Illinois Window Tint Laws 2023 Explained

russell | October 31, 2023

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Ever had issues with your window tint being too dark? Did you know that tint laws even vary on the type of car you drive? For every vehicle owner cruising the western suburbs of Chicago, from Naperville to Oswego, it’s important you understand the window tint laws of Illinois. 

There’s more than you’d think to these laws, and choosing a compliant window tint can help you enjoy all the benefits with none of the trouble.

In this blog, we’ll explain the Illinois window tint laws as they stand in 2023 and how you can easily get law-compliant window tint for your car.

What is Visible Light Transmission (VLT)?

As you’re looking at tinting your car’s windows, you need to keep visible light transmission in mind. VLT covers the percentage of light allowed through the glass of your vehicle—and VLT is going to vary between sedans, SUVs, and vans in the state of Illinois.

Illinois Window Tinting Laws in 2023

Window Tint Darkness for Sedans

When considering tint darkness for your sedan, you’re looking at around the same level of VLT percentage across all glass in your vehicle.

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of your windshield.
• Front side windows and back side windows: Tint needs to allow more than 35% of light in.
• Rear window: The same as the above, your rear window needs to allow more than 35% of light to pass through.

Window Tint Darkness for SUVs and Vans

If you have an SUV or van, however, you have more flexibility when it comes to the darkness of your window tint.

• Windshield: The same as for sedans, you can have non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches of your windshield.
• Front side windows: Your tint needs to allow more than 35% of light in.
• Back side windows: You can use any darkness of tint.
• Rear window: Again, you can use any tint darkness.

Learn more about the ways you can get back on the road fast with these blogs: How Should I Fix A Broken Car Key? What To Do If You Lose Your Car Keys How to Change a Battery in Your Key Fob

Tint Laws in Illinois: What About Window Tint Reflection?

The window tint reflection part of the equation means that tinting can and will reflect light but also reduce glare and heat (an added bonus during the spring and summer seasons). This is an additional factor you need to consider when adding tint to your vehicle.

Sedan Tint Reflection

• Front side windows: Window tint here cannot be reflective, though state law does not specify what this means.
• Back side windows: The above applies here as well.

SUVs and Vans Tint Reflection

• Front side windows: Window tint in your front side windows cannot be reflective, though, again, Illinois state law does not provide specifics.
• Back side windows: What’s applicable for front side windows is pertinent here as well.

Did you know… Source: Madico

Other Tint Laws in Illinois You Need to Be Aware Of

Laws in Illinois pertaining to window tint don’t stop there, however. Here are some additional laws to keep in mind:

• There are no restricted window tint colors in Illinois.
• Side mirrors: If both of your back windows are tinted, you need to have dual side mirrors.
• You do not need to have a sticker to identify legal tinting.
• There are medical exemptions for window tinting laws in Illinois. For example, if you have albinism or disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis, or if you care for someone with these issues, you can apply for the exemption.

High-Quality, Compliant Window Tinting in Illinois

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