Our mission at Rite-Way Auto Glass has always been to boost your driving safety and convenience, so we had to cover this topic. Tinting car windows, when done right, makes your driving safer by managing light glares and increasing visibility. It also reduces heat in the car and exposure of your upholstery to UV rays.
Privacy and aesthetics are extra reasons for car window tinting. Your car should be your own private space, not a fishbowl where anyone can see you or what’s inside. So, the question isn’t if you should do it but where to get your car windows safely and legally tinted.
Our specialty is auto glass repair and replacement, but in our 76+ years of experience, we’ve been asked about car window tinting countless times. Here’s a guide to help drivers find trusted tinting services.
What to Look for in a Reputable Window Tinting Service
1. Certified Technicians
Having your car windows tinted is a high-stakes decision, bringing with it:
- Improved aesthetics.
- Privacy.
- Glare rejection.
- UV Rays rejection.
- Risks of poor visibility for the driver.
That’s why it’s crucial to find certified technicians when looking for a reputable window tinting service. Certified technicians undergo training and have the tools to properly install window tints without compromising safety.
When you opt for certified technicians, it’s also easier to shift liability to the service provider if any issues arise with the window tint installation.
2. Quality Materials for Window Tinting
The quality of materials used is just as impactful as the installation process. Low-quality materials can result in a subpar tint job that may not last long or provide the desired results.
High-quality window tints are typically made from polyester film with a scratch-resistant coating. This type of film provides better heat rejection and blocks harmful UV rays more effectively than lower-quality alternatives.
Window tints also come in different levels of darkness and shades. These can range from light tints that still allow maximum visibility to darker tints that offer more privacy and heat reduction.
Reflective tints are another option for privacy and heat reduction. These tints have a mirrored appearance, making it challenging for people to see inside the vehicle. However, they can also make it challenging to see outside at night.
3. Warranty Coverage
Any professional service that’s confident in its workmanship should offer a warranty for its window tinting services. Be sure to check the length and coverage of the warranties offered by different providers.
Some warranties may cover fading, peeling, bubbling, or other defects that may occur over time. It’s important to understand the terms and conditions of the warranty.
Additionally, ask about any restrictions or conditions that may void the warranty, such as improper care or installation from another provider.
4. Customer Reviews
One of the most cost-effective ways of gauging the quality of a window tinting service is to read customer reviews. Look for reviews on the provider’s website, social media pages, or third-party review sites like Google Maps.
Weigh all the reviews, the good and ugly, for a balanced understanding of the customer experience. Note down all recurring issues mentioned in multiple reviews.
You can also ask for pointers from friends and family who tinted their auto glass. That kind of information is invaluable as you’ll get firsthand experiences about different providers.
The Red Flags to Avoid
1. Unclear Pricing
Beware of hidden fees or unclear pricing structures. Some players trick you with low initial prices only to impose extra fees when you engage.
Always watch out for overly cheap offers, which are usually a trap. Remember, cheap is always expensive in the long run, and cheap offers often come with low-quality films that deteriorate quickly.
To avoid falling for unclear pricing, always ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs to rule out hidden fees or surprises.
2. Lack of Licensing/ Insurance
Car window tinting services require licensing to operate. Companies that qualify for licensing have met the required standards and are legally authorized to provide their services.
Choosing a licensed company is important as it guarantees quality workmanship, materials, and service.
Additionally, the service needs proper insurance coverage for any potential damages that they may unintentionally cause during the tinting process.
What does it say about a business that ignores insurance or one that insurance companies don’t want to cover? Your choice company should be properly insured to protect themselves and your property.
3. No Portfolio
Don’t you want a tried and tested service to tint your auto glass? Companies that don’t have a portfolio of their previous work may not have enough experience or expertise in auto glass tinting.
Having a portfolio allows customers to see the quality of work and styles that the company has mastered. It also gives you an idea of what to expect from their services.
A reputable auto glass tinting company should be proud to showcase its previous projects and customer satisfaction in its portfolio.
Window Tinting Laws & Federal Regulations
Federal and state laws apply to auto glass tinting. As you may know, federal laws are supreme and apply to every state. State laws supplement the Federal laws, but if there’s a conflict between state and federal law, the Federal law prevails.
Before we discuss the specific laws, we’re doing it to empower you as you shop for the best auto glass tinting service.
Understanding Federal and Kentucky State Window Tinting Laws
Federal Regulations on Window Tinting
It’s a common misconception that federal law restricts how dark you can tint your car windows. In reality, federal window tinting standards apply only to vehicle manufacturers and businesses—not individual vehicle owners.
Under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205, new vehicles must have windshields and front side windows that allow at least 70% light transmittance. This rule is designed to ensure that new vehicles meet minimum safety visibility standards when they leave the factory.
However, once a vehicle is sold, owners are free to modify it—including applying aftermarket window tinting—as long as they comply with state laws, which vary widely.
What Is Light Transmittance?
Light transmittance refers to how much visible light passes through your tinted glass. The lower the percentage, the darker the tint. For example, a 70% tint lets in 70% of visible light, while a 20% tint lets in only 20%.
While there’s no federal restriction on how dark you can tint your windows after purchase, darker tints can reduce nighttime visibility, especially on the rear window, making it harder to back up or see surrounding traffic.
The AS-1 Line on Your Windshield
Many windshields are marked with an AS-1 line—a horizontal line about five to six inches from the top of the glass. Most states allow non-reflective tint above this line to reduce glare from sunlight without affecting your visibility. If your windshield doesn’t have a visible AS-1 marking, the rule typically defaults to allowing tinting only on the top five inches.
Kentucky State Window Tint Laws
Kentucky’s laws on window tinting are more detailed and, in some areas, more lenient than the original federal manufacturing standards. Here’s what Kentucky allows:
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Windshield: Non-reflective tint allowed above the AS-1 line.
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Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 35% of visible light to pass through.
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Back Side Windows (Sedans): Must allow at least 18% of light.
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Rear Window (Sedans): Must allow at least 18% of light.
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Back Side & Rear Windows (SUVs, Vans, RVs, Pickups): Can be tinted to as low as 8% visible light transmission.
Reflective tint is also regulated:
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Not allowed on windshields or rear windows.
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Allowed on side windows only if reflectivity does not exceed 25% in the front and 35% in the rear.
Additionally, if the rear window is tinted, dual side mirrors are required for safety.
Always Check for Yourself
Since window tint laws vary by state—and even by vehicle type—always check local and state regulations before getting your car windows tinted. This ensures not only legal compliance but also safety on the road. If you’re unsure, a reputable window tinting service should be familiar with your state’s specific laws and can guide you appropriately.
Top Window Tinting Services in Kentucky
At Rite-Way Auto Glass, we don’t offer car window tinting; our forte is in repairing and replacing auto glass. We always refer our clients who need window tinting services to a company that checks everything in the earlier section where we listed qualities to look out for in a window tinting company.
1. Wildcat Window Tinting (Lexington, KY)
We’re fond of sending our clients to Wildcat Window Tinting as it focuses on quality and customer satisfaction. In their own words, the Wildcat team doesn’t offer $99 tint jobs as it would muddy their reputation and affect the overall quality.
As a top-rated window tinting company, Wildcat Window Tinting only uses the best materials. These professionals have years of experience, and they clearly label all their tint shades.
Moreover, you can even ask them to show a sample of the desired tint shade before installing it on your car or home windows.
We understand that Kentucky is vast, and not all our clients will have the time to visit their Lexington location. If you don’t live in Lexington or nearby, consider the following options.
2. Sun Stoppers Window Tinting (Florence, KY)
This company provides automotive, residential, and commercial window tinting services aimed at enhancing comfort, privacy, and safety.
Their other services include
- Ceramic coating
- Vinyl wrapping.
- Paint protection films.
They have multiple locations across the East and West of Kentucky.
3. Black Diamond Tint & Protection (Richmond, KY)
This service has been around for over 30 years, and its portfolio of satisfied customers speaks volumes about its quality.
In addition to automotive, residential, and commercial window tinting services, this company also offers:
- Paint protection films.
- Vinyl wraps.
- Graphic design and installation.
They also specialize in custom vehicle wraps for businesses looking to promote their brand on the go. The team of professionals uses high-quality materials and advanced technology for a flawless and long-lasting finish.
4. Sticky’s Tint & Customs (Campbellsville, KY)
This service has been in the game for 15 years and has a soaring reputation for high-quality window tinting. Located in Campbellsville, KY, Sticky’s Tint & Customs offers excellent tinting services for all sorts of automotive and commercial windows tinting services.
This company also offers repairs and replacements for:
- Step bars.
- Lift kits.
- Wheels/ tires.
- Paint protection film.
5. Lucky’s Autosports (Lexington, KY)
This establishment offers low-price, high-quality, 3M computer-cut window tinting for commercial, residential, and auto applications. Don’t let the low prices fool you into thinking their services are low-cadre; they offer a lifetime warranty.
Where do they get such confidence in their work? Well, they’ve been doing it for over 40 years now. You have to know your state and federal laws working with Lucky’s because they offer all shades for car window tinting.
Rite-Way Auto Glass: Your Auto Glass Partner
It goes without saying that you can’t tint auto glass that’s in bad condition. It would be a waste of your time and money.
When you tint peels and bubbles, it is often due to pre-existing chips, cracks, or scratches that weaken the glass. If that happens, here’s a DIY guide on how to remove tint from car windows.
If you’re not too busy, you can remove the damaged tint film yourself to save money. Then, come to us for repairs and head to Wildcat Window Tinting. They do a great job when your windshield and car windows are in perfect condition. But if your auto glass has chips, cracks, or scratches, they can’t help you.
Rite-Way Auto Glass is your best bet at restoring or replacing damaged auto glass before getting your windows tinted. We have over 75 years of experience in auto glass repair and replacement.
