As a Floridian who happens to drive, you’ve probably thought about tinting your windows to protect you and your vehicle from the sun. Of course, window tint provides numerous advantages aside from sun protection—namely, added privacy and security, two things every Bentley owner seeks.
Obviously, the advantages of tinted windows are offset by some drawbacks, like durability, visibility, and legality concerns. Before you decide to visit a window tint shop near you, here are a few important details to know.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tinted Windows
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Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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Upkeep - Window tint may reduce fading of interior surfaces and upholstery, including dashboards and seats. |
Resale Value - Used car shoppers aren’t always keen on buying vehicles with tint, as it is a personal, aftermarket accessory. |
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Protection from UV - Properly installed window tint can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays and provide a long-term solution to prevent the occurrence of skin cancer. |
Easily Damaged - The best window tint film is durable, though it is still susceptible to scratches, bubbles, and flaking, which will require complete reapplication. |
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Protection from Shattering - Tinted windows may be less susceptible to shattering, or at least less likely to send shards of tempered glass all over the seats. |
More Difficult to Clean - Certain chemicals and cleaning products can negate the tint effect or altogether remove the tinting film. |
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Privacy & Security - You should have an extra level of privacy and security from potential thieves with good, tinted car windows. |
Reduced Visibility - While tint reduces sun glare, drivers may have visibility issues, particularly at night. There are also potential visibility issues with other drivers. |
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Style - Tinted windows can look upscale. |
Legality - The level of darkness (measured by VLT) allowed fluctuates by state and region. |
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Cooler Cabin - Good window tints have been shown to reduce in-cabin temperatures by up to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Environmental Effects - Some window tints are more environmentally friendly than other non-recyclable films. |
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Cost - Window tint films, depending on the manufacturer and your type of vehicle, can be quite affordable to purchase. (Although you shouldn’t get a DIY window tint kit!) |
Durability - Cheap, low-quality window tint will fade much quicker than higher-quality films. Typically, window tint can last up to 5 years. |
What Are the Window Tint Laws in Florida?
Did you know that every state has its own statutes and laws on car window tint? In Florida, for instance:
Windshield Tint Laws
You may only have transparent windshield tinting in the top horizontal AS-1 portion of the windshield (also known as an eyebrow). Tinting your entire windshield is not legal in Florida, nor is it legal in any other state.
There are exceptions to this rule. For example, medical or law enforcement vehicles can have tinted windshields, and persons with certain medical conditions may be exempt.
Side Window Tint Laws
Sunscreening material is authorized for front side windows if, when applied to and tested on the glass of such windows on the specific motor vehicle, the material has a total solar reflectance of visible light of not more than 25% VLT as measured on the nonfilm side and light transmittance of at least 28% VLT in the visible light range.
Rear Window Tint Laws
Sunscreening material consisting of the film which, when applied to and tested on the rear window glass of the specific motor vehicle, has a total solar reflectance of visible light of not more than 35% VLT as measured on the nonfilm side and a light transmittance of at least 15% VLT in the visible light range (6% VLT on multi-purpose vehicles such as buses, vans, SUVs, etc.).
The application of perforated (total reflectance of visible light of 30%-35% VLT) and louvered (does not reduce driver visibility by more than 50%) window sunscreening materials is also allowed.
Window Tint Color Laws
It is illegal to have an aftermarket tint that alters the normal window color.
Additional Laws & Details
- If you have rear window tint, you must have dual-side mirrors.
- It is mandatory to place a sticker identifying your car window tint as legal within your driver’s door jamb.
- If you’re pulled over, law enforcement can utilize a VLT meter to check your tint level.
- Any violation of VLT laws in Florida can result in a non-moving violation or citation, which may not exceed $500 for each citation. (You can be ticketed for each individual tinted window!)
- Tint film manufacturers are not required to certify car window tints are legal in Florida. This is why you should always have your vehicle window tinting performed by an authorized, licensed, and trained window tint professional in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “VLT” in Window Tinting?
Window tint is based on visible light transmission (VLT). This measurement is used to identify the percentage of visible light that passes through the film. The lower the VLT% allowed, the darker the tint.
How Long Will Tinted Windows Last?
Professional window tinting can easily last 5 to 7 years before showing signs of wear, but it depends on multiple factors, including weather conditions and how well the tint is taken care of. Certain types of window tint, like ceramic, may last significantly longer.
Does Tinting Windows Devalue Your Car?
Many folks believe that any aftermarket change you make to your car automatically decreases its value, but this isn’t necessarily the case. While it’s true that a private buyer who doesn’t want their windows tinted may offer less for a vehicle, a professionally done window tint job may actually maintain or even increase resale value.
Find Our Window Tint Shop Near Hialeah, FL
Do the benefits of tinting your luxury car’s windows outweigh the cons? If so, contact Braman Bentley Miami at (786) 577-5218 to discuss your options or schedule service online. We can help you install, replace, or even remove Bentley window tint in South Florida. Read our other Bentley service tips for additional ways to keep your luxury car luxurious.
