A Look At The Window Tint Laws In Wyoming
Before delving into the specifics of window tinting laws in the state of Wyoming, it is crucial to understand the basics of what these regulations entail and the reasons behind their implementation. Essentially, these laws dictate the amount and level of tint that can be applied to vehicle windows to ensure compliance and safety.
Wyoming tint laws are put in place primarily for the safety of not only the driver but also other road users. Tinted windows can obstruct visibility, both in terms of the driver’s ability to see outside and other drivers’ ability to see inside the vehicle. The laws aim to strike a balance between protecting the vehicle occupants from UV rays and heat while ensuring clear visibility in all driving conditions.
When applying for a tint permit or having a tint inspection done within the state, it is imperative for vehicle owners to understand the various terms used in the laws and regulations. The terms "VLT" or "Visible Light Transmission" are commonly used to denote the amount of light that can be seen through the window film. In the context of Wyoming tint laws, VLT requirements for front windshield, side windows and rear windows are a crucial aspect that vehicle owners need to familiarize themselves with to remain compliant with state regulations .
In addition to VLT, terms such as "AS-1 line," "beyond AS-1 line," "additional signage," "Durometer," "OEM," and "TIB" are used to describe the particular aspects that the law regulates. It is also important to be familiar with the certification standards. These include the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D 1003 – 92 ("Standard Test Method for Total Ambient Light Transmittance Using Ultraviolet, Visible and Near Infrared (NIR) Detectors"), ASTM D 2549 – 94 ("Standard Test Method for Internal Exposure of Photopolymers to Ultraviolet, Visible and Near Infrared (NIR) Radiation"), ECE Regulation No. 43 – "Uniform Provisions Concerning the Approval of General Service and Replaceable Windscreen Wiper Blades," and SAE-D 4355-‘Windshield Wiper System Functional Test.’
Finally, the Wyoming Department of Transportation and the Wyoming Highway Patrol have a set of guidelines for the issuance of tint permits and the inspection of window tints which they follow to ensure that the tinting on windows of all vehicles are in compliance with state laws.
Legal Percentage For Window Tint
Wyoming has very specific percentages for window tint darkness, depending on the type of vehicle. For sedans, you must have at least 28% VLT over the window. This is the darkest tint allowed. For SUVs and trucks, the law requires only 20% VLT. However, it is important to note that the back and rear windows on these cars actually do not have a minimum VLT percentage. But there is a maximum: Wyoming law does not allow tint darker than 5% VLT, or 95% light transmittance, for rear and back windows on SUVs and trucks.
But the front windshield tint is also very important. Sedans are only allowed to have tint that is 28% VLT. SUVs and trucks, however, are required to have a tint of at least 70% VLT.
In all cases for passenger vehicles, the law states that "all window film must allow more than 5% light transmittance." To some people, this may sound like a more lenient law, but a closer look reveals that this just accommodates the maximum tint allowed for passenger vehicles. It’s possible that some imported tint may fall in between, and manufacturers should still make their tint according to the law in order for it to be passed during a police or inspection stop.
Some manufacturers may have trouble understanding what this means, but it cannot be interpreted any other way than what is stated in the laws. The reason for these cut-offs is that the darker the tint becomes, the more it obscures the vision of the driver. Since Wyoming does not require special permission for tint on every single window, the law is as specific as necessary to maintain a high level of safety on the road.
Window Tint Laws Exemptions In Wyoming
Exemptions to moving violations may apply in cases where tint violations have occurred prior to the issuance of a citation, as can some exemption requirements associated with medical conditions. Potential buyers of window tint film must also be aware of exceptions.
Lifting the Rebuttable Presumption
A person can opt to lift the develop an exemption from tint violation penalties by providing proof of the tint violation has been corrected. This entails presenting proof of the tint violation correction to the Wyoming Department of Motor Vehicles.
Medical Exemptions for Tint Law Application
Medical reasons for applying tint laws include any serious dermatological reasons for requiring window tint. Any tinting at visor heights on vehicles for preventing glare and associated eye damage are also accepted.
Restrictions on Medical Applications
The tint exemption for medical conditions must be certified by a physician to determine the actual need. Medical exemptions may be restricted to use on the driver side window and the rear windows, although every effort should be made by the tint provider to install tint for the rear windshield, as tinted windows may need to open and close. Contacting the DMV is highly recommended for review of individual window tint restrictions.
Special Cases
The only special case in which exemptions to tint laws apply is for customized vehicles and trucks. Unfortunately, using cars or regular vehicles to perform tint work requires that all windows tint comply with the tint regulations.
Window Film Penalties
Driving around Wyoming in a vehicle with darker window tint than the law allows could land you a hefty fine. A law enforcement officer can pull you over and ticket you on the spot for an illegal tint, no matter where in the state you happen to be at the time. A first offense is a typical $150-$200 fine, with an additional $10-$20 fine for any strip measuring more than two inches wide along the top of the windshield. Subsequent offenses are all subject to the same fines, meaning the dollar amounts continue to go up and the offender can eventually face criminal charges. The maximum cost associated with a window tint violation is $750, when the ticket was written as a felony rather than a misdemeanor after certain circumstances were taken into account. It also seems like records of previous violations can come back to haunt people in their new home state. The state keeps a record of every violation, no matter where they happened in Wyoming. Even if the vehicle wasn’t registered in the state until recently, and even if the last violation was a long time before, the fines are still in effect as if they were committed yesterday. It doesn’t seem fair, but there it is. So what does that end up looking like? Let’s say you get your first ticket for an illegal tint. You pay it. A few months later, you get another one. Again you pay. Maybe this pattern continues for several years. By the time you get to your fifth ticket, the fines add up noticeably. This is especially important to know if you haven’t gotten a tint ticket in Wyoming for a while or ever, because the fines young drivers get now don’t have to stay with them forever, but those on the State’s record do.
Ensuring Your Vehicle Conforms
Ensuring your window tints comply with loosened Wyoming regulations is crucial for avoiding unnecessary trouble with the law during a traffic stop. First, it’s a good idea to have a tint meter, a device that uses infrared light to measure the darkness of your tinted windows. The meter is quick and easy to use. At any time, a police officer can pull you over and measure the tint of your vehicle and if it exceeds 28 percent in Wyoming, your tint is too dark. If you don’t have the meter, you must roll down the driver’s window and roll it up simultaneously with the tested window. This is done to ensure compliance with Wyoming law.
Another way of testing the window tint is to consult a professional who can help you understand the limit of tint allowed on your car. Either option should do the trick. If a professional measures the tint , request that they provide you with documentation proving that your window tints comply with the law since such documentation may be required when you are stopped by law enforcement on the roadway.
When driving in Wyoming, you must know and comply with the state’s tint restrictions or risk costly and inconvenient fines, a failed inspection, or even replacement of the tinted windows. You have a right to car tint, but you must comply with this right by having window tint that meets the state’s legal standards for visibility.
Tint Updates for the Previous Year
As laws continue to evolve, it is essential to stay updated. This is especially true for tint regulations in Wyoming. Fortunately, the changes are not drastic. However, it is helpful to know what they are to ensure compliance and avoid any enforcement issues.
The tint laws in Wyoming have historically been relatively lenient compared to laws in other states. For instance, there are no restrictions on the tint darkness of any windshield regarding a reflective tint. Still, there are laws concerning tint reflecting off the driver’s side windows, the passenger side windows, and the rear window tint darkness. A recent change to the laws in Wyoming is that tint darkness is now being measured by spectrophotometers rather than the human eye. The change in measurement was necessitated by the need to have more objective testing equipment to ensure uniformity of measurement.
To avoid fines and penalties, it is essential to be aware of the reasons why the laws were changed. Keep in mind, that a spectrophotometer is considered a reasonable standard for measuring tint darkness. With this new standard in place, it is more important than ever for vehicles operating within the state to comply with the latest tint regulations.
These updates to the tint regulations in Wyoming are relatively straightforward. While they do not necessarily seem like large changes, they can have a significant impact on tint laws. For example, the fact that tint darkness can now be measured using a spectrophotometer means that it is more objective than it once was. As a result, if a vehicle is pulled over for an alleged tint violation, it is less likely that law enforcement will be reliant solely on their judgment.
Overall, there have not been many updates to tint laws in Wyoming. As a result, they have remained relatively consistent over time. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to stay updated so that you can avoid any issues down the road. By being aware of the small changes that are made from time to time, you can keep yourself protected under the law.
In Wyoming, tint laws change very slowly. However, they are continuously reviewed to ensure that they are up to date. These laws have morphed significantly in the past few decades as cars have been redesigned. The fact that the technology is consistently evolving is why there have not been drastic changes to tint laws recently. Most of these laws and regulation are codified into law, but they do change every so often. This is why it is essential to stay informed about the law and sign up for any newsletters or blog posts that alert you about any changes to the law.
Frequently Asked Tint Questions In Wyoming
What is "VLT" and why is it important?
VLT, or Visible Light Transmission, refers to the percentage of visible light that can pass through the tinted area of your vehicle windows. It’s crucial as it dictates the amount of darkness allowed on the windows, thus affecting driver visibility and safety.
Can I have tinted windshields in Wyoming?
Wyoming tint laws permit windshields to be tinted, provided only the top strip is tinted. The top strip must allow at least 70% VLT. Some opt for a medical exemption, even for front windshields. While this is allowed, regular checks are mandatory to ensure compliance with VLT requirements.
Do I need a medical note to have darker window tints?
Even if you don’t have any eye conditions or medical reasons for requiring darker tints , there is no harm in carrying a medical note that states you require darker tints for your wellbeing. However, this is not a necessity.
How do the police enforce these restrictions?
Law enforcement officers make routine inspections which include using the "five-car method," standing five cars away from a tinted window and judging if they can see objects and figures inside. If they can’t identify someone, they stop the car to carry out further investigation.
Do I have to pay fines on my tint laws violations?
Yes, should the authorities catch you violating tint laws anywhere in Wyoming, they will ask you to pay a fine on the spot. In addition, if they believe that the window films you used are not approved, a reason for suspicion, they will issue an order to remove the tint as well. Failure to comply may incur a fine of $250.