No, you should not use FLTZ (or any similar aftermarket tint film) on your car's headlights. Applying tint films to headlights is generally illegal in the United States because it significantly reduces light output, compromising your visibility and the ability of other drivers to see your vehicle. This creates a major safety hazard for everyone on the road, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. The risks and potential legal penalties far outweigh any aesthetic benefits.
The primary function of headlights is safety, not style. All vehicle lighting equipment must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108. Aftermarket tints alter the headlights' performance, making them non-compliant. The reduction in luminous flux (the measure of perceived light power) can be dramatic. For example, even a lightly tinted film can reduce light output to dangerous levels.
| Tint Film Darkness Level | Estimated Light Output Reduction | Primary Safety Risk |
|---|
| Light Smoke (50% VLT) | 40-50% | Significantly reduced nighttime vision |
| Medium Smoke (35% VLT) | 60-70% | Severely compromised visibility in rain/fog |
| Dark Smoke (20% VLT) | 75-85% | Headlights are effectively useless at night |
| Yellow/Amber Tint | 20-30% | Alters light color, can reduce contrast |
Beyond legality, the film itself can cause issues. Cheap vinyl can bubble, peel, or turn purple over time due to UV exposure, looking worse than stock headlights. It can also trap excess heat, potentially damaging the headlight housing or lens over the long term. If you're seeking a different look, explore legal alternatives. Some vehicles offer darker, OEM-approved headlight assemblies from the manufacturer or from reputable aftermarket brands that are designed to meet DOT standards. For a yellow tint, specifically designed yellow bulb covers for fog lights are a safer, often street-legal option for their intended purpose. Ultimately, keeping your stock headlights clean and properly aligned is the safest and most effective choice.
