Tint on tint question

[cpatch]

I'm looking to get the windows on my 2010 tinted and am trying to figure out how putting tint on tinted windows works. If the factory glass has a 75% tint and I add a 50%, is the net effect 37.5% or 50%?

[ggood]

Originally Posted by cpatch

I'm looking to get the windows on my 2010 tinted and am trying to figure out how putting tint on tinted windows works. If the factory glass has a 75% tint and I add a 50%, is the net effect 37.5% or 50%?

Most tint laws are based on light transmission through the glass and tint, so you multiply the tint level times the existing light transmission through the factory glass, to get 37.5%.

[cpatch]

Originally Posted by ggood

Most tint laws are based on light transmission through the glass and tint, so you multiply the tint level times the existing light transmission through the factory glass, to get 37.5%.

That's what I figured...thanks.

[32kcolors]

Also, the interior color makes a significant difference in how dark the tint looks from the outside and whether or not you get nabbed by a cop. I had 35% smoke with light interior color and never got caught in CA in the 10 or so years I had the car. I'll probably do 50% all around (except the windshield) this time as the factory glass is already tinted ~75% and mine's misty gray.

[Codyroo]

Originally Posted by 32kcolors

Also, the interior color makes a significant difference in how dark the tint looks from the outside and whether or not you get nabbed by a cop. I had 35% smoke with light interior color and never got caught in CA in the 10 or so years I had the car. I'll probably do 50% all around (except the windshield) this time as the factory glass is already tinted ~75% and mine's misty gray.

I've been wondering about the tint levels for the Prius, which windows are tinted? Is it all four of the main door windows, just the rear door windows? With CA tint laws, you can't "tint" the drivers side and passenger side front windows (film tint). BUT factory tint is OK, you just can't darken it more. Now the rear windows is a different beast altogether.

[MikeDS]

Against the law in CA, but virtually everyone does it...I see LOTS of tinted front windows...and I myself own two cars that have front tinted windows and have never been sited for it even after being pulled over for other offenses...

Are the windows in all Priuses 75% tinted? Front and back?

[ggood]

Originally Posted by MikeDS

Against the law in CA, but virtually everyone does it...I see LOTS of tinted front windows...and I myself own two cars that have front tinted windows and have never been sited for it even after being pulled over for other offenses...

Are the windows in all Priuses 75% tinted? Front and back?

The factory window specs are all in this post:

2010 Prius Window Specs

[cpatch]

Well, I took my car in this morning and got 50% on the front windows and 35% on the back (nothing on the bottom rear)...FormulaOne Pinnacle for the film type. I'm happy with the results...dark enough to reduce glare and heat (and look good) but not so dark as to cause problems at night or get pulled over for (hopefully). If I wanted privacy I would have gone with 15% on the backs and 35% on the bottom rear.

Thanks for all the responses.

[32kcolors]

Originally Posted by Codyroo

With CA tint laws, you can't "tint" the drivers side and passenger side front windows (film tint). BUT factory tint is OK, you just can't darken it more.

I don't think that's correct. Max is 70% for front side windows in CA. So if your front sides are clear (no tint in the glass), you can do 70% tint film. Any darkness can be used for back side and rear windows in CA.

[Codyroo]

Originally Posted by 32kcolors

I don't think that's correct. Max is 70% for front side windows in CA. So if your front sides are clear (no tint in the glass), you can do 70% tint film. Any darkness can be used for back side and rear windows in CA.

Which is why the law is so goofy and confusing. I've read that the front windows can have 70% tint BUT only if it is factory installed. You can't take an untinted front window and add 70% tint to it (see below). But if the car comes with tinted front windows, you are fine, so long as they aren't tinted darker than 70%. My head hurts.

CHP-Frequently Asked Questions of the Highway Patrol

Can I put after-market tinting on the windows of my vehicle?
The main requirements for legal window tinting in California are:

1. The windshield and front driver's side and passenger's side windows cannot receive any aftermarket tinting.
2. If the rear window of a vehicle is tinted, the vehicle must have outside rearview mirrors on both sides.