1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Window Tint Laws

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by bxzcd, Mar 7, 2011.

  1. bxzcd

    bxzcd Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2011
    22
    19
    0
    Location:
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
  2. tomstodola

    tomstodola Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2011
    129
    20
    0
    Location:
    Ontario, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    I just tinted my window here in So. Calif. to a "medium" tint of 20% and the installer told me it technically is illegal on the drivers and passenger front windows. You can paint out the back windows and rear window if you have a right side rearview mirror.

    I have never had a problem with the tint as long as I kept it to the ligher side.
     
  3. CivicSky

    CivicSky Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2010
    163
    71
    0
    Location:
    San Deigo
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Any tinting on 2 front side windows are illegal. I try my best to remember to roll down my window when I pass by any cops or hopefully just a "fix it" ticket. So far I haven't had any problem.
     
  4. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    5,683
    953
    124
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    True, but the factory tint of ~75% in the glass is so light that you're extremely unlikely to get pulled over if you have an aggregate of ~35% (achieved with 50% tint) or lighter even if you keep the windows up. I see way too many violators go unnoticed with much lower than that in California.
     
  5. bxzcd

    bxzcd Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2011
    22
    19
    0
    Location:
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Are you sure about that? The chart shows CA as requiring 70% visible light transmission. So it's still legal at that point, just not as effective. I know that the numbers the chart shows for TX are correct.
    US - Rules By State (PDF)
     
  6. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2009
    5,683
    953
    124
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    That's because the factory glass is already tinted ~75% (in the glass) so any film that you put on will make it below 70%.
     
  7. bxzcd

    bxzcd Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2011
    22
    19
    0
    Location:
    Earth
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Ah. That makes sense then.