Introduction to Alaska Tint Laws
Windshield tinting usually must permit at least 70% of light in the tinted window, and only non-reflective strip that may be 5 inches wide are allowed on the top of the windshield. Any tinting material affecting windows below the AS-1 line or within the sweep area of the windshield wiper is illegal. In addition, no more than 20 percent of light can be transmitted through the front side windows and any tinting on front side windows must allow a minimum of 70% light transmittance .
Tinting on back side windows and rear windows of a car in Alaska is considered to be legal unless the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications do not permit them. A vehicle that has dark tint on the rear side or rear window that is factory tinting is legal in Alaska.
Violations of tint laws in Alaska will carry a fine as a penalty for violating the law.
Permitted Window Tint Levels in Alaska
When it comes to window-tint shades and legalities, Alaska has a tint law that is relatively simple. In a passenger vehicle, sedans are required to have passenger window tint that does not exceed 70 percent for the Arithmetic Mean, 50 for the Certified Mean, 32 percent for the Global Mean and 20 percent for the Percent Film. For SUVs, vans, trucks and other types of vehicles, the percentages are a little bit different. These vehicles are required to have passenger window tint of no more than 70 percent arithmetic mean, 55 percent certified mean, 32 percent global mean and 20 percent percent film. Alaska limits the tint on the windshield to no more than 25 percent.
Other window-tint laws that are in full effect in Alaska include the requirement that the tint not be installed on the rear view and side view mirrors, that reflective tint cannot exceed a reflectivity of 30 percent, that a certificate of compliance be obtained from an installer and that the owner keep the certificate in their vehicle at all times.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in Alaska
There are a number of conditions, both medical and otherwise, that may make it difficult for an individual to get by with normal window tinting on their car. Because of this, each state has provisions allowing for exempted tints and levels of tinting for medical reasons. In Alaska, "upon certification by a physician in this state that a person has a medical condition requiring window tinting, the department shall issue a written order amending the requirements of Anchorage . . . to permit window tinting recommended by the physician." Please note that the Alaska Department of Administration is the department that implements this exemption program. If you’re looking to be exempt from the Alaska tinting laws, contact your physician to get a written certificate explaining your need for tinting, then reach out to the Alaska Department of Administration to see what steps you need to take next.
Window Tint Non-Compliance Penalties
In certain instances, a driver may be pulled over for other traffic violations and the police officer may note the tint on the windows. It can also occur that a police officer may simply stop you because they believe you have illegal tint on your windows. In either case, a driver found to have illegal tint could be issued a fix-it ticket with a mandatory court appearance. The fine for this ticket can vary widely based on the circumstances and the judge, but generally speaking they can reach up to $500. If you are pulled over with illegal tint a second time, the fine could be doubled. Repeat offenders can also be charged with a misdemeanor, which can include both fines and jail time.
The laws for windshields in many states, including Alaska, are somewhat more complicated and more strictly regulated. The rationale for this is that some moderately tinted windows are fine on the side and rear windows, but may hinder the driver’s vision if there is any tint on the front windshield. Any driver whose vision is seriously affected by their car’s tinted windows may result in an accident, which can raise serious liability issues for the tinted window company under tort law (which covers compensable harm to a victim) and product liability law (which covers defective products) .
This is why if a police officer or law enforcement official believes that the tint on your front windshield or other windows inhibits your ability to drive safely, they can direct you to a special inspection mechanic. Depending on the results of the mechanical inspection, the mechanic will write up a report, which is forwarded to the police who decide if there is a need for a citation. Depending on the nature of legal penalties, any tint on the front windshield may need to be completely removed, and a replacement window put in its place.
Whether you are receiving a fix-it ticket or being cited before your car is impounded, if your car’s windows and front windshield are tinted beyond the legal limits, you can expect to pay a fine for the infraction. If your car is challenging in this manner when pulled over by police or another law enforcement official, they may decide to issue you a ticket for speeding or some other offense, and then discover that the tint does not fall within the legal limits. In that case, you will have to deal with the fine for the offense you were pulled over for, as well as for the tint. Repeat offenders and people who are pulled over enough times for this kind of ticket can easily end up with hundreds of dollars worth of fines for this offense alone.
Methods for Measuring Window Tint
Always use a window tint meter to measure the amount of visible light (within the visible spectrum) that passes through the tinted glass.
Automotive tint meters measure VLT – visible light transmission.
Depending on the manufacturer, aftermarket tinted windows used on cars, vans, and other vehicles may come with a sticker indicating the percentage of light blockage and the installer’s contact information or business name. Not all states or auto manufacturers require these stickers, and they are often removed or erased shortly after the film has been applied to the vehicle.
People have tried to use various electronic devices like the camera in phones, tablets, and computers to measure window tint. However, these devices do not measure the percentage of light passing through the glass. They merely take a picture of the tint. This, unfortunately, is not the legal or statutorily required method of measurement. Additionally, police officers are trained to use window tint meters, not the I-phone or another digital camera. The officers should not depend on these devices to determine whether the tint meets Alaska’s requirements.
Automotive tint meters can be obtained from the Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS). A simple Google search of "Purchase Alaska window tint meter" will get you to DPS’s website. You may also be able to check online at the DPS ‘Store’ to see if they are in stock. The listed cost is $94.50, plus tax and shipping (if needed). Typically, there is a limited supply of window tint meters available at any given time. Therefore, if you aren’t able to make an immediate purchase, it is worth it to call the DPS offices to see if they have any in stock. As well, window tint meters are available from various online retailers.
Common Questions and Answers About Alaska Tint Laws
Below are some of the more often asked questions regarding window film and tint laws in Alaska:
What’s the darkest legal window tint in Alaska?
The darkest legal tint in Alaska for passenger vehicles is 20% VLT. For SUVs and vans, Alaska law allows for 8% VLT on the front windows and no more than 5% VLT for the back passenger windows and rear window.
How reflective can window tint be in Alaska?
Non-reflective VLT (Visible Light Transmission) tint can be any darkness on the front windshield as long as it does not extend past the manufacturer’s AS-1 line , which is typically found above the manufacturer’s safety sticker. Reflective tint is not permitted on the front windshield, but there can be no more than 5% reflectivity for the front side windows.
What window tint colors are permitted in Alaska?
Alaska tint laws do not specify a color restriction. Therefore all window tint colors are permitted in the state.
Are there medical exemptions in Alaska for tinted windows?
Alaska tint laws do not contain a medical exemption provision for individuals who have certain medical conditions that require darker window tint for ulcerative colitis, lupus, melanoma, and other diseases that require extra protection from heat and UV rays.