Window tinting in Northern California

Front window tint is illegal in CA. The back 3 windows can be tinted as dark as you want. Most people get really dark tints in the rear and light ones up front so the Popo's think there is no tint up front, FWIW, I got 25% in the rear and 35% in the fronts. I got all 5 windows done here for $250.
Extreme Tint & Polish - Santa Clara, CA

 

Quality Glass in Santa Clara is awesome. I've had four cars done by them, top notch work. FYI, the front driver/passenger windows tinted beyond 70% (what you basically have now) is a violation and ticketable.

The lower the tint % the darker. So 5% would be limo, 20% is pretty standard with most cars with tint off the lot on their back passenger and rear window, 35%, 50%, and then 70%. There is some variation in the percentages depending on brand, etc.

I would say if you're looking for just a lite tint 50% would be good. I ran them on one car for a bit. you can tell it's got a little tint, but nothing that prevents someone from seeing in. It's way transparent. If you're not looking for dark run the 50% all around the car (except your windshield) and you'll have a nice clean look. If you just do the front driver/passenger window it'll look terrible.

There's also a 70% film that blocks 99% of UV, but does not provide blocking of sunlight.

 

Yep, I paid the same at my place, but for four windows. I've been running 20% for some time and no issues yet. I thought I was going to get a tickie yesterday in San Jose as I pulled up next to a patrol car, but they let me slide. For the most part, unless your pulled over for another violation they tend to have more important things to do. But I'm just waiting for that one day. I'd probably pay the fine vs. removing the tint, lol.

 

Just remember, still illegal, but if you do the 50% it'll look darker for a few days until you get used to it. You'll probably say to yourself, "What did I do". As you adjust to it you'll see that it's really not that dark. just keep your eyes open and watch cars when you drive and notice the tints; you'll see some lighter than others. You can probably youtube it....window tints, 50% window tint, 35% window tint, etc.

35% is a really nice classy tint and gives the car a good look without going too dark. I did 35% all around on my nieces fit and she loves it. Just google, youtube, etc to see pictures and videos to get a good idea of what you like.

3M offers lifetime warranty, so if you decide to tint, ask about warranties, etc. They should never cost you a dime...just some places offer them on certain brand/levels of tint in case you scratch it or someone busts your window, etc.

 

No, not the front windshield, lol. I have four side windows and the back window. I never touch my windshields, but I'm debating on whether or not I will do the 4" strip across the front to block sunlight on my commute. The 4" strip on the top part of the windshield is legal in CA.

 

If I ever get pulled over, my front windows are coming down... just in case.

 

I got:

- The rear and 2 back side windows at 5%
- The 2 front side windows at 15%
- The WINDSHIELD at 70%

Yes, I'm living in Orange County, Southern CA.

 

Ha, reminds me of the occasional drive through down town and I have my finger on the button. Sometimes I just roll them down and not worry that way. All depends on how well I know the area.

I think it's courtesy to roll down front and back to provide easy visibility for the officer so they have clear line of site as they approach the vehicle (day or night). I don't think a lot of peeps think about that. I just hope the easier I make it on them, they recognize the respect and take it easier on me. And of course beg and plead that I had to get some machismo points out of a car with only 99-hp.

 

For Norcal, I find mine to be dark enough. At the same time, you're in SJ which is warmer than where I live. I went 35% front and 20% rear. With the 35%, I feel it's light enough that police don't notice as easily. So far so good. I got mine done at Preferred Image in Redwood City. Overall good work but I will have to go back about a few small bubbles that showed up.

BTW, SF will get you for a lot of things, front plates is a big one as traffic cams.

 

Im currently using 20% in the back and 50% in the front. I've had a few friends and family get pulled over for 35% (and lower) in the front, so I just wanted to give myself a bit more cushion. Make sure whoever does it, gives you some sort of warranty. Little bubbles/dust particles will suddenly find its way to your attention and you'll want to jump off a bridge

 

It's a crap shoot with tint on fronts in Norcal. I've had 35% tint even on my previous 2 cars and never got pulled over. Not saying it's ok but it really comes down to who you run into.

 

It's a crapshoot for anything. Friend gets pulled over for no front plates all the time. Coworker never does. Coworker with out of state plates for 2 years no problem. Wife with expired plates 1 month gets pulled over. So YMMV.

 

Live a little.. go for 35% and drive 67 in a 65..

 

I went 71 the other day. Got my heart pounding quite a bit!

Galaxy Nexus ? 2

 

Get the tint done and you're ready to compete in X-games!

 

So, I have been considering the three back and a strip on front...my question is: does dark tinting on the three rear window improve the poor visibility of the NAV screen when the the sun is at a low angle in the morning? (For the nerds: C4, 280 Northbound, approx 7am)

 

It doesn't fxt it on the hatchback.. but.. don't know about C.