Window tinting

So, what's legality of window tinting? I heard conflicting stories. I just got a jet black 330xi. So, I thought tinted windows would look nice. I live in Philadelphia, PA.

[traffic]

most reputable window tinting shops will know the low-down in your area. in washington, it's 35% on front windows and 20% on windows behind the fronts.

you can typically get away with 20% for a while. if you ever get pulled over, just make sure you roll the front windows down all the way so they don't notice.

you'll be fine unless you're trying to 'black-out' the windows.

[antetr95]

I have 35 on sides a and 20 on rear windows. Looks very classy. I have Formula 1 tint. Oh, make sure you don't get metallic- will mess up your radio reception.

[330i Performance]

5% is legal in my city... but the highway patrol will bust your ass... im a city boy anyway... not to mention i dont care lol :D

20% All around is legal and looks raw.
15% would definately look perfect.

[Stephan]

hi guys ! i live in Quebec City Canada and here cops are jackass ! I have a 330I black with 15% on all windows.In 6 month i have already 2 tickets so be carefull canadian bimmer

[alpnewhte330ci]

For anyone in the US click the link to find the laws in your state
http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/

[njoni007]

Alberta, Canada - NO FILM ALLOWED IN FRONT OF THE WINDOWS AND WINDSHIELD (i.e. front seat windows). Rear windows can be tinted as dark as you want. Police have no problem with that.

If you can find factory tinted windows (i.e. no film) Cops will not be able to ticket you because no film is present

[PEI330Ci]

My local laws say no tint forward of the B pillars.

However, I run 35% all around and never get hassled. (The tint is just to hide the fact that my interior is stripped.) Part of this I think is that my car isn't extremely flashy, but I have also had occasions where police have knowingly turned a blind eye to my windows.

I would say the most rediculous case of this was about a month ago. I was out for a spirited drive down some back country roads when I crested a hill while braking hard to find a police cruiser parked over the crest with it's lights on and the officer waving me over. I thought I'd been nicked by a hidden laser gun! He waved me off to the side of the road then walked up to my car and motioned for me to roll my window down. (I was fumbling for my wallet thinking I was screwed) I rolled down the window to be told that there was dead chicken remains all over the road ahead and to drive on the grassy shoulder with care. Clearly he had seen my side windows were tinted, and on top of that my exhaust was ticking and you could smell the brakes!

35% is probably the limit of what would be "let go" though where I live, as you can still see occupants clearly from the outside.