Vehicle Code laws for headlight tinting in Illinois
Chapter 12, Section 12-201 of the Illinois Vehicle Code states that all motor vehicles except motorcycles should have 2 lighted headlamps showing white lights, including HID lamps or lights of a yellow or amber tint. They should be used from sunset to sunrise and also during rain, snow, or fog, or whenever the light is insufficient. Tail lamps should mandatorily emit red light visible from at least 500 feet.
Chapter 12, Section 12-212 states that a red light placed in front of the vehicle is prohibited, as well as flashing lights (except for right and left turn indicating lights) and other combinations of lights. This paragraph also states:
“No person shall drive or move any motor vehicle or equipment upon any highway with any lighting or combination of lighting with a smoked or tinted lens or cover.”
The approved tints in the state of Illinois — are yellow or amber tints.
Is it illegal to tint your headlights?
There is not one single law that is applicable in the entire country and each state has its own laws and regulations regarding tinting, whether it is for car windows or headlights. Some countries and states have completely banned headlight tinting while others have not.
You should also keep in mind that even if you respect the laws in your own state but you are then traveling to another, you may still risk getting pulled over as the laws may be different there.
While it may be illegal in your state to color or block your headlights with a dark tint you can still apply an invisible film that will not block the light but will protect the headlight against road debris. Using a dark film is dangerous, as it can not only reduce visibility for the driver but also make the car less visible to the other participants in traffic. Using colors is also dangerous or confusing, so the most common tints are gray or slightly smoked.
Benefits of headlight tinting
When thinking about tinting most people are thinking about the windows of a car, but a tinting film can also be added to the headlights and taillights. This helps the vehicle with:
- Increased protection against scratches
- Increased protection against fading caused by the UV rays of the sun
- A more appealing look, especially when it comes to the show cars, antique, or sports vehicles.
Headlight tint application Chicago
If you want to apply a new tinting film over your headlights, Tinting Chicago is here to assist you. We can also apply window films to your windshield, front and rear windows, as well as various types of wraps over the exterior or interior of your car. You can find us at 3621 N Harlem Ave. and 2720 W Grand Ave. in Chicago, IL, or at 1402 N Rand Rd in Palatine, IL, or call us at 773-455-0467 or 312-212-0493
I'm an automotive enthusiast with a deep understanding of vehicle regulations and laws, particularly in the realm of headlight tinting. I've closely followed the legal frameworks in various states, and my expertise extends to the specifics of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
In Illinois, the relevant regulations regarding headlight tinting are outlined in Chapter 12 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Section 12-201 mandates that all motor vehicles, excluding motorcycles, must have two lighted headlamps displaying white lights. These lights can include HID lamps or lights with a yellow or amber tint. Furthermore, these headlamps should be used during specific conditions such as sunset to sunrise, rain, snow, fog, or whenever visibility is insufficient.
Section 12-212 of the code explicitly prohibits the use of a red light in front of a vehicle, as well as flashing lights, except for turn indicators. Importantly, this section emphasizes that no person shall drive any motor vehicle with any lighting or combination of lighting featuring a smoked or tinted lens or cover. Approved tints in the state of Illinois are limited to yellow or amber.
Now, addressing the broader context of headlight tinting legality, it's crucial to note that laws regarding tinting vary from state to state. While it may be legal in one state, traveling to another with different regulations could lead to potential legal issues. In Illinois, the use of dark or colored films on headlights is explicitly prohibited, and only yellow or amber tints are approved.
The article also touches upon the potential benefits of headlight tinting, which extends beyond aesthetic considerations. Tinting not only offers increased protection against scratches and UV fading but can also enhance the overall appearance of vehicles, especially show cars, antiques, or sports vehicles.
In conclusion, while the article mentions the benefits of headlight tinting, it emphasizes the importance of adhering to state-specific regulations. In Illinois, the use of yellow or amber tints is the only approved option, and any deviation from these guidelines could lead to legal consequences. If you're considering headlight tinting in Chicago, Tinting Chicago is highlighted as a service provider, offering assistance in applying tinting films to headlights, windows, and various types of wraps for both the exterior and interior of vehicles. They operate at multiple locations in Chicago, including 3621 N Harlem Ave., 2720 W Grand Ave., and 1402 N Rand Rd in Palatine. For inquiries, you can contact them at 773-455-0467 or 312-212-0493.
