Analyzing FMCSA Window Tint Regulations

When operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), you might use window tint to protect against UV rays and sunlight passing through the glass and heating the vehicle. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) restricts the percentage of allowable tint. When doing FMCSA filings, you must verify that you follow FMCSA window tint regulations. 

Learn more about the FMCSA tint percentage that’s allowable and how you can avoid traffic tickets.

What You Need To Do To Stay in Federal Window Tint Compliance

According to FMCSA rules, commercial motor vehicle operators can have tinting on their windshields and side windows, although some states may prohibit tint altogether.

FMCSA regulations require that at least 70% of light pass through the window. Some states call this measurement Visible Light Transmission (VLT).

FMCSA visibility requirements play a role in setting its truck driver tint limit. FMCSA window tint regulations follow the American Standards Association requirements for measuring window tint. The FMCSA sets the limit at 70% to ensure the best possible visibility for day and night driving. If your fleet’s CMVs violate the 70% rule, you could receive citations for the violation. 

When filing forms related to your fleet’s equipment with the FMCSA, you must verify that you are following all of the association’s regulations. At FMCA Filings, our experts can take care of the filings for you and guarantee that your information follows all the regulations.

How the FMCSA Has Verified Its Rules Regarding Window Tinting on CMVs

The FMCSA has issued a few rulings about window tinting on CMVs over the past several decades. The commercial vehicle window tint law was last updated in FMCSA regulation Section § 393.60 in 1997. 

In 2012, the FMCSA clarified the 70% rule in a letter to the International Window Film Association (IWFA). The IWFA requested a ruling on whether truck drivers could use a clear window film on windshields and side windows. The FMCSA said any film is allowed as long as the 70% rule for VLT remains in effect.

FMCSA rules regarding window tint have remained constant for many years. However, it’s always helpful to make sure you understand the latest regulation updates. At FMCA Filings, we can help you understand any changes to these regulations and how they might affect your fleet’s operation.

How Local Window Tint Regulations Can Also Affect Your CMV’s Operation

Although you need to follow FMCSA window tint regulations, you must also remain in compliance with any local rules regarding tint percentage. 

In most states, the tint rules are less restrictive than the FMCSA tint rules. This means your carriers should be in compliance with the law in most states as long as they are at least meeting the FMCSA tint rules. A few states don’t allow tinting on the windshield, though.

Most states allow different tint percentages on the windshield compared to the side and back windows. If a local law enforcement officer stops the CMV for a traffic infraction, you could receive a ticket or fine for the level of tint based on local or state regulations. Some states allow police officers to initiate a traffic stop based solely on what they believe is an illegal level of tint.

If your CMV must stop at a weigh station, local law enforcement officials could choose to measure the tint on the truck's windows. Police officers have tint meters and other measuring devices to immediately measure the VLT for the windshield and side windows. The police officer can issue the ticket as part of the traffic stop or during a weigh station stop. Some officers might provide a warning, giving the trucker time to fix the tint.

As a carrier company, you should understand the most common locations where your operators will drive their trucks. Make sure that the tint percentage on the windows is legal both under FMCSA regulations and state and local regulations.

Let FMCA Filings Help With All Your FMCSA Compliance Requirements

When you’re managing FMCSA window tint regulations or other FMCSA safety requirements, you’ll probably need some help. Keeping up with the regulations and filing all the forms with accurate information can be a time-consuming hassle for many carrier companies, but that's where we step in.

At FMCA Filings, we are the experts in managing filing requirements for all FMCSA regulations. We should be your first stop when you have questions about regulations like DOT window tint rules. To learn more about what we can do for you, contact FMCA Filings today.