You’re looking at your car and thinking about a custom look. A common question that comes up is, can you put tint on taillights? The short answer is yes, you absolutely can. But it’s not as simple as just sticking a film on and calling it a day. There are important legal, safety, and practical considerations you need to understand before you start. This guide will walk you through everything, from the different methods to the laws in your state, so you can make an informed decision.
Can You Put Tint On Taillights
Applying tint to taillights is a popular aftermarket modification. It involves placing a dark film over the factory lens to change its appearance. People do this to achieve a sleek, smoked look that matches a blacked-out theme or simply to personalize their vehicle. However, the core issue isn’t whether it’s physically possible—it’s whether you should, and if so, how to do it correctly.
The process can be done with varying degrees of permanence. You have options like pre-cut vinyl films, spray-on tints, and even professional laminates. Each has its own pros and cons, which we’ll break down. But before you pick a product, the most critical step is checking your local regulations. Getting this wrong can lead to fines or even make you liable in an accident.
Why Do People Tint Their Taillights?
There are a few main reasons drivers choose to tint their tail lights:
- Aesthetic Customization: It creates a uniform, custom look, often part of a “murdered out” or blacked-out style.
- Color Matching: It can help match taillights to a specific paint color or other dark accents on the car.
- Protection: A high-quality film can offer a minor layer of protection against scratches and UV fading for the factory lens underneath.
The Major Risks and Downsides
It’s crucial to go in with your eyes open to the potential problems.
- Reduced Light Output: This is the biggest risk. Dark tint significantly reduces the brightness of your brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights.
- Legal Troubles: Most states have strict laws about how much light must be visible. Illegal tint can get you a “fix-it” ticket or worse.
- Safety Hazard: Dim lights are harder for other drivers to see, especially in daylight, fog, or heavy rain. This increases the risk of a rear-end collision.
- Voided Warranty: Some dealerships may void aspects of your electrical warranty if they link a failure to aftermarket tint.
- Resale Value Impact: Many buyers see modified lights as a negative, and you may have to restore them before selling.
Understanding the Legal Landscape
Laws regarding tinted taillights vary dramatically from state to state. There is no single federal law, so you must research your specific location. Generally, regulations focus on light transmission and color.
Common Legal Requirements
- Minimum Light Transmission: Many states require your brake lights and turn signals to be visible from a certain distance (often 500 feet). Tint that dims them below this threshold is illegal.
- Color Restrictions: Red brake lights and amber turn signals are legally required. Tinting them a different color (like deep black or blue) is almost always illegal.
- Reflector Visibility: Your car must have red reflectors on the rear. Tint cannot cover or obscure these.
A good rule of thumb is to check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or vehicle code. When in doubt, assume the law is stricter than you think. Police officers are often on the lookout for excessively tinted lights because they are a recognized safety issue.
Methods for Tinting Taillights
If you’ve checked the laws and decided to proceed, you have three main options. Each requires a different skill level and offers different results.
1. Vinyl Film Overlay
This is the most popular and reversible method. You use a pre-cut or custom-cut vinyl film that adheres to the outside of the lens.
Pros:
- Reversible and removable.
- No permanent change to the light.
- Offers some lens protection.
- Available in different shades (light smoke, dark smoke, etc.).
Cons:
- Can be tricky to apply without bubbles or wrinkles.
- Edges may peel over time, especially with frequent washing.
- Film quality varies greatly—cheap film can fade or turn purple.
2. Spray-On Tint (VHT Nightshades or Similar)
This is a semi-permanent paint-like spray that dyes the lens. It’s more permanent than vinyl.
Pros:
- Can achieve a very smooth, uniform look.
- No edges to peel up.
- Often cheaper than high-quality vinyl kits.
Cons:
- Very difficult to reverse (requires sanding and polishing).
- Easy to apply too thick and block too much light.
- Requires a clear coat for durability, adding more steps.
- Improper prep can lead to runs, drips, and an uneven finish.
3. Professional Laminates or OEM-Style Tints
This is the high-end option. Some shops offer professional-grade laminates, or you can purchase aftermarket taillight assemblies that are already legally tinted from the manufacturer.
Pros:
- Best overall finish and durability.
- OEM-style assemblies are usually designed to be street-legal.
- Professional installation ensures a perfect application.
Cons:
- Most expensive option by far.
- Aftermarket assemblies can vary in quality and fitment.
How to Apply Vinyl Taillight Tint: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you choose the vinyl route, proper preparation and patience are key. Here’s a general guide. Always follow the specific instructions that come with your tint kit.
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need the tint film, a spray bottle with soapy water (a few drops of dish soap in water), a squeegee, a heat gun or hair dryer, microfiber cloths, and isopropyl alcohol.
- Clean the Taillight Thoroughly: Wash the light with soap and water, then wipe it down with isopropyl alcohol to remove any wax, grease, or dirt. Any debris left underneath will be visible.
- Peel and Spray: Peel the backing off the vinyl film. Generously spray the adhesive side of the film and the surface of the taillight with your soapy water solution. This allows you to slide the film into position.
- Apply the Film: Carefully place the film over the light. Use your hands to roughly align it. The soapy water will let you adjust it until it’s perfectly positioned.
- Squeegee Out the Liquid: Starting from the center, use the squeegee to push the soapy water out toward the edges. Work slowly to avoid trapping bubbles. Apply firm, even pressure.
- Heat and Stretch: For curved surfaces, use the heat gun on a low setting to gently warm the film. This makes it stretchable. Carefully stretch and smooth it over curves, using the squeegee as you go. Be careful not to over-stretch or melt the film.
- Trim the Edges: If using an uncut sheet, use a very sharp razor blade to trim the excess film around the edges. A pre-cut kit is much easier for beginners.
- Final Drying: Go over the entire surface with the squeegee one more time to ensure a strong bond. Let it dry completely for 24-48 hours before getting it wet.
Tips for Maintaining Safety and Legality
If you decide to tint, here are some ways to mitigate the risks and stay on the right side of the law.
- Choose Lighter Tints: Opt for a “light smoke” instead of “dark smoke.” It changes the appearance with a smaller impact on brightness.
- Upgrade Your Bulbs: Switch to high-performance LED bulbs. They are much brighter than stock halogen bulbs and can compensate for some of the light loss caused by the tint. Make sure they are the correct type for your vehicle to avoid hyper-flashing.
- Test the Results at Night: After applying tint, have a friend stand behind your car while you use the brakes, turn signals, and reverse lights. See for yourself how visible they are from a distance.
- Keep It Off Reflectors: Do not tint over the red reflector strips on your rear bumper or lights. These are separate legal requirement.
- Be Prepared to Remove It: If you get pulled over or fail a vehicle inspection, be ready to remove the film to avoid a fine. This is why vinyl is the safer choice over spray.
What About Headlights?
The rules for headlights are even more strict. Tinting headlights is generally a very bad idea and is illegal in most places. Headlights require a precise beam pattern and maximum output for safe night driving. Tinting them drastically reduces your visibility and creates a danger for you and other drivers. It’s a modification not recommended by any safety expert.
FAQ Section
Is it illegal to tint tail lights?
In many areas, yes, if it reduces the required light output. The legality depends entirely on your local and state vehicle codes. You must check the specific laws where you live and where you drive.
Can you use window tint film on tail lights?
Technically, you can, but it’s not ideal. Automotive window tint film is designed for glass and may not adhere properly or stretch over complex plastic curves. It’s better to use a vinyl film specifically made for exterior automotive applications, as it is more durable and UV-resistant.
How much does it cost to get your tail lights tinted?
Costs vary widely. A DIY vinyl kit can cost $20-$50. Professional installation of a high-quality film can range from $100 to $300 per pair of lights. Professionally manufactured smoked taillight assemblies can cost several hundred dollars.
Can tinted tail lights cause an accident?
Yes, they can contribute to an accident. If your brake lights are too dim, the driver behind you may not react in time, leading to a rear-end collision. In such a case, you could be found partially or fully at fault for having an improperly modified and unsafe vehicle.
How do you remove tint from tail lights?
For vinyl film, you can usually peel it off starting at a corner. Use a heat gun to soften the adhesive if it’s stubborn, and clean any residue with adhesive remover. For spray-on tint, removal is difficult and involves wet-sanding the lens with progressively finer sandpaper, then polishing it back to clarity—a job often best left to professionals.
Are there legal tinted tail lights?
Yes. Some car manufacturers offer factory “smoked” or “dark” tail light options that are certified to meet all legal brightness standards. Additionally, reputable aftermarket companies sell tinted tail light assemblies that are designed to be street-legal. Always verify this claim before buying.
In conclusion, you can put tint on taillights, but it comes with significant responsibilities. The key is to prioritize safety and legality over style. Always research your local laws, choose the least intrusive tint level, consider brighter LED bulbs, and apply the product carefully. Remember, being seen by other drivers is a critical part of safe vehicle operation. A custom look isn’t worth the risk of an accident or a stack of tickets. Make your choice wisely and ensure your modifications don’t compromise your safety or the safety of those sharing the road with you.