Can a New Car Be Licensed After Applying Window Tint Film?
3 Answers
New cars can be licensed after applying window tint film, but if the film used does not comply with regulations (such as reflective film), the car cannot be licensed. It is permissible to apply window tint film before registering a new car, but it must meet the required standards. Traffic police departments remind that mirror-like reflective films or dark tint films that do not meet national standards for light transmittance will not pass inspection. Car Window Tinting: This refers to applying a thin film material to the front and rear windshields, side windows, and sunroof of a vehicle. This film is also known as solar film or heat-insulating film. Functions of Car Window Tinting: The primary purposes are to block ultraviolet (UV) rays, reduce heat transmission, prevent injuries caused by shattered glass, and minimize glare. Additionally, the one-way visibility feature of solar film helps protect personal privacy. It also reduces damage to interior items and occupants caused by UV exposure. Through physical reflection, it lowers the interior temperature, reducing the need for air conditioning, thereby decreasing fuel consumption and saving costs.
I remember when I bought a new car last time, I installed dark window tint, but it got rejected directly at the DMV during registration. They said the window light transmittance must be above 70%, and my tint was too dark and unsafe, so I had to spend money to remove it and redo it. Later, I learned that national regulations have strict requirements for new car registration, and non-compliant tinting can affect vehicle inspection, such as impairing nighttime visibility or police checks. Experience taught me that it's best to register the car without tint first, get the vehicle license, and then go to a professional shop for compliant tinting to avoid hassle. I also heard that requirements vary by city—for example, Shanghai is stricter than Beijing—so checking local standards in advance is necessary. In short, new cars can be registered with tint, but it depends on whether the tint is legal. It's best not to take chances to avoid wasting time and money on issues.
A buddy of mine just got a new car and couldn't wait to apply this super cool black tint, thinking it looked awesome. But when he went to register the car, the inspector said the light transmittance wasn't sufficient, and he got stuck right at the DMV entrance. He was so anxious that he called me to vent. In the end, he had to spend a few hundred bucks at a shop to remove the tint and then queue up again for registration. According to him, the whole process was a huge hassle and wasted an entire day. Actually, tinting windows before registering a new car is risky—most places require at least 70% light transmittance for the windshield, and while rear windows can be slightly darker, they still can't violate regulations. My advice to everyone is to hold off on modifications until after the car is registered—it's much more reliable. Also, the quality of the tint matters a lot; low-quality films can bubble up and affect driving safety.
