Prius window tint

In Ohio, darkness of tint is measured by visible light allowed in through the combination of film and the window.

Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
Front Side Windows must allow more than 50% of light in.
Back Side Windows and Rear Window, any darkness can be used.

Front and Rear Side Windows must not be more reflective than a standard window.
Manufacturers of film need to certify the film they sell in the state. The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on each tinted window.

 

17% really? That's pretty dark. I don't think you should be worried about it being too light.

 

I got mine tinted few weeks ago and this is what it looks like. I have the 3M 20% window tint on all windows with a small banner on front windshield. Where I live, the darkest we are allowed to go is at 35%.

The picture is a bit hard to tell, but I'll try to take better pictures so you can see what 20% looks like.

 

That means your tint is illegal, no?

 

If the dealer sells it, I don't consider it "illegal"

 

I got 50% ceramic all the way around including on all of the front windshield. Can still see through all of the windows but blocking the front makes the 50% look darker. Big difference in heat rejection from the front being tinted too.

 

My civic is 20% all around, and I find it too light in the direct sun sometimes. Yes it is illegal, but who cares. You may have to sign a "show car only release" form of some type.

 

Here are more perspectives. I also tinted the little window in the back hatch. With the original factory tint, the color is a little different (looking from inside out)

 

Yeah, I tinted the little window as well. Since it had a factory tint to it, from the inside, it looks brown (weird). There were high-clouds this morning, so yeah, it appears darker. Even in sun light it still looks dark. I love it. Especially the dark gray interior makes it appear darker as well. Well worth it getting 20%.

 

Hey yamisoshi, i got the same ride and color and set up as you, lol. I just got the lightest tint (idk the %age) all the way around. I didn't tint the little back window though, and yeah, the colors are different. Planning on gettin some new rims once i save up, not too sure if i'm goin 17's or 18's

 

IMO, since the Prius is a 'glass house' and allows a lot of light into the interior, 20% all around (nothing on the windshield) looks good and it's not too dark, but also not too light, depending on the sun or light above you.

I've seen a Prius with 15% (or 17% if you will, basically the same thing) and it's extremely dark looking. You can't even make out the silhouette of somebody behind the glass, where as on a 20% tint you can. The 5% difference does make a difference there, but the best thing would be to see the car for yourself in person if you could.

 

Thanks. I'm considering 17's myself.

 

Prior to the Prius, I had a Civic with the same 20% window tint. It looked way darker from outside and inside. However, like you said, the Prius is a 'glass house' that makes it a bit brighter. Still, no regrets. I have a lifetime warranty on the tint, so a better trade off than getting something darker and no warranty.

 

I would suggest getting the whole front windshield tinted. I'm glad I did. Not for color - you can barely see it - but for heat and UV protection for the dash. But then I live in Los Angeles so the sun is brutal here.

Also, before you get your little back window tinted have them hold up the film to the window, or slap it on quickly with whatever they use so that you can look out while sitting in the car. As others have mentioned, it comes with a different tint than the big rear window, why, I don't know!

I had mine done then didn't like it because it was a worse match than leaving it untinted and had them take it off. So I spent $20 for nothing.

 

I would suggest getting the whole front windshield tinted. I'm glad I did. Not for color - you can barely see it - but for heat and UV protection for the dash. But then I live in Los Angeles so the sun is brutal here.

Also, before you get your little back window tinted have them hold up the film to the window, or slap it on quickly with whatever they use so that you can look out while sitting in the car. As others have mentioned, the Prius' little window comes with a different tint than the big rear window, why, I don't know!

I had mine done then didn't like it because it was a worse match than leaving it untinted and had them take it off. Plus it was too dark and made it harder to see headlights behind me. So I spent $20 for nothing.