20 Tint on Car – Benefits and Legal State Rules of 20% Tint

Have you ever noticed cars with dark windows with less visibility? That’s a 20 tint on car. The 20 percent tint makes the car look beautiful, keeps the car cooler, and gives privacy. Although the 20 tint on car windows has several benefits, there are still some legal, security, and safety limitations. Before you make the decision to apply a 20 percent tint on car, make sure you know the laws in your area. So, if you want to know what 20% tint means, how it works, why people love it, and if it is legal in your state, keep reading this guide.

Table of contents

• What is a 20 Tint on Car?
• Is 20 Tint on Car Legal? (Laws by State)
• Top Benefits of 20 Tint on Car
• What Does 20 Tint Look Like on a Car?
• Installing and Taking Care of 20 Tints
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What is a 20 Tint on Car?

A 20 tint on car is a certain level of tint that lets in only 20% of light and blocks 80% of it. Due to an 80% blockage of light, the 20% window tint on the car looks very blackish. The percentages of the car tint refers to its Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which decides the visibility level of the car window. The lower the number tint percentage or VLT, the darker the tint will be. Here is a short overview of some VLT numbers:

• 5% tint = Very dark (like limo tint)
• 20% tint = Dark, but you can still see inside.
• 35% tint = Lighter shade
• 70% tint = Very light, almost clear

So, the 20% tint on the car means that only 20% of light will pass through the car windows.

Is 20 Tint on Car Legal? (Laws by State)

Every state in the U.S. has different laws about the 20 percent tint on cars. That is why it is important to know the legal car tint rules in your state before choosing the 20 percent level. The laws are different based on the VLT number and the type or location of car windows.

Laws for 20 Tint on Cars in Popular States

Here are the legal rules for 20 tint on car in top states:

California: In California, the 20% tint on car windows is allowed on rear and back windows but prohibited on front side windows. Moreover, for windshields, you are only allowed to use 20% tint on the top 4 inches only.

New York: The state of New York in the U.S. has more restrictions on 20% window tint on cars. You are now allowed to use a 20% tint level on both rear and front side windows because the minimum limit is 70%. However, you can apply tint with 20% on the back window and the top 6 inches of the windshield.

Texas: Texas has slightly fewer restrictions and lets car owners apply 20% tint on the back window. You are allowed to apply a 25% tint on the front and rear side windows, which is close to 20. Moreover, tint rules in Texas let you apply 20 percent tint on the top 5 inches of the windshield.

Florida: In Florida, the 20 percent tint on cars is legal in the rear side and back windows. You are legally allowed to apply a 15% tint on the rear side and back windows. On the front side windows, you cannot apply 20% tint on the car because the lowest limit is 28%.

How to Stay Legal with Tint

To stay within the legal limit and avoid getting tickets or fines:

• Ask a professional shop if a 20 percent tint on a car is legal.
• Get a tint certificate if your state needs one.
• Don’t tint too dark on front windows or the windshield.

Top Benefits of 20 Tint on Car

No matter which tint percentage you choose, there are many benefits of tinting car windows. Let’s come to the benefits of 20 tint on car. Have a look at the following good aspects of this VLT number:

Reducing Glare and Eye Strain

One of the top benefits of 20 tint on a car is the reduction of glare and strain on the eyes. It blocks the sunlight and reduces rays from high beams of other cars, which makes it easier to drive and helps you focus better.

20 Tint on Car Provides UV Protection

The 20 percent window tint on the car protects your skin and the car’s interior. It protects your skin from sunburn caused by UV rays. Moreover, it protects the seats, dashboard, and plastic parts in the car interior from fading. Therefore, if you park in the sun often, the 20% tint on your car will increase the lifespan of your car’s interior.

More benefits of a 20 tint on car windows

Here are some additional benefits of installing 20% tint on a car:

• It keeps your car cool.
• You stay safe from infrared heat.
• It reduces the need for air conditioning.
• Makes it harder for strangers to see inside
• Protects your stuff from being noticed and stolen
• Finally, the 20% tint on the car enhances the look and feel.

What Does 20 Tint Look Like on a Car?

The 20 tint on the car looks dark, and it is hard to see faces and objects clearly from outside. However, you can still see things with accurate colors from inside the car. It is a great choice for those who want privacy but not total darkness. The overall appearance of this tint also depends on your chosen car tint colors. The 20% window tint on the car is a nice balance between privacy and seeing clearly.

Checking the Suitability of a 20 Percent Tint on Car

If you want to check the suitability of the 20 tint on your vehicle, ask yourself these three questions:

• Do I want privacy, cool looks, or sun protection?
• What is legal in my state?
• Will I drive a lot at night?

If you answer yes to question one that you need privacy, cool looks, or sun protection, you can go with 20 tint on car windows. In comparison, if a 20% tint is illegal in your state or you drive a lot at night, do not apply it.

Installing and Taking Care of 20 Tints

You can either choose DIY tint installation or hire a professional, but I recommend hiring a professional. I am recommending this because it is not easy to:

• Cut the tint film perfectly.
• Avoid air bubbles.
• Make it last long.

So, I recommend hiring an expert because they know the laws, do a better job, and give you better your car windows.

How to Keep the 20% Tint Looking Good

If you want to keep the tint in good condition, here are my recommendations:

• Cleaning with soft cloths and gentle soap
• Avoid ammonia cleaners (they damage the film).
• Not rolling windows down for a few days after installation
• Checking for peeling or bubbles once in a while
• Good care = long life for your tint

Conclusion

Now you know everything about 20% tint on cars, like what it is, how it works, and if it is legal. 20% tint film is great for privacy, UV protection, cooler interiors, and better driving comfort. You may face some legal restrictions on a 20% tint and difficulty in night driving. So, always check your state’s tint laws and choose the tint that provides style as well as protection.