Window Tinting at Patrick Auto Body & Collision

What is window tinting?

You may hear car window tint and window film used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between the two. First, car window film refers to a clear film that is applied to car, truck, or SUV windows. Window tint determines the "darkness" level of the window film. The main purpose of the process is to reduce the amount of heat and UV rays that reach the interior of your vehicle to either keep your vehicle cooler during the summer, or to keep the sun from fading and damaging the interior of your car.

Many people choose to either get window tints in order to block out the harmful UV rays from the sun or just simply because they think window tinting makes their vehicle look better and more stylish. If you're interested in having your windows tinted, schedule an appointment at the reconditioning center at Patrick Auto Body & Collision in Schaumburg. You want to make sure that you go to a trustworthy and knowledgeable team that will make sure that it's done right the first time. The last thing you want is bubbles in your window tints!

How to determine how dark you'll want your window tint?

The percentage of visible light that's allowed through your vehicle's windows is known as Visible Light Transmission (VLT). The higher the percentage, the greater amount of light will come through your windows. If you go too low of a percentage (10% as an example) the window tint will appear much darker. In accordance to Illinois law, sedans cannot have a percentage higher than 35% and SUVs and vans cannot have a percentage higher than 50%, depending on which windows are being tinted.

Illinois has quite a few window tinting laws, which you'll learn more about next.

Be careful when going to a non-reputable shop to get your windows tinted

Unfortunately, not every reconditioning shop abides by the current rules and regulations of window tinting. Because of this, make sure you go to a reputable shop to get your window tints done. The last thing that you want to happen is have a shop tell you that there's no problem tinting your windows to 10%, then you find out it's illegal to do so in Illinois and then you have to have them removed. (They'll charge you for that too!) Patrick Auto Body & Collision abides by our state laws when it comes to window tinting in Illinois and will make sure that you don't have any legal issues with the tints when you leave our shop.


Illinois window tinting laws

Depending on your location, will depend on the applicable laws about window tinting. The first time that car window tinting laws were enacted in Illinois was back in 2009. Illinois window tinting laws are very specific depending on the different car, SUV, or van that you're wanting to add window tints on. (Source: https://www.tinting-laws.com/illinois/)


Window tint darkness

·        Sedans

o   Windshield

§  Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield only. Anything under the top 6 inches cannot be tinted legally

o   Front side windows (driver & passenger sides)

§  Must allow 35% or more light in

o   Back side windows (driver & passenger sides)

§  Must allow 35% or more light in

o   Rear window

§  Must allow 35% or more light in

·        SUV and vans

o   Windshield

§  Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield only. Anything under the top 6 inches cannot be tinted legally

o   Front side windows (driver & passenger sides)

§  Must allow more than 50% of light in

o   Back side windows (driver & passenger sides)

§  Any darkness can be used

o   Rear window

§  Any darkness can be used


Window tint reflection

·        Sedans

o   Front side windows

§  Must be non-reflective

o   Back side windows

§  Must be non-reflective

·        SUVs and vans

o   Front side windows

§  Must be non-reflective

o   Back side windows

§  Must be non-reflective

Other important Illinois laws regarding window tinting

·        Side mirrors

o   If your back window is tinted, dual side mirrors are required

·        Restricted colors

o   There are no restrictions on tint colors in Illinois

·        Tint Variance

o   5% variance

·        Certificates

o   Film manufacturers do not need to certify the film they sell in Illinois

·        Stickers

o   Sticker to identify legal tinting is not required in Illinois

·        Medical exceptions

o   Illinois does allow medicial exemptions for special tints.

·        Penalties

o   Petty offense with $50-$500 fine. 2nd or subsequent violations can result in a class C misdemeneour with $100-$500 fine.


Windowing tinting laws can vary by state and county, so be sure to check with your local DMV or law enforcement agency before getting them added to your car.

 

Are you interested in having your windows tinted to keep the UV rays out of your vehicle or to make your car look sleeker and more stylish? Look no further! The Patrick Auto Body & Collision's reconditioning center in Schaumburg can help you set up an appointment! We offer free estimates and all you have to do is contact us below!


Schaumburg Collision Center
    (888) 314-9807

Schaumburg Hours

  • Monday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Tuesday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Wednesday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Thursday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Saturday 9:00AM - 1:00PM
  • Sunday Closed
See All Department Hours

Schaumburg Hours

  • Monday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Tuesday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Wednesday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Thursday 8:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Saturday 9:00AM - 1:00PM
  • Sunday Closed

Naperville Hours

  • Monday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Naperville Collision Center
    Naperville, IL 60540
    (888) 310-9828

Naperville Hours

  • Monday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
See All Department Hours

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Schaumburg Location

  • Monday8:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Tuesday8:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Wednesday8:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Thursday8:00AM - 6:00PM
  • Friday8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Saturday9:00AM - 1:00PM
  • SundayClosed