Yes, you can absolutely get a sunburn through a car window. While the glass effectively blocks most UVB rays—the primary cause of sunburn—it allows a significant portion of UVA rays to pass through. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin, contributing to premature aging and long-term skin damage. Prolonged exposure, especially during long drives, can indeed cause a sunburn.
The level of protection depends on the type of glass. Most car side and rear windows are made from non-laminated glass, which only offers moderate UVA protection. In contrast, the front windshield is laminated safety glass, designed to stay together upon impact. This lamination process inherently blocks over 90% of UVA rays, providing much better protection.
Your risk is highest for skin consistently exposed to side windows, like your left arm, neck, and face. This uneven exposure can even lead to a condition known as "photoaging," where one side of the body shows significantly more sun damage than the other.
| Glass Type | Typical Location | UVB Blocking | UVA Blocking | Sunburn Risk |
|---|
| Laminated Glass | Front Windshield | >99% | >90% | Very Low |
| Tempered Glass | Side & Rear Windows | >99% | 20-40% | Moderate to High |
| Aftermarket Tint Film | All Windows | >99% | Up to 99% | Very Low (if high-quality) |
The most effective prevention is applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin before driving. For long-term protection, especially if you spend significant time in your car, consider professionally installed window tint film that specifically advertises high UVA/UVB rejection rates. Don't be fooled by cloudy days; UVA rays penetrate clouds and glass year-round.
