Window tint shades span from pitch black to super subtle. To enjoy your film to the fullest, it’s essential to pick the right tint shade for your style preferences, lifestyle, and needs. It must also comply with your state’s window tinting laws.
The window tinting specialists at Red Rocks Tint are here to offer our expert guidance. Use this comprehensive guide to pick the best window tint shade for your car.
Understanding Window Tint Shades: The Basics
What is Visible Light Transmission (VLT)?
How much sunlight can pass through the film determines the tint shade. This is measured in visible light transmission (VLT) percentages. The lower the percentage, the darker the tint shade will be.
For instance, window tint with 5% VLT blocks out 95% of sunlight, making your windows appear blacked out. Picture the windows on a limo. Films with 90% VLT let 90% of the sun’s rays shine through, appearing to be almost transparent.
Each state has specific laws when it comes to window tint VLT percentages. Here in Colorado, for example, your front, side, and rear windows must have more than 27% VLT.
What are the Legal VLT Limits of Each State?
Check out the chart below to learn what your state’s VLT requirements are.
| State | Front Sides | Rear Sides | Rear | Windshield |
| Alabama | 32% | 32% | 32% | 6″ |
| Alaska | 70% | 40% | 30% | 5″ |
| Arizona | 33% | Any | Any | AS1 |
| Arkansas | 25% | 25% | 10% | 5″ |
| California | 70% | Any | Any | 4″ |
| Colorado | 27% | 27% | 27% | 4″ |
| Connecticut | 35% | 35% | Any | AS1 |
| Delaware | 70% | Any | Any | AS1 |
| District of Columbia | 70% | 50% | 50% | 5″/AS1 |
| Florida | 28% | 15% | 15% | AS1 |
| Georgia | 32% | 32% | 32% | 6″ |
| Hawaii | 32% | 35% | 35% | 70% light |
| Idaho | 35% | 20% | 35% | AS1 |
| Illinois | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6″ |
| Indiana | 30% | 30% | 30% | AS1 |
| Iowa | 70% | Any | Any | AS1 |
| Kansas | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| Kentucky | 35% | 18% | 18% | AS1 |
| Louisiana | 40% | 25% | 12% | AS1 |
| Maine | 35% | Any | Any | 4″ |
| Maryland | 35% | 35% | 35% | 5″ |
| Massachusetts | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6″ |
| Michigan | 4″ | Any | Any | 4″ |
| Minnesota | 50% | 50% | 50% | None |
| Mississippi | 28% | 28% | 28% | AS1 |
| Missouri | 35% | Any | Any | AS1 |
| Montana | 24% | 14% | 14% | AS1 |
| Nebraska | 35% | 20% | 20% | 5″/AS1 |
| Nevada | 35% | Any | Any | AS1 |
| New Hampshire | None | 35% | 35% | 6″ |
| New Jersey | None | Any | Any | None |
| New Mexico | 20% | 20% | 20% | 5″/AS1 |
| New York | 70% | 70% | Any | 6″ |
| North Carolina | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| North Dakota | 50% | Any | Any | <70% |
| Ohio | 50% | Any | Any | <70% |
| Oklahoma | 25% | 25% | 25% | 5″/AS1 |
| Oregon | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6″ |
| Pennsylvania | 70% | 70% | 70% | None |
| Rhode Island | 70% | 70% | 70% | AS1 |
| South Carolina | 27% | 27% | 27% | AS1 |
| South Dakota | 35% | 20% | 20% | AS1 |
| Tennessee | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| Texas | 25% | 25% | Any | 5″/AS1 |
| Utah | 43% | Any | Any | AS1 |
| Vermont | None | Any | 32% | 32% |
| Virginia | 50% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| Washington | 24% | 24% | 24% | 6″ |
| West Virginia | 35% | 35% | 35% | 5″ |
| Wisconsin | 50% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| Wyoming | 28% | 28% | 28% | 5″/AS1 |
3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Tint Shade
The tint shade you choose will largely depend on your aesthetic preferences, privacy needs, and driving habits. Here are a few things to consider when selecting tint shades.
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Personal Preferences
Do you prefer super dark windows or want a subtle hue difference? What are your privacy preferences? The darker the tint, the less visibility people will have inside your car.
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Driving Habits
Do you spend hours behind the wheel during the day? Or do you drive at night? If you’re a daytime driver, you might want to invest in darker tint shades as they repel more UV rays, protecting your skin from sun damage. This also keeps your car’s interior cooler, making driving more comfortable on scorching summer days.
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Your Needs
Think about the reasons you’re tinting your windows. Is it for privacy, comfort, or looks? Knowing your “why” can help you determine the best tint shade for you.
XPEL Window Tinting Options
Not only should you choose the right shade for your needs, but you should also invest in high-quality film. At Red Rocks Tint, we’re proud to use XPEL window tint exclusively. We believe that XPEL is the best option because it blocks 99% of UV rays and 98% of infrared heat, never fades or turns purple, and will last for years.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends XPEL window tint as an effective UV protectant, drastically reducing your risk of skin cancer.
XPEL Window Tint Lineup
We offer several different XPEL tint options at our shop, including:
- XPEL PRIME CS: This dyed, color-stable film provides comprehensive solar heat rejection and will never fade or turn purple.
- XPEL PRIME XR: This film is made from nano-ceramic particles that block infrared heat and UV rays. The black-out film makes your car look sleek while providing superior privacy and security.
- XPEL PRIME XR PLUS: This multi-layered ceramic film blocks up to 98% of infrared rays, significantly reducing your risk of skin cancer. It will never interfere with your phone, radio, or Bluetooth signals.
If you’re struggling to choose the best XPEL tint for your car, our experts are happy to help. After learning about your needs and goals, we’ll offer personalized product recommendations.
Top 3 XPEL Window Tinting Benefits
Tinting your windows with XPEL film has countless advantages. Among the top benefits of XPEL window tint include:
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UV and Heat Protection
XPEL window tint will block nearly 100% of UV rays. This is the equivalent of using 1,000 SPF sunscreen! Plus, it keeps your car from turning into an oven on hot, sunny days.
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Increased Privacy and Security
XPEL window film reduces sun glare, allowing you to see better while driving during sunsets. However, it will never impact your visibility at night. XPEL tint also prevents thieves from seeing into your car, reducing theft risk.
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Preserves Your Car’s Integrity
Since XPEL tint blocks out most UV rays, it will prevent your car’s interior from fading and cracking.
Trust Golden, Colorado’s Leading Window Tinting Experts
No matter what tint shade you choose, Red Rocks Tint provides the fastest installation process and best results in Golden, Colorado. We are the area’s exclusive XPEL dealer with over 18 years of industry experience. You can trust us for superior results the first time around.
Let us enhance the look and comfort of your ride. Contact Red Rocks Tint today at 303.261.7384 to book your window tinting appointment. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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