How dark is too dark for window tint?

[AZT9]

As we are all excitedly getting closer to taking delivery of our sweet new trucks!, the time has come to prepare for some “upgrades” I as an Arizona resident not only like the look but NEED tinted windows to survive the summers! One of my dirt priorities is getting tint installed. That being said I also like the look of nice dark window contrasting my star white baby. Question for you all…

1. Are you planning to tint beyond the factory tint? (I believe OEM is approximately 18-20%)

2. Does anyone have photo examples of tint percentages on their vehicles that that wouldn’t mind posting for reference?

I’m torn over 5% all around. Personally I like the look but maybe too dark? Or 15-18% to match the factory tint.

Thanks for your input Folks!

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[RainorshinePNW]

5% for sure on the back seat windows and back cab window, 15% max on the fronts (although being in the NW don't have quite the same needs)

 

[sotek2345]

I live in NY so anything beyond factory tint is illegal and will get you stopped. It is also tested every year at you annual inspection.

 

[YankeeCP]

I always tint 5% all around

 

[AZT9]

I live in NY so anything beyond factory tint is illegal and will get you stopped. It is also tested every year at you annual inspection.

That’s unfortunate. We do have laws on tint but it’s not strictly enforced. Heck our troopers and fire departments are rolling literally blacked out

 

[AZT9]

I always tint 5% all around

I like your style! I’m leaning to that too. Thanks

 

[cag]

Just a reminder guys that 5% is limosine levels of black. Its hard to see at night with it. I had 20% and that was pretty dark but i'd say thats a good place to start if you want tint.

Want to cruise the highway on a bright summer day and enjoy the sun? Gotta open the windows. Its one thing i missed about tinted windows. Sometimes you like the privacy sure. But i really liked enjoying the bright day with my windows up. Here in the pacific NW we dont get a lot of sun and i had to enjoy it whenever possible.

 

[rdr854]

That’s unfortunate. We do have laws on tint but it’s not strictly enforced. Heck our troopers and fire departments are rolling literally blacked out

Most states have special exemptions fir public safety vehicles.

 

[vandy1981]

Just a reminder guys that 5% is limosine levels of black. Its hard to see at night with it. I had 20% and that was pretty dark but i'd say thats a good place to start if you want tint.

Deep tints look cool but consider the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists who rely on driver eye contact for safe transit. Trucks and SUVs are already very dangerous for pedestrians due to poor sightlines and overall body shape.

 

[cag]

Yeah on 5% you can forget about any sort of gesture communication with drivers/peds. Its jet black on a sunny day.

 

[AZT9]

Now leaning towards 15-18%.
If I’m not mistaken the oem is 18-20% which i believe will appear darker when the front windows are tined.
Thank you all for your input!

also. Any photo examples would be great!

 

[YankeeCP]

I like your style! I’m leaning to that too. Thanks

 

[webspoke]

For a reference point, the texas limit is 25% on the front windows. That ends up noticeably lighter than the factory rear window tints. So you are on track with 15-18%. I will admit the last couple of vehicles I have left untinted, and have enjoyed the better visibility at night.

One tinted truck used to have bad reflections of the center console in the side windows, looked like headlights coming.

 

[AZT9]

That’s 5%? Man I love the look! But I see the visual dilemma at night. However the truck has 360 cameras and lighting so maybe I’m good

 

[YankeeCP]

That’s 5%? Man I love the look! But I see the visual dilemma at night. However the truck has 360 cameras and lighting so maybe I’m good

Yeah 5% and definitely a problem at night at times especially in dark areas. Not so much on well lit roads. Depends the area you drive

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