Window Tint Percentages Explained: Finding the Right Level (and Staying Legal in Georgia)
Window tint is one of our fastest, most popular services — but the percentages can be confusing if you’ve never had it done before. Here’s what the numbers actually mean, plus what Georgia law allows.
What “VLT” means
Tint darkness is measured in VLT — Visible Light Transmission. It’s the percentage of light that passes through the window and film combined. A lower number means a darker tint: 5% is nearly opaque (“limo tint”), while 70% is barely noticeable and mostly used for UV and heat protection rather than looks.
What we offer
We install Regular and Ceramic film at 5%, 15%, 35%, 50%, and 70%. Ceramic costs more than Regular but blocks significantly more heat without needing to go darker — a good option if you want comfort without an aggressive look.
What’s legal in Georgia
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-8-73.1), front side windows on passenger vehicles generally need to let in at least 32% VLT or more. Rear side and rear windows follow the same 32% rule on standard cars — but SUVs, vans, and trucks get much more freedom in the back, since Georgia allows darker tint (including 5%) on rear windows for these vehicle types, as long as the front stays compliant. Non-reflective tint is also allowed on the top strip of the windshield.
These rules can be updated, and enforcement details (reflectivity limits, medical exemptions) go beyond just the percentage, so we always confirm current requirements before installing — especially on front windows, where getting pulled over for an out-of-range tint is the most common issue we see.
How long it takes
Most vehicles are done in 1-2 hours. If windshield tint is included, we’ll need the car for the full day, since it requires extra cure time.
What affects the price
Regular tint starts at $150 for a truck’s front windows and $250 for a full sedan; Ceramic starts at $250 and $350 respectively. Doing the full vehicle on a truck (adding rear and cargo windows) typically adds about $150.
Ready to book?
Let us know your vehicle and year, and whether you’re leaning Regular or Ceramic, and we’ll get you scheduled.
