Like most states, Ohio sets limits on vehicle window coatings. These limits are intended to balance the legitimate need to reduce heat and glare inside vehicles with the risks posed by view obstructions. Specifically, non-compliant coatings can obscure a driver’s vision or blind other drivers with glare, leading to motor vehicle accidents.
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Window Tint Darkness Limits in Ohio
Ohio regulates the transmissivity of window coatings applied to motor vehicle windows. “Transmissivity” is the amount of light allowed through the coating. 100% transmissivity means that all the light passes through the clear coating. 0% transmissivity means that no light passes through the opaque coating. Practical window coatings fall between these extremes.
The tint darkness permitted by Ohio window tint laws depends on the window. No aftermarket window tint is allowed on the windshield. However, windshields can be manufactured with two types of window tint incorporated into them.
First, the windshield can be manufactured with a sunscreening material that has at least 70% transmissivity. Second, the windshield can have sunscreening material over its upper five inches.
The front side windows can have tint with transmissivity of at least 50%. In other words, the side windows to the driver’s right and left must allow 50% or more of the light into the vehicle.
The rear side windows and rear window can have tints of any transmissivity. Privacy tint is allowed. However, if the rear window has tint with less than 50% transmissivity, the vehicle must have outside rear-view mirrors on both sides.
Window Tint Reflection Limits in Ohio
Ohio window tint laws do not allow reflective window tint.
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Other Tint Regulations in Ohio
Window tint on the front side windows and the upper margin of the windshield cannot be red or yellow.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Ohio’s window tint laws do not apply to school buses and law enforcement vehicles.
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Penalties for Illegal Tint in Ohio
Operating a vehicle with illegal window tint is a minor misdemeanor. Minor misdemeanors do not carry any jail time. Instead, they are punished with a fine of up to $150. Some counties allow you to repair the tint before your court date to avoid the fine. However, you may still owe court fees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Installing illegal window tint is a misdemeanor. A judge can sentence someone to jail for violating these Ohio window tint laws.
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If you were hit by a car with illegal window tint, an Ohio personal injury lawyer can pursue a claim against the vehicle owner for negligently installing tint that they knew or should have known would obstruct the driver’s view.
