Guide to Front Windshield Tinting in Florida
When tinting a vehicle in the sunshine state, most people think about just their car’s side and rear windows. However, front windshield tinting is growing in popularity. Tinting the front windshield provides benefits such as improved comfort, privacy, and UV protection.
If you’re considering tinting your car’s front windshield and want to know the pros, cons, and if windshield tinting is legal in Florida, this guide has you covered.
Whether you’re searching for “window tint near me” or wondering which brand of film to use, read on to make an informed decision.
What is Front Windshield Tinting?
Front windshield tinting involves applying a thin, transparent film to the inside of your car’s windshield. Unlike tinting the side and rear windows, the front windshield typically has a lighter window film applied to maintain visibility while still providing benefits like UV and infrared rejection. A high quality ceramic 3M window film also helps block glare from the sun. It can also reduce the need for air conditioning at full power to maintain a constant temperature.
There are many types of films available, including, dyed, carbon and ceramic tint, each offering their own set of advantages. If you’ve ever searched “auto tinting” or “Orlando window tinting”, you’ve probably at least heard of these options.
Top 5 Benefits of Tinting Your Front Windshield
1. Solar Heat Rejection
A high quality 3M window tint such as 3M Crystalline reject up to 97% of the sun’s infrared rays even at a clear 70% tint. Solar heat rejection not only improves comfort, but it can reduce the strain on your car’s A/C and improve fuel efficiency. Backed by 3M’s nationwide lifetime warranty, 3M Crystalline offers unmatched performance with a manufacturer’s guarantee that lasts as long as you own your vehicle. Blocking the heat from the sun is the foremost concern we’ve heard from customers at our Central Florida locations when discussing windshield tinting.
2. UV Protection
You don’t have to shell out for 3M Crystalline for one of the biggest advantages of windshield tinting, which is UV protection. All of our 3M window films offer 99% or greater UV rejection, protecting your skin and helping to prevent your car’s interior from fading. Additionally, window tinting has been recommended by the Skin Care Foundation as a proven method to help reduce the incidence of skin cancer, as part of a balanced skin care regimen.
3. Reduced Glare
Driving while facing the late afternoon sun or oncoming headlights at night can be disorienting. Tinted windshields reduce the amount of light that passes through the glass. This effect helps to reduce glare, making it easier to see what’s important and enhancing driver safety. Glare reduction is also one of the top concerns for Florida vehicle owners and why they choose to tint their windshields.
4. Improved Comfort
By reducing solar heat and glare, tinted windshields help make driving more comfortable, especially on long road trips. They can also protect your car’s interior from sun damage as a result of prolonged exposure to UV rays. Floridians feel the full intensity of the summer sun, and tinting the front windshield can make the biggest difference in comfort compared to any other single piece of glass for most vehicles.
5. Enhanced Aesthetics & Privacy
Having a tinted windshield gives your car a sleek, polished look that stands out on the road. Tinting your windshield at a VLT lower than 70% can also provide additional privacy by making it harder to see through the glass. For many, window tint is both a functional choice and an aesthetic one. This is why we offer 3M window films in a variety of shades, from virtually clear 70% down to 5% “blackout” or limo tint.
Potential Downsides to Front Windshield Tinting
1. Legal Restrictions in Florida
Tinting your car’s front windshield is subject to strict laws and regulations in many states, including Florida. We’ll cover these in the next section.
2. Potential for Reduced Visibility
Although most 3M window films are designed to maintain clarity, improper installations or using too dark of a film can impair visibility. This is especially true after the sun sets at night. Choosing a high quality ceramic film like 3M Ceramic IR which has superior clarity is an important consideration.
3. Increased Cost
For most vehicles, the front windshield is the largest single piece of glass. Therefore, it will cost more to tint it compared to a smaller panel such as a front driver or passenger window. For most, the long term benefits often outweigh the initial investment. This is because all modern 3M window films reject up to 99% of UV rays, which contribute to cracking and fading of the interior. They also come backed by 3M’s nationwide lifetime warranty when installed by an Authorized 3M Pro Shop Dealer like Pro Tint of Orlando.
Is it Legal to Tint Your Front Windshield in Florida?
Florida Statutes 316.2952 do allow for front windshield tinting, but with specific restrictions:
Visor Strip Only: In Florida, the front windshield of a vehicle can have a non-reflective tint strip above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, but no other tinting is permitted. You can apply a non-reflective tint on the top six inches or above the AS-1 line marked on your windshield.
Full Windshield Tint: Some lighter films such as 3M Crystalline may be passable if they have a high visible light transmission (VLT), typically above 70%. While not strictly legal in Florida, these films do not noticeably change the appearance of the front windshield and will still reject up to 97% of infrared rays. High quality 3M ceramic films are still able to reject heat and UV rays without significantly darkening the glass.
To tint your full front windshield, especially in darker percentages, a medical exemption can be obtained in Florida for those who qualify for it.
Always consult with an Orlando window tinting professional and check your local laws and regulations before tinting your vehicle. Pro Tint of Orlando does not employ licensed attorneys, and the content on our website is not to be considered as legal advice.
Common Windshield Tint Percentages:
70% VLT or greater: Recommended for full windshield tints using clear ceramic films which provide UV and infrared protection without reducing visibility or darkening the glass.
50% VLT: A middle of the road option that blocks more glare and adds privacy, but is illegal in Florida.
30% or 35% VLT: Popular for aesthetics but looks quite dark. At these percentages it starts to become more difficult to see out at night. Illegal in Florida.
Below 30% VLT: Installing films darker than 30% VLT will appear to be “blacked out”, even during the day. We don’t recommend these films unless you are absolutely sure and also have prior experience driving with dark tints applied to your windshield.
For most drivers in Florida, 3M Ceramic IR or 3M Crystalline with a VLT of 70% or greater for the full windshield paired with a 5 or 15% sun strip is the best choice to straddle the limits of the law while enjoying the benefits of window tinting.
We also recommend those that wear prescription glasses obtain a medical exemption so they can legally tint their windshield dark in Florida.
Should You Tint Your Car’s Front Windshield?
Factors to Consider:
Driving Habits: If you spend long hours on the road or park your car outside for extended periods of time, having a film that rejects infrared heat and ultraviolet rays makes it worthwhile to keep your vehicle cool and protected.
Climate: In hot climates like Florida, a tinted windshield can significantly improve comfort while driving.
Privacy: Tinting your windshield at 50% VLT or lower can add privacy by making it harder to see inside the tinted glass.
Glare Reduction: A high quality 3M ceramic tint will also help block glare from the sun and from oncoming headlights at night, helping to improve comfort and safety.
Legal Compliance: Ensure your tint is in compliance with Florida law to avoid potential tickets and fines. A visor strip above the AS-1 line is legal in Florida without a medical exemption.
For those searching “window tint near me” or “Orlando car tinting”, consulting with auto tint professionals like Pro Tint of Orlando can help you make the right decision for your vehicle.
Tint Your Windshield at Pro Tint of Orlando
If you’re ready to tint your car, truck or SUV in Central Florida, Pro Tint of Orlando has got you covered. As Orlando’s original 3M Pro Shop Dealer, our professional installers are factory trained and certified. We use laser-cut 3M window films to ensure a flawless result, every time.
Our award-winning team is here to guide you through your window tint installation process, helping you choose the best 3M tint solution for your lifestyle and budget.
Stop by one of our three award-winning Central Florida locations or give us a call today at (407) 841-2123 to get a free quote for your vehicle.
Trust our Orlando window tint experts to help you keep your car comfortable, stylish and protected from the Florida sun.