A Guide to Window Tint Laws in Hawaii
Hawaii regulates window tinting for motor vehicles to ensure that occupants are safe from harmful UV rays while providing them with adequate visibility. There are very specific windows tint regulations in Hawaii. These regulations differ according to the type of window and what location it is in the vehicle.
The front windshield is critical in ensuring that you have adequate visibility when driving. Vehicles registered in the state of Hawaii can only have a non-reflective tint band at the top of the windshield that cannot extend farther than 5 inches from the top. Additionally, the front driver-side and front passenger-side windows cannot have dark tint. In the state of Hawaii, window tint on the driver-side and passenger-side front windows must allow over 35% of light in. The tint cannot be reflective, ensuring that no mirrors prevent clear vision of the surrounding area.
The back window of a passenger sedan is not as critical as the front windshield. In Hawaii , the back window of passenger-side sedans can have a tint that allows in over 35% of light. The back window of the driver-side can be tinted as long as it allows in over 35% of light. The rear windows of SUVs, vans and trucks are permitted to have any tint darkness. Hawaii state legislation allows for any tint darkness on the top 6 inches of the rear windshield and on vehicles that do not have rear-view mirrors. The tint can be reflective, but the reflectivity cannot be more than 5%.
The tint regulations for the back seat windows are the same on sedans as they are for larger vehicles. Any tint darkness is permitted for the back passenger-side and rear windows of an SUV, van or truck. This makes it possible for those who have a professional medical exemption to have darker tint on the back windows of their sedans. Note that while many states issue passes regarding dark tint on commercial-grade vehicles, this is not the case in the state of Hawaii.
What Tint Is Allowed and What’s Not
Hawaii law allows different legal tint levels depending on the type of vehicle you own and the circumstances that surround it. The following is a brief overview of those tint levels and some exemptions.
Lawmakers pushed for legal tint levels of 70% VLT for passenger vehicles. That means that 70 percent of all visible light can come through your vehicle’s windows. That would place Hawaii in the category of very strict VLT laws. For comparison, South Dakota has legal tint level requirements of 35% VLT for passenger vehicles, which is the most common tint level in the rest of the United States.
For SUVs and vans, lawmakers also attempted to retain a legal tint level of 70% VLT for approved vehicles. But they backed off and made the law very specific: Driver and passenger windows are exempt from tint level requirements. This means that you can travel the state with darker tinted windows if you own an SUV or van.
Drivers of personal vehicles face additional tint level restrictions on the front windshield in contrast to those who drive government and commercial vehicles. At a minimum, the tint film applied to the windshield may reflect more than 4% of visible light. Commercial and government plates may be tinted to 30% VLT.
The law also allows for exceptions in cases of medical need. The Hawaii law provides for the application of exemption stickers for the following medical conditions: dominant ocular dysfunction, medical conditions that generally cause visual impairment or conditions specifically affecting vision in one eye (e.g. cataracts, nearsightedness, farsightedness, etc.).
Consequences of Driving with Illegal Tint
Driving with windows tinted beyond legal limits in Hawaii can lead to rather unpleasant consequences. Law enforcement officers have the authority to pull over drivers without warning if they suspect the level of tint violates state regulations. When a violation is detected, the penalties may include warnings, fines, and in some cases, a requirement to remove the illegal tint and have it replaced with compliant film.
Drivers who violate the state’s window tint laws are subject to a fine of up to $250 for their mesh or transparent tinting films. More severe sanctions can be imposed for the installation of film on the windshield that is exempt from the tint restrictions. As of July 1, 2015, offenders face a fine of up to $200 per offense for each layer of illegal material that was installed on prohibited areas of the windshield.
In addition to the fines, violators may also have to remove the ineligible tint, at their own expense. They could then be required to have it replaced or removed with a compliant film with a letter of certification, issued by an auto dealer or licensed automotive repair shop, stating that the holder is in compliance with the law. The certification must be presented to the director of the counties’ motor vehicle offices within 30 days of the removal. If the new window tint is certified compliant, the motor vehicle administration will replace the driver’s citation with a sticker, and the fine will be waived.
Non-compliance with the window tint law can also impact the driver’s ability to get their registration renewed. Those who receive a traffic ticket with a tint violation will have 1 year to resolve the matter by presenting proof of compliance to the director of motor vehicles. Failure to comply within 360 days from the date of the citation permits the department of transportation to refuse to renew the vehicle’s registration, or to assess appropriate penalties, when the owner attempts to renew their registration.
Selecting the Appropriate Tint
When it comes to choosing the appropriate window tint, Hawaii residents should consider several factors to ensure compliance with the law. The primary consideration is whether the tint meets the state’s visible light transmission (VLT) requirements. This is typically measured by a percentage – the higher the percentage, the less tint on your windows. The tint should be reflective, but not too opaque in order to comply with police safety concerns. In general, the best choice of tint for any vehicle will be 35% or lighter.
In addition to VLT requirements, tint material is important to consider. There are many different types of tint materials available on the market today. Some are dyed polyester resin, while others are metalized or nano-ceramic. The most common type of window tint is dyed film , which uses multiple layers of mylar to filter out UV rays and other light. This type of film is relatively inexpensive and can be found at almost any auto parts shop or center.
If you want the maximum heat and UV protection, however, you might consider an advanced type of window tint that utilizes nano-ceramic technology. Nano-ceramics feature very small particles that are suspended in a liquid intended to adhere to glass surfaces. The use of nano-ceramics has increased in popularity among luxury vehicle owners because they provide superior heat and UV protection that a traditional dyed tint simply cannot match. Although these products carry a higher price tag, the investment may be worth it if you own a high-end automobile that you want to maintain.
Advantages of Legal Window Film
The benefits of maintaining legal window tint on your vehicle extend beyond mere compliance with the law. The right tint can provide enhanced protection and comfort, as well as maintain the value of your car or truck. Window tint offers UV protection by blocking out high levels of UV radiation while allowing visible light in, reducing the chances of UV-related health issues such as skin cancer and blemishes. Tinted windows can help reduce heat buildup inside your vehicle, making it more comfortable during hot weather and reducing the load on your air conditioning system — a factor that can improve fuel efficiency.
In addition, legal window tint can increase privacy and security by providing you with more of a shield from the outside world. This is particularly useful when parking in public places, as your belongings are less visible to would-be thieves. Privacy protection provided by tint also has a safety benefit, as it can make your vehicle a less obvious target for carjackers. Finally, keeping your vehicle within the legal window tint limits can save you the trouble and expense of having the illegal tint film removed and replaced with something that will pass inspection.
Window Tint FAQs
I have tinted windows, does that mean I am in violation of the law?
Not necessarily. While window tint has become a norm for many people, even in Hawaii, the Department of Motor Vehicles has determined that dyes, films, and reflective material can be used as long as the window tint allows at least 35% of the light in. The light tint must not be black and must allow for a minimum of 60% of the light in on the front windshield of your vehicle. Darker window tint can often be tolerated on the side and rear windows. This is due to the fact that restrictions on light transmission on rear windows should have no significant effect on driver visibility. Significant restrictions on the front windshield should be avoided, but may be tolerated if limited to the top 4 inches and clear and colored adhesive film designed to reduce the effects of glare on law enforcement officers or federal agents can be tolerated. Hawaii tint laws change periodically, so check with the Department of Motor Vehicles to verify when the last update was made to the laws.
How are these changes of window tint laws published?
Generally, amendments to laws and regulations are published in the administrative rules or in the administrative bulletin. The administrative rules and administrative bulletin are regulated by the office of the lieutenant government . However, the office of the lieutenant governor only creates the document; they do not make the rules. Therefore, any changes to the window tint laws or regulations must be made by the legal department responsible for developing all rules and regulations of Hawaii. This office will then forward information to the administrative bulletin which publishes the changes for the citizens of Hawaii to see. You can find this publication on the State of Hawaii website.
What method do I use to determine my vehicle window tint transmission?
Before taking your car to get inspected for your tint rating consider what type of tint you have. If your tint is clear, you would need to use a photometer to determine the film tint. If your tint is tinted due to dye added to the window, you would need to use a transmission meter. Transparent window tint uses spectrophotometer readings to determine the amount of invisible light fix through. If you cannot purchase a photometer or transmission meter then the best way to tell if your tint adheres to Hawaii window tint laws is to overlay them on to your tinted window. If the overlay can be seen through and there is at least 70 percent of visible light transmission rating, your tint is likely in compliance with the law. It is always suggested to consult with your state’s DMV or other appropriate government agency to ensure that you are in compliance with window tint regulations.
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