Changes to vehicle window tinting in Pennsylvania could be coming

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Changes could be coming for vehicle window tinting in Pennsylvania, including making it part of your yearly state inspection.

Senator Jimmy Dillon (D-Philadelphia) plans to introduce legislation to combat vehicle window tint that is too dark and blocks too much light. Currently, in Pennsylvania, Visible Light Transmission (VLT) needs to be a minimum of 70 percent, meaning a vehicle’s tint can only be a maximum of 30 percent.

While the tint from a manufacturer adheres to nearly all state requirements, many VLT issues arise from 3rd party tinters and those tinting windows themselves, Dillon said.

To combat this, Dillion hopes his legislation will become law and require not only tint to be part of a vehicle’s yearly state inspection but also require 3rd party vendors to alert the vehicle owner if the tint is going to be too dark.

“Over the years, Pennsylvania has witnessed a rise in the number of vehicles that do not comply with the legal level of tinting, with State Police writing almost 10 citations every day,” Dillon said in a memorandum to state senators. “It is important that we address these growing concerns promptly. Illegal window tints hinder a driver’s vision, making it difficult for them to see clearly and communicate their intentions with others. This creates enhanced risk to pedestrians, law enforcement, and other drivers.”

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The legislation, Dillion added, is meant to be a “companion” to Rep. Gallagher’s (D-Philadelphia) HB 2501 , which deals with windshield obstructions.

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