What are the Laws for Car Window Tinting in Tennessee?

Window tinting is a great way to take care of your car. However, there are some regulations. Here are the local laws for auto window tinting in Columbia, TN.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2,800 people die every year in front-end collisions. 80% of these occur in sunny weather.

Dark car windows are often cited as obscure to the driver's vision. What you likely don't know is that window tint is also charged with leading to blurred UVB rays, reduced comfort, and inhibited night driving ability.

If you reside in or are visiting Tennessee, you may wonder if you can get your car windows tinted to reduce heat and glare. The answer is yes; however, Chattanooga's window tint laws are rather specific. Window tinting in Columbia, TN is possible but you'll need to be sure to follow the specific legislation.

Keep reading to find out how to get your car tinted in Chattanooga without getting in legal trouble first.

What Is the Point of Auto Window Tinting?

Auto window tinting makes a lot of sense for the economical and savvy driver who wants to have a great-looking car that is also functional and protected. Tinting your car windows can reduce heat inside your vehicle by taking out 99% of dangerous ultraviolet rays. While this can be damaging to your skin, it can also damage the interior of your vehicle.

Ultraviolet rays have the ability to degrade leather over time and decrease the overall value of your vehicle before reselling. It also makes the air conditioning and heating systems inside your vehicle more efficient. This can save you money over the longer term as you pay less in energy.

Auto window tinting also simply just looks cool. You'll be able to see outside your vehicle clearly while driving, but others may not be able to see in. You'll often find that many sports car vehicles have effective tinting that is well matched to the vehicle's exterior style.

What Are the Different Levels of Auto Window Tinting?

Typically, a vehicle window tinting job will come in one of four standard options. These options refer to the amount of blockage that the tinting provides. You can find tinting options in 5%, 20%, 35%, and 50% options.

For most vehicle owners, 50% blockage is going to be the best option. This is a standard option that falls within the limits of the majority of state laws in the United States. It provides great protection against UV rays and keeps your vehicle looking clean and fresh.

Am I Allowed to Tint My Car Windows in Tennessee?

However, in Tennessee, the laws are more restrictive. According to state law, you can only have a maximum 70% light transmission on your tinted front windshield. The law is less stringent for side and back windows. You'll be allowed to have 35% transmission of light on the side and rear windows.

These laws also forbid other types of tint like mirrored tints or metallic materials on your vehicle's windows. This would effectively block too much light and make your vehicle ineligible for estate inspection. Most people won't be looking for this type of tint, so there's a good chance you'll be safe with what you had in mind for tinting.

Ultimately, if you're willing to accept slightly less tinting on the front windshield of your vehicle, you can still take your vehicle in for an outstanding-looking tinting job that is cost-effective and economical.

How Much Does It Cost to Tint Car Windows?

Ultimately, there is a wide range in costs for car tinting jobs. This will depend largely on the amount of tint that you want for your vehicle, the type of tinting used, and the individual mechanic or body shop you choose.

As a general range, you can inspect anywhere between $50-$600 for a standard tinting film that is nonreflective. If you're looking for a more advanced look using a ceramic, metallic, or specialty film, you can expect this number to jump from $100 to nearly $1000.

Of course, as mentioned above, Tennessee laws forbid metallic and mirrored films, so many of these options will be off the table.

Many customers who are interested in tinting car windows are also interested in paint protection film systems. This can increase the price of the installation to some extent. However, most body shops or manufacturers will be willing to work with you to bundle these services together for a lower overall price.

Where Can I Find Window Tint and PPF Installers Near Me?

Many auto body shops will be able to provide you with a quote for a window tinting job in the Columbia Tennessee area. These body shops will also provide other services like paint protection film system installs and interior redesigns.

However, if you're looking for comprehensive and economical window tinting, Wells PPWF is your best bet. We'll be happy to work with you directly to discuss your specific needs and goals for tinting and other vehicle services. We make sure that we work one-on-one so you can be compliant with Tennessee regulations while also keeping your vehicle looking clean.

Choosing Window Tinting in Columbia, TN

At the end of the day, finding affordable window tinting in Columbia, TN is fairly simple. Here at Wells PPWF, we provide top-tier and economical window tinting that keeps you legal for less. We believe window tinting is a great option for vehicle owners who want to reduce their energy costs and increase the resale value of their vehicles.

By tinting your front windshield differently from the rest of the windows in your vehicle, you can keep your vehicle within Tennessee state guidelines.

If you are interested in a quote for custom tinting, at  please contact us today. Wells Paint Protection and Window Film will be happy to assist you.