35% Window Tint: Is It Safe for Night Driving?

Applying tint to your car’s windows enhances privacy and blocks sunlight. However, if the tint is too dark, it may hinder nighttime driving. The visibility through tinted windows varies based on the driver’s vision and preferences.

Is 35% Window Tint Visible at Night?

Nothing adds a touch of elegance to your car like window tinting. With the proper tint level, it shields your vehicle’s interior from the gaze of other drivers and passersby.

You can sing loudly, gesture freely, or talk to yourself without worrying about prying eyes catching you in the act.

Night visibility concerns with window tint are widespread.

Some individuals are reluctant to tint their car windows, fearing it could impair their ability to see clearly at night.

This is a frequent worry, and tinting companies are actively working to alleviate these concerns and reassure customers.

Window tinting for vehicles has existed for over three decades. During this period, no evidence has connected nighttime car accidents to tinted windows.

MUST READ: How to Care for Car Window after Tinting

Tinted windows don’t imply wrongdoing!

Some believe that tinting their vehicle’s windows might attract police attention, as tinted windows could be seen as suspicious by law enforcement.

What could someone be concealing inside their car? Why block the view inside? This perception is similar to the notion that red cars are more likely to be stopped by police, even when no laws are broken, as shown in a U.S. study.

Still, no level of tint justifies driving unsafely or risking accidents. For some, even a light tint can obstruct their view of surrounding traffic.

The ability to see through tinted windows also depends on a driver’s familiarity with them. For those new to tinted windows, even daytime driving can pose challenges.

Many states, counties, and cities enforce laws limiting the darkness of tint on various vehicle windows to ensure the safety of drivers and others on the road.

Some regulations mandate that a vehicle’s front windshield cannot have a tint darker than 50%, while side and rear windows may have darker tints.

This means onlookers can see inside through the front windshield, but side and rear windows may obscure visibility significantly or entirely.

Most drivers can manage with a 35% tint level, which is why many regulations prohibit passenger vehicles from having tints darker than 35%.

In limousines, tint levels are often much darker than 35%, as limos are subject to different tinting regulations than standard passenger vehicles.

Read Also: 35% Window Tint vs 20% (which is better)

What Tint Level Suits Those with Night Vision Issues?

If you want window tint but struggle to see at night, opt for a lighter tint. It may offer less privacy, but it ensures safer nighttime driving.

Understanding Window Tint Mechanics

If you’re new to window tinting, note that tint percentages work inversely. When offered a choice between 20% or 35% tint, you might assume 35% is darker, but that’s a common mistake.

A lower percentage means a darker tint. Thus, 20% tint is significantly darker than 35% tint.

Regulations on Window Tinting

Window tinting laws vary, so you must research the regulations in your state or city.

Different windows on the same vehicle may have varying tint levels. Some laws prohibit drivers with learner’s permits from operating vehicles with tinted windows.

Many regulations limit the tint on a vehicle’s front windshield to no darker than 70%, which, as explained, is relatively light.

Testing Window Tint Levels

If you’re hesitant about applying a 35% tint, you can try it out to determine if it’s suitable for nighttime driving.

A company called Evofilm offers temporary window tint films that are simple to apply to car or truck windows.

Window tinting doesn’t always require a professional; vehicle owners can apply it themselves. These films are removable and available in various grades, allowing you to test different tint levels to find the best fit.

Read Also: Can You Use AC after Tinting Windows

Final Thoughts

Some believe a 35% window tint is too dark for nighttime visibility. However, many laws set 35% as the minimum tint level, suggesting it’s safe for most drivers.

A company offers temporary tint films in various grades, allowing you to experiment with different levels to find the best one for nighttime driving.