Illinois Window Tinting Law

I have been asked about the new tinting law that took effect the end of October 09'. There is many misconceptions on what is or is not legal.

Let me give you a brief overview for those that are not sure of the tint shades. Most film manufacturers classify their films by the amount of light that is allowed thru the films. For example, a 5% "Limo" tint keeps out 95% of the light. Generally, the smaller the number, the darker the film. The most common film "shades" are as follows: 50%, 35%, 30%, 20%, 15%. AND 5%.

Next, understand that the "clear glass" in all of our vehicles (those without the privacy glass) does actually have some "tint" in the glass. In undrestanding the new law, you must factor in this slight tint of the glass along with the tinted film to get a total darkness or tint level. For example, a 35% film PLUS the "tinted glass" actually equals 30% overall darkness when measured with a glass meter.

Unlike the old Illinois law that allowed any darkness behind the front doors but allowed for no film on the front drivers and passenger door glass, the new Illinois Tinting law, allows film on the front doors with limits.

NEW TINTING LAW IS AS FOLLOWS:
Option #1: 30% net darkness on all the vehicles windows, except the windshield. Using the above explanation, you must use a film, along with the "tint of the glass" that is no darker than 30%. Typically, most window film manufacturer's 35% films met this criteria.

Option #2: If you want to go a little darker on back doors and back glass, you may go up to a 25% net darkness on the rear doors, quarter glass and back windshield; however, then the front driver and passenger doors may only be filmed to a 45% total film darkness. Typically, most window film manufacturer's 30% films meet the rear criteria, along with 50% for the front doors.

Option#3: Is the old law, darker than 25% on the rear windows, nothing is allowed on the front drivers and passenger front doors.

Option#4: If you have a truck, SUV or mini-van that has factory tinted privacy glass, you may use a 50% (45% total darkness) on the front doors.

I hope this helps you to understand this new law.

does that apply in the city of Chicago too? I've wanted to tint my windows for a few years, but I don't want to deal with another hassle parked in the city. no front plate is already pushing it.

bill

Bill,
The city of Chicago has an ordinance against the state law saying they dont allow film on front doors but a couple months ago the state added a paragraph onto the law ,which is very hard to understand, that Jeff and I believe states that the city has to obey the state laws. Meaning you CAN now het your front doors tinted..although we have not heard back from the people we've contacted to straighten out if thats true.

As soon as we find out for sure I will post it!

Joe.

Wow, Chicago has to follow state law and not make up their own shit. Go figure.

any word as to whether or not Chicago is going to allow tint?
bill

HiPwr wrote:

Wow, Chicago has to follow state law and not make up their own shit.  Go figure.

Chicago is their own fucking state and they do whatever the fuck makes them the most money! Bill I'm in the city all the time so I can shed some light on this. I have never been pulled over or bothered for my tints and I have been rite next to a cop quite a few times. But, I do know the parking cunts will give u a ticket for tints if parked on the street. U have to contest ticket, take day off work to go back to city for a hearing.

and I've heard that the people contesting are losing. At least last year. Nobody I know personally, but stories I've heard. Driving around in the city is no problem, you can do whatever you want, I'm worried about parked on the street.

bill

I had 35 on all the doors and 20 on the rear window on my old Charger, never got hassled or anything like that. It looked legal from the side, but looking from the front it had a darker look to it verses the 35 all around. It was a nice contrast.

Contested two tinted window tickets in chicago thru the mail. With both of them being tossed.

I heard as long as your rear isn't tinted the sides are ok?

Id love to match my rear with the sides though.

As of now Chicago will ticket if any film is on your front doors ( Only if your car is registered to city). If your car isn't registered to the city of Chicago and you get a ticket fight the ticket because technically you're legal.