
The question of whether foreign cars use window tinting is actually a misconception held by some people in China. Currently, the main regulations regarding car window tinting in Europe and America are as follows: Commercial vehicles are not allowed to have tinting on the front windshield, and there are lower limits for the light transmittance of tinting on the front side windows and rear windows. For private vehicles, there are lower limits set for the light transmittance of all window tinting. Car window tinting first emerged in Europe. After its initial rise, government research institutions in Europe and America found that related public security issues began to increase. Below are the relevant reasons: 1. High gun ownership rates in many European and American countries: With high car ownership rates, cars with window tinting, due to the excellent privacy provided by the tinting, are very conducive to criminal activities. Additionally, when American police or traffic officers stop a vehicle for a violation, they generally do not allow the driver to exit the car immediately. Instead, they first assess the situation inside the car from a distance to determine whether to approach the vehicle, then ask the driver to roll down the window for questioning and inspection. If the stopped car has tinted windows, making the interior situation unclear, and someone inside the car suddenly shoots when approached, the lives of the police officers are put at risk. 2. The issue of low light transmittance of window tinting: It affects the driver's visibility, making it impossible for nearby drivers and passengers to see each other, thus preventing them from reacting quickly in sudden situations. Under normal circumstances, the driver of a following car can see the condition of the driver in the car ahead through the windows, and even see the car in front of that one, thereby assessing the road conditions ahead. However, tinted windows block this forward visibility, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.

I lived abroad for several years and noticed that car window tinting is very common, especially in sun-intense regions like the U.S. and Australia. Almost every vehicle has window film as it effectively blocks heat, making summer driving more bearable, while also providing privacy by preventing others from peering inside. Europe also has a tinting culture, but regulations are stricter—for instance, the UK mandates at least 75% light transmittance for windshields, with fines for non-compliance. Tint types vary, including ceramic, metallic, and dyed films, priced from hundreds to thousands of RMB; selection should consider light transmission and durability. In hot cities, tinting is standard—it reduces UV damage to skin and interiors, extending a car’s lifespan. My own car has ceramic film, noticeably lowering cabin temperature, reducing AC reliance for better fuel efficiency and comfort.

As a car modification enthusiast, I've been following the trends of car wraps abroad for a long time. Wrapping is extremely popular overseas, not just for windows but also for full-body color change films, which can give your car a fresh new look. The benefits are numerous: excellent heat insulation, blocking 99% of UV rays, privacy protection, and even preventing glass from shattering upon impact. However, it's important to be aware of regulatory differences—for example, California in the U.S. allows darker tints, while New York strictly limits light transmittance. When choosing a film, I recommend ceramic films, as they don't interfere with mobile phone signals and offer superior durability. In desert regions like Dubai, wrapping is a must, or the interior heat becomes unbearable. Installation should be done by professionals to avoid bubbles or peeling with DIY attempts, and regular cleaning with a soft cloth can extend its lifespan. Price-wise, mid-quality films can be done for a few hundred yuan, while premium options may cost over a thousand, but they're a worthwhile investment.

When traveling abroad, I noticed that car window tinting is quite common overseas. In the United States, tinting is used for sun protection and privacy, with light transmission requirements varying by state. Europe has stricter regulations, where tints must comply with standards. Tinting can lower interior temperatures, reduce glare, and protect against dashboard fading. Choosing the right light transmission percentage is crucial - too dark is illegal, while too light offers little effect. In tropical countries, window tinting is almost a necessity.


