To tint the hatchback or not to tint the hatchback, that is the question

Certainly it will, depending how dark you want it to be.
Think about it, tinted, darkened or black-out........................

 

Got mine done here in Texas. Which is pretty much a Necessity. went with 30 percent on the front windows and 15% all the way around the back. Actually originally the shop had not tinted that back portion that you mention. They said it did have a bit of a privacy tint already. But it still let in a lot of heat. I took it back to the shop and they were nice enough to go ahead and tint that one little section also in a 15%. No additional charge and they said try it and it does cause problems to just bring it back and they would take it off. My experience as far as far as backing up even at night, no problems here. But again, that really just depends on the individual. And of course how dark of a tint you go with. Just my experience with it 15% In the back I've had no problems.

 

Mine's tinted, but VA has laws on how dark it can be (it's as dark as the law allows). No issues for me. I also installed a reverse backup camera, so it's not like I don't have options.

Keep in mind, even if there is no legal limit on how dark you can go, you are legally liable if someone is backed into and it can be demonstrated that your tinted window contributed to your not seeing them. Up to a given percentage (as limited in many states) would not be held against you, but going significantly darker would expose you to liability.

Food for thought.

If you want heat and sun protection, a 100% UV block is more important than just being "darker."

 

If I remember CA says practically no tint front side windows...but you have side view mirrors. Although TX allows 25 all the way around plus the front AS-1, I went 30 on both of mine...which is the darkest I would recommend in back.

 

That's a big reason I don't tint my windows.
I work swing shift and do a LOT of night driving. And I just don't like the idea of my windows being darker at night.

If I could guarantee I was only driving in broad daylight? I think I'd tint away.

At my age I guess I'm more focused on "Bright Headlights" than "Darkened Windows".

 

You can get it darker in VA with approval from a Dermatologist!

 

I have the back windows tinted at 5% and the front two windows at 35%. My girl and I have no problems with visibility at night. I say tint away.

 

Based on this, tint is allowed on front windows in CA;

Tint Laws

I tinted my rear window actually darker. 20 or 25% and it's fine for me. This is because more light comes through that hatch back window due to the angle. Due to this, it actually looks the same as my side windows during the day which are 35%.

California Window Tint Law - TintCenter.com

 

Tint all your windows and come over to the dark side. No problems to worry about.

 

I'm in So Cal as well and with 100+ heat today, I'm glad I have all my windows tinted. All rears are 30% and I don't have any issues at night.

 

Unfortunately, those are just places advocating tint. California law is clear and has been.

I direct you to California Vehicle Code section 26708 (a) (1).

26708. (a) (1) A person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows.

(b) This section does not apply to any of the following:

* * *​

(4) Side windows that are to the rear of the driver.

Cops won't normally bug you about front-side tint though unless they are adding it onto another violation you've committed, particularly a moving violation.