Does Applying Window Film Affect New Car Registration in 2021?
3 Answers
New cars can have window film applied before registration, but the film must meet technical standards. Non-compliant window film may affect the registration process. The functions of car window film are as follows: UV Protection: Prevents radiation harm to the human body. Sunlight contains ultraviolet rays, and excessive exposure can cause skin diseases. Prolonged exposure can also fade car seats, dashboards, etc. High-quality window film can effectively absorb over 90% of UV rays, protecting both human skin and car interiors. Heat Insulation and Temperature Maintenance: Car window film helps maintain a stable temperature inside the vehicle by reflecting and absorbing light. Preventing Glass Shattering or Scratches: In case of an accident, high-quality window film can slow down the impact speed of broken glass, providing an anti-explosion effect.
Last year, I switched to a 2021 new model car. When I picked it up, I was in a hurry to apply dark window film for sun protection and privacy. However, during the light transmittance test at the vehicle management office for license plate registration, the instrument showed that the front windows only had 35% transmittance, far below the required 70%. The staff directly refused to process the registration and asked me to remove the film first. I went through a lot of trouble and extra costs to redo it, regretting not doing my homework beforehand. Now I know it's best not to apply any film or choose a light-colored test version before getting the license plate, as regulations require the windshield and front side windows to have a light transmittance of at least 70% to ensure safe driving. It's more convenient to modify to a darker film after the official license plate is installed. The strictness of enforcement varies among different regional vehicle management offices, and it's risky to buy cheap, no-name, or uncertified film products. Prioritizing safety and complying with regulations makes driving more reassuring. This lesson has helped many in our car enthusiast group avoid similar troubles.
From my usual research on automotive regulations, whether window tinting affects vehicle registration primarily depends on compliance with light transmittance standards. Chinese traffic laws have strict requirements: the windshield must have over 70% light transmittance, and front side windows follow similar standards to prevent nighttime visibility hazards. If the tint film is excessively dark (e.g., below 50%), registration inspection may reject it, requiring troublesome modifications. Choose certified tint films from reputable brands with quality inspection certificates and labeled transmittance values to avoid pitfalls. Applying tint after registration is safer. Professional shops can measure transmittance with specialized tools to ensure compliance. These regulations aim to reduce accidents—don't underestimate them. When purchasing a car, check local DMV requirements and prioritize safety adaptations.
