Iowa Window Tinting Laws 101
The window tinting regulations are an important aspect of overall vehicle and public safety in the state of Iowa. The color and darkness of tint installed on vehicles is directly tied to visibility and its role in safe driving operations. As you learn more about these window tinting regulations, you will gain insight into just how deeply these laws are tied to various aspects of vehicle safety.
Iowa law does not require front windshields of any vehicle to feature window tinting, but you are permitted to have a strip of tint at the top of the windshield. This strip can be as wide as five inches at its widest point, and there are no other tinting requirements in relation to the windshield.
At the front of your vehicle, you can have tinted windows, provided they have a permissible tint percentage. This means that it should allow in at least 70 percent of the light that passes through. The tint can be any color, provided it complies with this tint percentage rule. At the back of the vehicle, the tint must allow in 70 percent of the light as well, but colors can include red, blue, gray or green .
In addition to regulations regarding tint percentages, there are also restrictions on tint on the windshield and windows for considerations of reflectivity. No tint can be used that has a reflectivity of more than 14 percent. This means that the tint cannot be reflective enough that it would partially mirror the light that is being projected into the window, creating the potential for a driver to be distracted. For back seat windows, there is no restriction on the amount of reflectivity the tint may have.
It is also important to understand that, even though Iowa laws are strict with regards to the amount of tint you can have on your windows, you cannot be required to pay extra fees to cover the costs of compliance for these tinting regulations by dealership owners. If such fees are charged, it will be a violation of Iowa law.
The tinting regulations in Iowa are intended to support the overall safe operation of vehicles, which is especially important to uphold on roadways. These tint laws are easy to follow, and compliance will help you avoid any potential fines or penalties, while also keeping you safe on the road.
Iowa Window Tint Limitations
In Iowa, the window tinting laws are broken down by passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles or trucks. For passenger vehicles, all windows must be more than 70% VLT for the front windshield. The front two side windows also must be more than 70% VLT. The back side windows have no legal restrictions and can be tinted any percentage. The rear window cannot be tinted darker than 70%. Iowa does not have specifications on how much the tint can reflect light.
For multi-purpose vehicles, the law considers this as a truck that is registered as a truck on its title or registration. The front windshield may not be tinted. The two front side windows must be more than 70% VLT. The back side windows of the vehicle do not have any restrictions. The rear window of the vehicle cannot be tinted darker than 70%. The tint of these vehicles is also not allowed to have any light reflection limitations.
Iowa Window Tint Penalties
Iowa tinting laws carry serious penalties. After all, the state will not allow drivers to get away with having dark tint. Otherwise, it would undermine their law enforcement officers’ ability to do their jobs properly.
Those who go against the law will face up to $1,000 in fines. If you’re pulled over for having illegal tint in Iowa, you may have to pay a fine of $50 for the first offense. That’s a bit more than the average citation in states where the laws are more lenient — but it’s not out of control.
If an officer pulls you over a second time for having tinted windows, however, you’ll pay $100. The third offense will cost you $250. After that, the fines can really accumulate. Not to mention the fact that an officer may require you to remove the tint following an arrest. In most cases, it will be up to the discretion of the officer, but there are still no guarantees that the individual will receive a warning.
Window Tint Exemptions in Iowa
Exemptions to the Rules
Iowa law does provide exemptions to window tinting restrictions when there is medical necessity. The law recognizes that some medical conditions, after a doctor’s examination and assessment, make it necessary for certain individuals to have tinted windows. The law allows for an exemption from the tinting prohibitions when this is the case. If a driver is suffering from certain medical conditions, such as lupus, skin cancer and other maladies that result in damage to the skin or eyes, then a doctor can sign off and provide the driver with a sticker for their windshield that indicates the exemption from the tinting rules granted by Iowa law. This exception is fairly hard to come by . It is simply not enough to say that that you will be more comfortable in your vehicle during daylight driving hours if your front and side windows are tinted. Nor is it enough to say that because it is hot outside or because you have a skin allergy, that you need a darker tint. Your condition must be such that simply not having tinted windows will do serious damage to your skin or eyes. In other words it just makes good sense. It should not be surprising that many people attempt to obtain the exceptions by purchasing the proper stickers but ignoring the doctors warnings about the dangers of excessive exposure to sunlight and driving around with tint on their windows. Given the that the exemptions from the tinting prohibitions is so narrow, it is probably best not to tempt fate by trying to get around the tinting limitations in Iowa.
How to Choose a Legal Window Tint
When selecting window tint for your vehicle, it’s essential to choose a product that meets the state’s legal requirements. Below are some tips for choosing legal tint in Iowa: Consult with Professional Installers One of the best ways to ensure you choose a legal tint is by consulting with professional installers. Reputable tint professionals will have extensive knowledge of state laws and can help you find the perfect window tint that’s both functional and legal. Consider the Window Type and Location Another important factor to consider when selecting legal tint is the type and location of your vehicle’s windows. Some windows may not be able to accommodate certain types of tint or may require additional installation considerations. For example, some tint products may not be suitable for curved windows or may require special adhesives for proper installation. Look for Quality Products It’s crucial to choose quality window tint products that not only comply with the state’s legal tint laws but also come with a warranty. Quality tint products typically offer a longer lifespan, better performance, and superior protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Before making your purchase, research brands and opt for reputable manufacturers.
Staying Informed on Iowa Window Tint Laws
While we have done our very best to include all of the most up to date tinting regulations into this article, rules and regulations are always subject to change. In fact, it seems that barely a month goes by without something new being passed. Lawmakers hear from the industry to eliminate or change some tint restrictions to allow for a greater variety of consumer options on the market. This is particularly true with respect to tints that offer increased privacy , not to mention extra protection in the hot summer months. These changes are typically a combination of local and state government. The best way you can keep up to date with these changes is to check the Tint Limo & Window Laws website and the Iowa government website on a frequent basis. Alternatively, you can find updates via your local law reform and legislature pages.
