The 5% tint of the car window is the darkest tinted window option available. During the day, this percentage shuts out the bulk of light. So, with a 5 percent tint at night, can you see through it?
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5 Percent Tint at Night: Can You See Through It?
In short, a 5 percent window tint is the darkest that may be achieved. At night, it won’t be easy to see through. This is why 5 percent of tinted windows are illegal in many states.
In daylight, driving with a 5% tinted car window may not be problematic, but at night, you should not hope to see anything without headlights.
Driving with 5% tint windows is a real challenge at night as many drivers have to roll down the windows to have better vision.
Understanding Percent Window Tint
Tint percentage represents the visible light transmission (VLT), gauges the amount of light that can flow through your window tint. A higher percentage indicates that more light may pass through the tint, making it appear lighter. Lower VLT percentages appear darker because the tint allows for less light to pass through.
For example, 70% tinted window mean that 70% of the light can go past the tinted window.
You can tint your windows anywhere between 5% and 90%. However, for a number of reasons related to traffic safety, window tint is governed by legislation. If your window tint doesn’t adhere to state requirements, you risk being stopped and punished.
How should you tint the windows of your car?
Depending on your state, there may be different legal window tint percentages. Although some states permit a wide range of how dark your window tint can be, it’s recommended to stay within your comfort range and avoid going too extreme. To prevent accidents, you shouldn’t make your window tint too dark because it will impair your eyesight in low light.
For example, if you live in Texas, the lowest % you can go is 25% for the front side windows. However, in Cali, that number is 70%.
What is 5% Tint?
There are many levels of blackness in automobile window tints that show how much security they may provide. Furthermore, the darker the automobile window, the fewer others can see inside, which is beneficial to privacy.
On the other hand, dark window tinting can make nighttime driving difficult, particularly in places with limited light exposure. The percentage can also be used to calculate the darkness of a window tint.
Less light can flow through at lower percentages, resulting in a darker window coating. Several recommendations range from 35-50%, with factory tints ranging from 15% to 20%.
Lights can be difficult to see when driving with a 5 percent car window tint if you are not used to tinting. However, some people seem to enjoy it because they are accustomed to the look.
But believe me, it’s pitch black. While this may be an exaggeration, the closest practical method to depict looking out a 5 percent tinted automobile window at night is by putting a black paper up in front of you!
How Would a 5% Tinted Window Appear?
Also known as “Limo Tint,” a window film with a 5 percent tint will only let in 5 percent of the visible light. Compared to tints with higher tint percentages, this is really dark.
When you start driving with a 5 percent car window tint, your vision will be badly affected. However, other people use it without difficulty, perhaps because they are accustomed to the look.
But believe me, it’s dark. Holding a black shirt in front of you would be the most realistic way to explain trying to look out of a 5% tinted car window at night, even though this may seem like an exaggeration if you’ve never been in one or driven one before.
Is It a Good Idea to Have 5% Tinted Windows?
The darkest shade you can get is 5%, which is illegal in most places because you might not be able to see through it. Thus, you should avoid this window tint darkness.
Suppose you really want the tinted look but don’t want to be completely dark, especially at night. In that case, a 50 percent tint is an excellent option to go with because it will not only prevent roughly half of the light from accessing your car but will also block the UV and heat.
What Is the Best Window Tint Percent for Driving?
Remember that the tinting of car windows is governed by state or territory rules. Therefore, when deciding what window tinting is best, you should consider all legal criteria.
Most states set a minimum visible light transmission of 35 percent. However, 50 percent tint is optimal for driver and passenger front windows, while 35 percent is generally recommended for rear and side windows.
Who Is 5% Tint Windows For?
A car with 5% tint would definitely get the attention of the police, so this tint should only be used on off-road vehicles. Purchase 5% window tint for:
- Show & demonstration cars
- Race cars
- Display cars
- Vehicles for work on private property
Conclusion
Above all, you can choose the 5% tinted car window. However, a 5 percent tint at night could be a nightmare as you will be unable to see through it at night, especially in areas with little light exposure.
If you’re not used to riding with tinted windows, your first night trip with a 5% tint may make you nervous that you’ll have to drive with the windows down. Furthermore, depending on your region, there may be restrictions on how dark your car’s window tint can be.
My truest opinion? The lowest you should go is 25%, which is both legal in many states and still visible from the back and sides, even at night.
Further Reading:
Hi there! I’m Naomi O’Colman. I’ve got years of experience working at an auto repair shop here in Texas under my belt. On top of that, ever since I was a kid I’ve been passionate about the auto industry. Since I’ve joined the team at automotivegearz.com I’ve been enthusiastically sharing my passion and insights with my readers. I’m dedicated to delivering high quality content and helping you stay up to date with the latest automotive trends and products out there!
