Quote Originally Posted by Alvis View Post
There are a few issues with window tint.

The legal tint level is 30% so I've been told (common misconception is it's 35%). Now, if the tint comes from the factory this 30% applies only to the front passenger and driver windows. However, you will notice some of the newer cars have darker back windows than front windows. And this is legal. These are 'privacy windows' - and yes I believe they are darker than the legal 30%. BUT, the difference is it's not actually a tint - it is an 'ink' in the glass from the manufacturer. Hence making it legal.

I have just had the tint done on my Civic - Midnight Express 30% front and Midnight Express 15% rear. So far I have had no problems and it looks great but I probably wouldn't suggest any darker than 15%. And if the cops are around, just wind the windows down. Easy. As long as it's not raining lol. The darker tints (ie 15%) are a little more 'metallic' looking, but the privacy is so much better, plus looks great on a white car. Only thing is because it didn't come from the factory like this I didn't get a receipt.
It is actually 35%.
There are no films made for auto that come specifically with a 30% VLT regardless of film manufacturer.

The reason privacy glass is allowed to be imported on certain models of cars is that these cars come into the country under Australian Design Rules (ADR's) which are different to local state laws which allow retro fitting.
The federal authorities don't permit anything on the front doors except the normal 70% super light tint that just about all cars these days have.

It is not an ink at all but coloured tinted glass.

The only reason 15% films would appear metallic is because they would have a metal aluminium or titanium deposition included into the base polyester substrate.
15% films are also made without shiny finishes and therefore are non reflective and produce more of a better enhancement visually.

You didn't get a receipt for one of 2 reasons.......
1. The guy was cheating on the tax man and doesn't want to declare his black money and is using the illegal status as a BS ploy.
It has nothing to do with not coming from the factory like this!

2.He doesn't leave a paper trail behind in the event of an investigation into fitting an illegal film in the event of something catastrophic happening.


Hope this helps clarify some of the enormous misconceptions about window film that exists on many forums here in Australia and world over.

Regards,
Rob

(PS. Tinting and owning a film business for 35 years just in case some may think I'm not think I'm not quite qualified to give an expert opinion.)