What is Nevada’s Window Tint Law?

Window tints are a great customization option for your car because they can offer people a great way to reduce glare and heat from the hot Nevada sun. However, as great it would be to fully tint your vehicle’s windows, there are certain limits to how far you can tint your car’s windows. If you are a Nevada resident or just passing through the state, it is important to understand Nevada’s tint law to avoid any fines and violations from local law enforcement.  

What is Window Tinting?

Window tinting refers to the process of applying a thin transparent film to a vehicle’s window. By applying a window tint to a vehicle’s window, it can reduce the amount of light and heat entering the car and help keep it cool. Tinting can also provide drivers an enhanced sense of privacy, because tinting a car’s window would also darken it and make it harder for strangers to look inside your car. While many drivers choose to tint their window either due to comfort, privacy or a combination of both, they cannot tint their windows to whatever level they desire, or else they would violate their state’s tint laws. 

What Are Nevada Tint Laws?

Nevada’s tint laws are outlined in NRS 484D.440 and states that drivers are allowed to fully tint their rear side and back windows, but places stricter tinting measures for the windshield and the front side mirrors. For the windshield, drivers are only allowed to apply a tint to the top part of the windshield, but it must be 29 inches above the driver’s seat and it cannot be a red or amber color. For the front side windows, drivers are allowed to apply a tint, but it must be non-reflective and allows a minimum of 35% of light into the vehicle. 

Are There Any Exceptions to Nevada’s Tint Law?

There are a few exceptions to Nevada’s tint law, however, they largely depend on extremely specific circumstances. For example, older cars that were manufactured with the tint directly installed are allowed to keep the tint as long as they followed federal rules when it was made and cars that were made before 1993 are allowed to keep any old tint that was applied before July 1st, 1993. 

Another exception to the Nevada tint law is outlined in Nevada Administrative Code 484D.285, which allows people with medical conditions an exemption in order to help them avoid direct sunlight exposure. However, they would have to apply for an exemption certificate from the Nevada’s Department of Motor Vehicles in order to be exempt. In the event that drivers are granted with this certificate, they must be kept inside the vehicle at all times and must be presented to local enforcement if needed. 

Why Are There Regulations for Window Tinting?

The window tinting regulations outlined in NRS 484D.440 are intended to maintain road safety because darkly tinted windows can limit a driver’s vision and can make it harder for them to see important things on the road such as street signs, obstructions, and even other vehicles. These regulations are also implemented to ensure that local law enforcement are able to see inside a vehicle and identify people in routine traffic stops and potential suspects in investigations such as hit-and-run accidents. 

How Much Is a Nevada Window Tint Violation?

If your vehicle’s tint does not meet the legal standards set in the state’s legislation, you could face fines. While the exact amount will vary depending on local jurisdictions, fines generally start at $100 for a first offense and repeat offenders may incur steeper fines. Any driver who is caught violating Nevada’s tinting law will also be asked to remove or alter the window tint in order to comply with state law. However, it is important to note that window tint violations are not considered to be moving violations in Nevada, so it will not count towards your driving record. 

Do Window Tint Laws Differ in Other States?

Window tint laws will vary significantly from state to state to better suit the needs of the state and local law enforcement, so it is important to be mindful of their tint laws if you are going to be visiting other states in the near future. While Nevada requires a minimum of 35% of light to pass into the vehicle, other states may allow a darker tint or may enforce stricter regulations. For example:

• California requires a minimum of 70% of light to pass into the vehicle for all front mirrors.
• Arizona allows a minimum of 33% of light to pass into a vehicle for all front mirrors.
• Washington allows a minimum of 24% of light to pass in all mirrors of a vehicle.  

In addition, some states may have stricter rules about tint reflectivity and color, and may enforce strict tickets and violations. With that in mind, it is vital to look up a state’s tint law in order to avoid hefty fines and penalties.  

What Should I Do if I Receive a Ticket for a Window Tint Violation?

If you have received a ticket for a Nevada window tint violation, it is recommended to make the necessary changes and pay off the violation as soon as possible. If you do not do so immediately, you risk being subjected to additional fines and violations that may ultimately affect your driving record. 

However, if you have been involved in a car accident due to someone’s negligence or recklessness and would like to hire legal representation to get it sorted out, contact us today by calling (213) 927-3700 or by filling our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our compassionate and dedicated legal team.