tint is applied correctly and legally.

Why TERMINAX is the Best Choice for Legal Window Tinting in North Dakota

When it comes to choosing the right window tint, you want to make sure you’re getting a product that is high quality, durable, and compliant with North Dakota’s tint laws. This is where TERMINAX comes in. Here’s why TERMINAX is the best choice for your window tinting needs:

Compliant with North Dakota Tint Laws

TERMINAX offers a range of tint films that meet the VLT and reflectivity requirements set by North Dakota law. Whether you’re driving a sedan or an SUV, we provide legal tint that gives you peace of mind knowing you’re driving within the state’s regulations.

Durability and High-Performance

TERMINAX tint films are designed to withstand the harsh North Dakota climate. Whether you’re dealing with hot summers or freezing winters, TERMINAX films are built to last. They resist fading, bubbling, and peeling, ensuring that your tint stays looking great for years to come. Additionally, our films block up to 99% of UV rays, offering added protection to both your skin and your vehicle’s interior.

Certified Installers

At TERMINAX, we only work with professional, certified installers who are familiar with North Dakota’s tint laws. This ensures that your tint is applied correctly, with the proper legal documentation and certification labels in place, so you won’t run into any trouble during an inspection or traffic stop.

Privacy and Comfort

TERMINAX offers a variety of tint shades to meet your preferences. From lighter tints for a more subtle look to darker shades for enhanced privacy, we’ve got the perfect option for you. Plus, our tint helps keep your vehicle cooler in the summer and reduces glare from headlights, making driving more comfortable.

Final Thoughts: Tinting Your Vehicle the Right Way in North Dakota

Window tinting is a great way to improve your driving experience, but it’s essential to make sure your tint meets North Dakota’s legal requirements. Choosing a professional and certified installer, like TERMINAX, ensures that your tint is not only legal but also provides maximum performance and durability.

By understanding the tint laws, avoiding common mistakes, and choosing TERMINAX, you can enjoy all the benefits of window tinting without any of the legal headaches. Whether you’re looking to stay cool, protect your car’s interior, or add privacy, TERMINAX has the perfect tinting solution for you.