If you want increased privacy in your vehicle while driving on the road, or just want to reduce glare in your vehicle, you might be considering some sort of tint for your windows and windshield.
Mirror tint is always an option, as it has a reflective surface. But is mirror tint legal on a car?
In this article, I will go over the legality of mirror tint. I will also discuss a few of the benefits of mirror tint and discuss a few things to think about before you install them.
Is Mirror Tint Legal on a Car?
Each state has its own rules regarding the amount of light that needs to go through the auto glass tint.
While some states allow for mirror tinting, not all states allow it everywhere.
Some states ban mirror reflective auto tint completely, while other states only partially allow it. If your state does not complete ban the use of mirror tint, then you will want to check how much light needs to go through the auto glass tint.
If you violate the laws on local glass tint, you may and probably will get stopped by traffic enforcement and be issued a costly citation. Below is a collection of the mirror tint laws we have found by state.
We do need to mention that laws could either be amended or changed or the front and back windows do have different rules. This is for entertainment purposes and is in no way a legal basis for using mirror tint, you will always want to check local laws for your country by contacting the appropriate local authorities.
| State | Mirror Tint Legality |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Max 20% Reflective |
| Alaska | Not Allowed |
| Arizona | Max 35% Reflective |
| Arkansas | Not Allowed |
| California | Not Allowed |
| Colorado | Not Allowed |
| Connecticut | Max 21% Reflective |
| Delaware | Not Allowed |
| Florida | Max 25% Reflective |
| Georgia | Max 20% Reflective |
| Hawaii | Not Allowed |
| Idaho | Max 35% Reflective |
| Illinois | Not Allowed |
| Indiana | Max 25% Reflective |
| Iowa | Not Allowed |
| Kansas | Not Allowed |
| Kentucky | Max 25% Reflective |
| Louisiana | Max 20% Reflective |
| Maine | Not Allowed |
| Maryland | No Law |
| Massachusetts | Max 35% Reflective |
| Michigan | Max 35% Reflective |
| Minnesota | Max 20% Reflective |
| Mississippi | Max 20% Reflective |
| Missouri | Max 35% Reflective |
| Montana | Max 35% Reflective |
| Nebraska | Max 35% Reflective |
| Nevada | No Law |
| New Hampshire | Not Allowed |
| New Jersey | Not Allowed |
| New Mexico | No Law |
| New York | Not Allowed |
| North Carolina | Max 20% Reflective |
| North Dakota | Not Allowed |
| Ohio | Not Allowed |
| Oklahoma | Max 20% Reflective |
| Oregon | Max 13% Reflective |
| Pennsylvania | Not Allowed |
| Rhode Island | No Law |
| South Carolina | Not Allowed |
| South Dakota | Not Allowed |
| Tennessee | Not Allowed |
| Texas | Max 25% Reflective |
| Utah | Not Allowed |
| Vermont | Not Allowed |
| Virginia | Max 20% Reflective |
| Washington | Max 35% Reflective |
| Washington D.C. | No Law |
| West Virginia | Max 20% Reflective |
| Wisconsin | No Law |
| Wyoming | Max 20% Reflective |
Benefits of Mirror Window Tint
#1. Reduces Glare.
Those who dislike sunlight glare or oncoming headlights will value the reflective tint. Because less of the light comes through with film, your eyes are in better shape.
While this glare protection works well during the day with the sun, particularly when it’s bouncing off of snow, it’s just as critical at night.
With reflective tint on your windshield or side windows, those distracting headlights won’t require you to squint as much while driving.
#2. Stylish Appearance.
Tinted windows are stylish but the reflective, mirror-like type is special and more unique than the other types of tint.
Depending on how the sun hits the tint, you get that true mirror-type feel where instead of showing what’s inside the vehicle, you see what’s being reflected outside the window.
To some, the shine isn’t appealing and they would rather just have a tint like a traditional window tint.
#3. Controls Heat.
Whatever the type of window tint, it reduces sunlight, which keeps the heat out. However, mirror tint reduces sunlight and heat more effectively due to its reflective design.
With heat kept to a minimum, the air conditioning system works better. With a better air conditioning system, you will be more comfortable even when it is blistering hot outside.
#4. UV Protection.
By tinting your window, you minimize the UV rays that penetrate the skin, perhaps even needing to apply less sunscreen.
Applying a top mirror window tint has the capability to block up to 99% of UV radiation. This not only protects you from sunburn but also helps in lowering your skin cancer risk.
#5. Protects Upholstery.
A mirror tint will also give you deflection from sunlight. I listed some of the other benefits above, but you must not forget about what it will do for your upholstery. Instead of the direct beating of the sun on your upholstery, it is actually better protected.
You will spend less money on your protectants and will be able to keep the upholstery in better condition over time. This will allow you to receive more for your vehicle when you sell it, thus giving you a better return on your investment.
#6. Increased Safety.
The mirror reflective tint won’t allow would-be thieves to see inside the car. Therefore, your possessions will be safer.
Moreover, using any film on the windows makes it stronger. It is more difficult to break the glass. It will also shield you better in case of an accident from shattering auto glass in the event of an accident.
Factors to Consider Before Applying Mirror Tint
#1. Local Laws.
Before you tint your car’s glass with any type of film, you must check your state laws. Most states have different laws for the back windows, front windows, and windshield. You also may use different tint for each windows.
If you choose to go with something darker than permitted, expect to get pulled over.
After all, local police usually don’t give a tint window warning for tint either — you’ll get a ticket and have to remove the tint. It’s simply easier to follow the rules from the start.
#2. Car Color.
Mirror tint is appealing simply because it looks good! It may not look great with every car color, so you should take the time to consider how this will look with yours, personally.
If you can, locate some of the mirror tint to match up with your car, so you can see how it might look. If you can’t do that, you can search for images of your car color with mirror tint and see what you think of that.
#3. Cost of Application.
If you’re looking to save money, you might try to apply the mirror tint yourself. However, this can be hit or miss and you may not get the results you want.
If you don’t have a ton of experience applying window tint you could end up with air bubbles instead of a professional look.
A lot of people prefer if the tint installer and their window film install the window tint, because it will create a better looking result, but they will also have access to better quality/ higher end material.
If you want that window film to last as long as possible this is a better option, but it may also cost you more. Before you go ahead and tint your windows you should consider the cost, just to make sure you can see it all the way through the end.