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Learn Everything About Window Tint Percentages

Michael Winston Macaling
Jan 95 min read
A gloved hand cleaning a car window using a blue microfiber cloth, with a logo in the top left corner that reads "Advanced Window Tint & Paint Protection" in white and green text, featuring a green car silhouette.
Professional window tint and paint protection services in action.

If you're a car owner in Tacoma, Washington, considering window tinting, you've probably heard terms like "5% tint" or "35% tint". But what do these percentages mean, and how do they impact your driving experience? Understanding window tint percentages helps you choose the right level of tint for your needs—balancing privacy, comfort, and legal compliance.


In this guide, we'll explain window tint percentages, how they affect visibility and heat rejection, and offer tips for selecting the right tint for your vehicle.


What Are Window Tint Percentages?


Window tint percentages represent the amount of visible light transmission (VLT) that passes through the window. A lower percentage means the tint is darker and blocks more light. For example:


A GIF showing the interior view of a car, focusing on the tinted windows and seats, with a workshop environment visible in the background. The scene illustrates window tinting installation or inspection, highlighting different light transmission levels through the glass.
Demonstrating how window tint percentages affect visible light transmission (VLT) in car windows. A lower VLT percentage means darker tint and more light blockage.

  • 5% tint (commonly known as "limo tint") allows only 5% of light to pass through, offering maximum privacy.

  • 35% tint allows 35% of light through, balancing visibility and privacy.


How Window Tint Percentages Work


Window tint percentages directly affect how much light enters your car. The darker the tint, the less visible light transmission (VLT) you'll get. For example:


A hand holding a solar power meter displaying a reading of 021.1, with an infographic on the right side showing a sun emitting different types of rays, including radio, microwaves, infrared (IR), visible light, ultraviolet (UV), X-rays, and gamma rays, directed at a green car. The illustration emphasizes how window tint reduces infrared and UV rays while controlling visible light transmission.
Understanding how window tint percentages affect visible light transmission (VLT) and protect against harmful UV and IR rays.

  • A 50% tint lets in half the available light.

  • A 20% tint allows just one-fifth of the light to pass through.


Why Are Window Tint Percentages Important?


1. Heat Rejection and UV Protection

Lower tint percentages block more sunlight, reducing solar heat gain and protecting your car's interior from harmful UV rays. High-quality films, like ceramic window tint, offer excellent UV protection while maintaining clarity.


Pro Tip: Advanced Window Tinting & PPF uses premium window films that reduce up to 99% of UV radiation, preserving your car’s interior and protecting your skin during long drives.

A GIF comparing two cars with different window tint levels; the left side shows a person behind a dark-tinted window, making them less visible, while the right side shows a person behind a lightly tinted window with higher visibility. This visual highlights the differences in privacy provided by various window tint percentages.
Why window tint percentages matter: lower percentages offer superior heat rejection, UV protection, and privacy while adhering to legal tint limits ensures compliance.

2. Privacy and Security

Darker tints provide better privacy, making it harder for outsiders to see into your vehicle. This can deter theft and improve your sense of security. Common privacy options include 5% limo tint and 20% tint.


3. Legal Compliance

Every state has laws regulating legal tint limits, which dictate how dark your windows can be. In Washington, different rules apply depending on the type of vehicle and window position. For example, front-side windows often have stricter VLT limits than rear windows.


If you're unsure about local regulations, Advanced Window Tinting & PPF can help you choose a tint percentage compliant with your vehicle.

Different Window Tint Percentages Explained

Selecting the right tint involves understanding the benefits of different levels of darkness. Here's a quick overview of common options:


5% Tint (Limo Tint)

A car window viewed from the inside with very dark tint applied, offering a high level of privacy and minimal outside visibility.
5% tint, also known as limo tint, provides maximum privacy by blocking most visible light.

  • Blocks 95% of light, offering maximum privacy.

  • Ideal for rear windows but not recommended for front windows due to poor nighttime visibility.


20% Tint

Side-by-side comparison of a car window with three tint levels: no tint, 20% tint, and 5% tint, with a checkmark on the 20% tint option.
20% tint strikes a balance between privacy and visibility, reducing glare while offering moderate privacy.

  • Blocks 80% of light, providing a good balance of privacy and visibility.

  • Popular for side and rear windows.


35% Tint

Side view of a car window showing tint levels of no tint, 35%, 20%, and 5%, with a checkmark on the 35% tint.
35% tint allows for more light transmission, offering clarity while reducing heat and glare.

  • Blocks 65% of light, allowing more natural light while reducing glare.

  • An excellent option for those who want a sleek look without compromising visibility.


50% Tint

A close-up of a car window displaying three different tint percentages: 50%, 35%, and 15%, illustrating how increasing tint darkness reduces light transmission and visibility. The reflections on the window highlight how tint levels affect glare and clarity.
50% tint primarily reduces UV exposure and heat while maintaining a lighter appearance, ideal for minimizing glare and protecting the car’s interior from fading.

  • Blocks 50% of light, mainly used for UV protection and heat reduction without significantly darkening the windows.

  • Perfect for drivers concerned about glare and interior fading.


70% Tint

A car window with a 70% tint, providing a clear view of a suburban street, with minimal darkening while still offering UV and heat protection.
70% tint blocks only 30% of light, maintaining a nearly transparent look while reducing UV rays and heat, commonly used as a windshield tint strip.

  • Blocks only 30% of light, maintaining a nearly clear appearance while offering UV and heat protection.

  • Often used on windshields as a windshield tint strip.


Did You Know? Many cars come with a factory tint, typically around 15-20% on rear windows. You can still add aftermarket tint for heat rejection and glare reduction benefits.


How to Choose the Right Window Tint Percentage


1. Legal Requirements

Before choosing a tint, make sure it complies with local laws. For example, in Tacoma, front-side windows must have a VLT of at least 24%, while rear windows can have darker tints.


2. Driving Conditions

Consider your typical driving environment. If you frequently drive at night, opt for a higher VLT (lighter tint) to maintain visibility.


3. Purpose and Aesthetics

Are you prioritizing heat reduction, privacy, or simply enhancing the look of your car? Different tint percentages serve different purposes.


Trust the experts at Advanced Window Tinting & PPF for a clean, professional installation.

Types of Window Tints and Their Percentages


Ceramic Window Tint

Ceramic tints are known for superior heat rejection and UV protection without compromising visibility. While more expensive than dyed films, they last longer and don’t fade.


A nighttime driving scene viewed from inside a car, showing a clear view of the road and surroundings through a window with ceramic tint. The scene highlights how ceramic window tint enhances visibility while providing UV and heat protection.
Ceramic window tints offer exceptional heat rejection and UV protection without reducing nighttime visibility. Durable and long-lasting, they are a premium choice over traditional dyed films.

  • Available in various VLT levels (5%, 20%, 35%, etc.).

  • Ideal for car owners looking for high performance and durability.


Dyed and Non-Reflective Window Films

Dyed window films are the most affordable option. They provide good privacy and glare reduction. However, compared to ceramic films, they offer minimal heat rejection.


  • Best suited for cosmetic enhancements.

  • Available in a wide range of percentages.


Window Tint Laws in Tacoma, WA: What You Need to Know


Washington state has specific laws governing window tint percentages. Key points include:


  • Front-side windows must allow at least 24% VLT.

  • Rear windows can have any tint percentage.

  • Windshield tint strips are permitted on the top 6 inches of the windshield.


For more information, visit this guide on choosing the best tint for your car.

Why Choose Advanced Window Tinting & PPF?


Advanced Window Tinting & PPF in Lakewood, WA, offers professional automotive window tinting services tailored to your needs. With years of experience, they specialize in providing compliant, high-quality tint installations using premium materials. Whether you need tinting for UV protection, glare reduction, or privacy, their expert team ensures flawless results.


Conclusion

Window tint percentages enhance your car's aesthetics, comfort, and safety. Whether you're looking for privacy, UV protection, or heat rejection, selecting the right tint percentage is key. For professional installation and expert advice in Tacoma, trust Advanced Window Tinting & PPF.


Ready to transform your driving experience? Contact Advanced Window Tinting & PPF today for a free consultation!


Common Questions About Window Tint Percentages


To address some common questions about vinyl wrapping, here are a few quick answers


How do window tint percentages work?

Window tint percentages indicate how much light passes through the film. A lower rate means less light passes through, resulting in a darker tint.

Why do window tint laws vary by state?

Why do tinted windows help with heat reduction?





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