The lower the VLT %, the darker the tint. A 5% tint lets through 5% of visible light (almost opaque). A 70% tint lets through 70% (looks nearly clear). Most films are sold in 5%, 15%, 20%, 35%, 50%, and 70% increments.

Real darkness on glass varies slightly with film color; this is a close visual approximation.

Going level by level

5% VLT — "Limo"

Almost completely opaque. From outside, you can't see in. From inside at night, you barely see out. Used on rear sides + rear windshield only — illegal anywhere else in CA. Look: maximum drama. Practical: tough to live with daily.

15% VLT — "Dark"

Standard "dark" tint. Strong privacy, still able to see out at night with effort. Most common rear-window tint we install on sport sedans and SUVs.

20% VLT — "Standard"

The most popular tint shade in LA. Strong sun protection, clean look, comfortable to drive with at night. Default unless you ask otherwise.

35% VLT — "Medium"

Subtle tint. Looks great on luxury cars where you want a hint of darkness without going full blacked-out. Best night visibility of the dark range.

50% VLT — "Light"

Minimal visual change but huge UV / heat protection (with ceramic film). Looks almost clear from outside but blocks 99% UV and up to 65% IR heat. Great pick for parents with car-seat-age kids.

70% VLT — "CA-Legal Front"

Looks effectively clear. Required by California law on front side windows. Modern ceramic films at 70% VLT block more heat than old-school 20% dyed films — visibility is the only difference.

Which VLT should I pick?

Quick recommendations by use case:

• Daily driver, LA heat, want privacy: 20% rear + 70% ceramic front
• Tesla / EV with panoramic roof: 35–50% on roof + 20% rear + 70% front
• Family car, kids in back: 35% rear (still see out) + 70% front
• Show car / aggressive look: 5% rear + 70% front (max drama, fully legal)
• Hyper-budget standard tint: 35% all around — usually under $250 total

How temperature, time, and vehicle interact

Heat rejection isn't just about VLT. A 70% ceramic film blocks more infrared heat than a 20% dyed film. So if heat is your main concern, focus on film type (ceramic > dyed) first, VLT second.

Try it on a car right now

Our interactive tint configurator lets you see each VLT % rendered live on a car. Toggle windows, slide the VLT, and see exactly what your install will look like.