TintLaws

Sources & methodology

This page explains exactly how we research, cite, and label every state tint law on the site.

1. Source hierarchy

We follow a strict source hierarchy for every VLT, reflectivity, windshield, and medical exemption claim:

  1. Primary: state statute (compiled code) or administrative rule.
  2. Secondary: state DMV / DPS / DOT publication or official PDF form.
  3. Tertiary: legislature website or state police consumer guidance.
  4. Supplemental: government safety campaigns or inspection manuals.

We avoid relying on affiliate sites, film-seller blogs, or SEO directories as primary sources.

2. VLT values & tolerance

VLT values published on the site reflect the statutory minimum. Most state tint meters have a +/- 3% tolerance when enforcing the law. We publish the statutory number, not the tolerance-adjusted number.

3. Medical exemptions

We describe only the exemption processes that are in the state statute, in an official state form, or published by the issuing agency. When an exemption is referenced by hearsay but not codified, we mark the exemption status as "unclear" and recommend readers contact the state directly.

4. Editorial verification

Every state page carries a Verified for 2026 badge. Before the badge is published, an editor re-reads the VLT, reflectivity, windshield, mirror, compliance, and medical-exemption fields against the cited statute, administrative rule, or DMV publication. We do not publish aspirational numbers.

When a state amends its tint law or updates its medical-exemption form, we re-review affected fields within our review cycle, flag the change in the page editorial notes, and update the cited source.

5. Handling conflicts

When an official source conflicts with a widely-quoted number (for example, when an older guide still lists pre-amendment VLT values), we follow the statute, update the field, and note the conflict in that state editorial notes.

6. Reporting corrections

Readers reporting discrepancies is a core part of our review cycle. Please contact us with a link to the official source so we can update the page quickly.