SUMMER IS HERE!

Sun Protection on Your Summer Drive

By darrell@iwfa.com on 7/10/2017

It’s vacation time! Heavy traffic, blinding sun, and an air conditioner that just doesn’t seem to cool down enough-- does this sound familiar? Summer driving is tedious, and even dangerous with all the road traffic and potential sun exposure. According to AAA, an estimated 37.5 million Americans will have each driven 50 or more miles just over Independence Day weekend this summer. Thanks to low gas prices Americans are encouraged to drive more, and while the cash savings are great, we need to remember that our skin and eyes need saving, too.

During the summer months (May - August), UV exposure is at its highest. The average car window only blocks about 40% of UV rays from passing through and into your interior, leaving us subject to extreme skin and eye damage. You can easily lather up with sunscreen and put on sunglasses, but these initiatives will only help so much. You’ll have to reapply sunscreen and most sunglasses only protect the front portion of your eyes, not the sides.

So how, you might ask, do we protect ourselves and passengers effectively this summer when hitting the road? The answer is clear: by using professionally installed window film.

Window film for automobiles, or “auto tint”, is a thin sheet of film with layers and coatings that comes in various shades from completely clear to darker colors. A professional installation can help block up to 99% of UV rays from entering your vehicle and reduces sun glare exposure while you are driving. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a study found that skin cell death was reduced by 93% when UV rays were filtered through window film.  An added bonus? Due to the reflective ability of window film, vehicles won’t absorb as much heat, boosting the air conditioners’ effectiveness at keeping you cool.

Check out the IWFA's free automotive consumer booklet for more information on how you can better protect yourself and your loved ones while on the road this summer. Looking to connect with your local, accredited window film installer? Visit our Business Locator!

Stay protected, drive safe, and enjoy your vacation!

 ref: http://www.iwfa.com/News/IWFABlog/tabid/365/Post/8831/Sun-Protection-on-Your-Summer-Drive

STATE WINDOW TINTING RULES & LAWS

State Law Charts - Automotive Window Film

Window Tinting Law Charts

US State Window Tinting Law Summary Chart Canada Window Tinting Law Chart 
Illinois Tint Law Certificate 
Texas Window Tinting Standards (Addendum)

New Mexico Law Enforcement Alert

New Law for Big Rig Truckers (Press Release)

Explanation of the State Law Summary Chart

The summary chart of state aftermarket tint law information is not a legal document.It is the result of independent research, using several sources of public state documents. Window tinting laws vary from state to state and province to province. Before applying any window tinting materials, installers should thoroughly review the appropriate state regulations as well as local enforcement policies to insure compliance with all applicable standards.

FilmVLT%: Refers to the film itself 

Net VLT%:  Refers to the combined film & glass

Vague: The language of the law is unclear, legislative intent is unclear, or interpretation is uncertain.

Windshield: Presumably, NR tinting is permitted above the AS-1 line. If the law specifies only the AS-1 line, AS-1 appears. If AS-1 or specified inches appears, the AS-1 is assumed and only the number of inches down appears.(Note: NR is used in lieu of “No, Any, or a specific percentage” when the law permits unspecified “nonobstructive” or “Transparent” tinting materials. In these cases, the legality of tinting inevitably depends upon each officer’s discretion.

Front Sides: No film, or the actual percentage of VLT permitted. (Note: Because they may vary from state to state, manufacturer’s tolerances (i.e. + / - 3% VLT) are not listed on this chart, not are they included in these VLT numbers.)

MPV: Multi Purpose Vehicle, a vehicle with motive power, except a trailer, designed to carry ten people or less that is constructed either on a truck chassis or has special features for occasional off-road operation.

Back Sides: No film, or the actual percentage of VLT permitted.

Rear: No film, or the actual percentage of VLT permitted.

% of Reflectivity: NR No metallic or mirrored appearance

NE: Not excessive (not specific)

MNIR: Must not increase reflectivity

MBNR: Must be non-reflective (not specific)

NMMA: No metallic or mirrored appearance

NONE: No reference to reflectivity in the current law

Restricted Colors: R (Red), A (Amber), Y (Yellow), B (Blue), G (Gold), BK (Black), N/S (Not specified)

Mirrors (Left & Right required outside): YES or NO.
*Note: Usually, a YES means that dual outside mirrors are required if the back window is to be tinted.

Certification Required: YES or NO.
*Note: This refers to a requirement for manufacturers to certify the films they plan to sell before shipping them into the state.

Stckr/Loc: Sticker Location | NO: No sticker is required

Recommend: Sticker is recommended; can assist officers in identifying legal tint more easily.

Specific Locations: The State requires unique language & design, which may entail precise wording and sizing.

Driver The sticker is required between the film & glass on the driver’s side window.

Door:  The sticker is required on the inside of the driver’s side doorjamb.

All:  The sticker should be put between the film & glass on each tinted window. 

Medical Exemption: YES or NO. 
*Note: For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult the law.

ref: http://www.iwfa.com/News/StateLawCharts-AutomotiveWindowFilm.aspx