If you are driving around the St. Joseph or Kansas City area, you’ve probably noticed that some cars have a light, subtle window tint, while others look completely blacked out. If you are considering upgrading your vehicle at Evergreen Audio and Tint, it is important to understand what window tint percentages actually mean and what is legally allowed in Missouri and Kansas.
Understanding Window Tint Percentages (VLT) Window tint percentage refers to Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which simply means how much light is allowed to pass through your car windows. The rule of thumb is: the lower the percentage, the darker the tint.
Here is a quick breakdown of the most common tint levels:
- 70% to 50%: A very light shade that is almost clear, great for reducing glare while keeping your windows bright.
- 35%: A medium tint that provides a stylish look and moderate privacy. This is one of the most common choices for front windows.
- 20% to 15%: A very dark shade that makes it much harder to see inside your vehicle.
- 5%: Commonly known as “limo tint,” this percentage is almost completely black and offers maximum privacy.
Staying Street Legal: Missouri and Kansas Laws While a dark 5% limo tint looks sleek, it is important to know the law before you install it. Every state has specific regulations on how dark your windows can be.
If your vehicle is registered in Missouri, the law requires that your front side windows allow at least 35% of light in. However, Missouri is very lenient with the rear half of your vehicle, allowing back side windows and rear windows to be tinted up to 99.9% (essentially as dark as you want).
If you are crossing the border into Kansas, the laws are a bit more uniform. Kansas requires that your front side windows, back side windows, and your rear window all allow at least 35% of light to pass through. In both states, windshield tinting is only allowed down to the manufacturer’s AS-1 line at the top of the glass.
Why Get Your Windows Tinted? Beyond looking great and giving you privacy, professional window tinting offers serious benefits. Quality tint blocks more than 99% of harmful UV rays, which protects your skin and prevents your car’s interior from fading or cracking over time. It also acts as an insulator, drastically reducing the heat inside your car during those hot Midwest summers.
Ready to upgrade your ride’s look, stay cool, and stay street-legal? Call Evergreen Audio and Tint at 816-617-2053 today to schedule your professional window tint installation!
