Is 50% tint on windows effective? Everything You Need to Know

Car window tinting is a good way to not only improve the appearance of the car, but also create comfortable conditions for passengers.

One of the most common options is 50% window tint. This means that the glass transmits 50% of the sunlight and retains the other half, thereby providing natural light in the cabin.

Legal Requirements for 50% Tint in the States

The percentage of tinting you want to do generally depends on your personal preferences, financial situation, and needs. But you should also consider local laws. In most of them, you are allowed to tint your windows by 50%. We can compare the requirements in some states:

• Illinois: front windows must transmit at least 35% of light, but for SUVs and vans, this figure is more than 50% of light.
• Florida: front side windows can be tinted up to 28%, 50% tint on back windows is allowed.
• Kentucky: the front side windows must transmit at least 35% of light, so 50% tint is permissible on the rear windows.
• Texas: the front side windows and rear windows must transmit more than 25% of light, and the rear window may have more than 50% tint.
• New York: front windows are allowed to be tinted by 70%, and rear windows are allowed to be tinted without restrictions.

The rules in Illinois are slightly different: 50% tint on all windshields is not allowed, but you can tint the 6-inch “AS-1 line”. In most states, 50% tint on the side windows is allowed, so don’t worry about fines.

Some laws may change over time. It’s worth checking in advance to see if they are still in effect before tinting your car windows.

How to Decide on a Tint

A professional shop will help you choose the percentage of tint and assure you that 50% tint on the front windows and rear windows is appropriate for you and is allowed by Illinois law.

They will also offer you a cost-effective 50% window tint kit, which Tinting Chicago will gladly do for you.

In general, most car brands can be supplied with tinted windows: Toyota, Honda, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Jeep, Audi, Lexus, Hyundai, KIA, Nissan.

Factory Car Tinting

Original Equipment Manufacturer is installed at the manufacturer’s factory during the manufacture of the car. This is a fairly light tint of 70-80%, which allows you to see well inside and outside, but provides little protection from sunlight and UV radiation.

After purchasing a car, you can contact a specialized service to have it tinted to your liking.

Types of Car Bodies for 50% Glass Tinting

This window tint is popular among owners of cars with different body types:

• Sedan. It is possible to tint a strip on the windscreen, and all windows must transmit more than 35% of light. Therefore, 50% tinting is ideal for them.
• SUV. The large windows of such cars especially need tinting to reduce the penetration of sunlight into the cabin.
• Hatchback. The use of 50% tint on all windows provides additional protection and increases privacy.
• Coupe. 50% tinting adds an aggressive and sporty look to cars in this class.
• Pickup trucks. Available with 50% tint on the front and rear windows, depending on state-specific laws.

For the front windows of SUVs and vans, the VLT limit is 50%, but fully permitted for the back side windows and rear window.

Materials for 50% Tinting

There are several types of window tint materials. Tinting Chicago works with carbon and ceramic films.

Ceramics is a type of tint film made of ceramic nanoparticles. It has many useful properties:

• protection against 99% of ultraviolet radiation;
• reducing the heating of the cabin;
• no glare on the windows;
• high durability.

Carbon – made from special polymeric materials containing carbon particles. They give the film its characteristic dark color with a matte finish. Advantages of this film:

• high level of UV protection;
• reduced heat absorption;
• durability;
• no glare;
• aesthetic appearance.

Tinting Chicago uses only high-quality materials in its work, so you can be sure that your tint will be resistant to external manifestations and will last a long time.

Brands to Prefer

The market of tinting films is saturated with various brands; among the well-known ones are the following:

– 3M
– Llumar
– SunTek
– XPEL
– RAYNO

Tinting Chicago chooses XPEL and RAYNO for 50% tint on all windows because they are distinguished by their attention to detail and combine advanced technology, reliability, and efficiency.

Advantages of 50% Tinting

Applying such a film to the windows creates almost no darkness and blocks only half of the light from entering the car. However, it is excellent at preventing UV rays and heat and improves your eyesight as you strain your eyes less.

A 50% tint has many benefits, including:

1. UV protection: blocking half of the sunlight entering the cabin.
2. Privacy: providing a basic level of privacy. People from outside can still see through the windows but in a somewhat limited way. This maintains the bright and open appearance of the car but, at the same time, provides a sense of security and privacy.
3. Glare reduction: Reduces discomfort from the bright sun. At the same time, enough light enters the cabin to maintain good visibility.
4. Enhancement of appearance: creating a stylish and modern look. This often attracts vehicle owners.
5. Night driving: no impact on visibility when driving at night. This is important for safety, especially in low light conditions.
6. Availability: legal in most states. A 50% tint does not obscure the driver’s view too much and does not create a driving hazard.

This tint is ideal for those who want to retain natural light in their vehicle but still get a basic level of privacy and protection from sunlight.

Where Else Can 50% Tint Be Used?

In addition to car windows, this tint can also be used for headlights. Tinting Chicago also specializes in this area.

There are many other surfaces where tinting is possible:

Residential buildings: 50% tint on house windows will be an effective way to reduce heat and protect the interior from fading.
Office buildings: tinting helps to reduce air conditioning costs and create a comfortable environment for employees.
Shops: tinting protects goods from sunlight and provides an attractive appearance for shop windows.
Yachts and boats: sun protection and reduction of glare on the water are essential for comfort while sailing.

Window tinting by 50% in the US is a popular option that combines functionality and style. It provides comfort, protection, and beauty without darkening the windows too much.

FAQ

Will people be able to see through the 50% tint to see what’s inside the car?

Yes, you will be able to see some objects in the cabin, but not very clearly.

What is the most popular window tint percentage?

50% tint on windows is quite popular among motorists, as it is allowed in most states.

Is 50% tint dark enough?

Tinting with 50% light transmission is considered quite light compared to other tints. It preserves the natural light of the interior.