Headlight/Taillight: To tint or not to tint?

[santua]

Hey guys,

I am debating if I should do a light headlight/taillight tint PPF such as this one (Tinted Headlight and Foglight Protection for Model 3 / Y PPF) for my black M3P.

To be completely honest, I am not a fan of tinted headlights/taillights because it can look childish and can be a genuine safety hazard, but the headlights/taillights on the Model 3 just look a bit too light for my liking. What are your guys' thoughts? I will post a poll, but if you guys want to comment or share pictures of your tinted headlights/taillights, you are more than welcome to do so.

 

[jjrandorin]

To be completely honest, I am not a fan of tinted headlights/taillights because it can look childish and can be a genuine safety hazard,

Since you asked "what are your thoughts?" this quote from you echo's my own personal thoughts on tinted / smoked headlight / taillights. I would never do it, myself. Note that I like window tint however, and my windows are tinted at 20% all around, including my driver and passenger windows (which are not legal to tint at all in CA).

So, its not a "legality" thing for me, in that I am not saying "its not legal, so dont do it". Unlike window tint, making the taillights darker makes them harder to see, and drivers are more distracted than ever. Dark window tint doesnt make the car harder to see when braking, but taillight tint does.

So, Its a "hard (hard) pass" on that, for me.

 

[Silicon Desert]

... this quote from you echo's my own personal thoughts on tinted / smoked headlight / taillights. I would never do it, myself. Note that I like window tint however, and my windows are tinted at 20% all around, including my driver and passenger windows (which are not legal to tint at all in CA).

yup that is my thought as well. To add, when I lived in California a few years ago, my neighbor, CHP, said it is legal to tint driver, passenger and rear window and it depends on the degree of visibility light transmission. On my car, I put very light (almost un-noticeable) ceramic film mainly just to increase the amount of IR and UV blockage of the window. I don't recall what he said was the limit of visible light blockage allowed. I wasn't sure if it is still true or not so I texted him a few minutes ago and he sent several links to me. This is one of the links. I wonder how different it is for the OP in Florida.

California Window Tint Law: All you need to know - Cars | How To

To be deemed legal window tint on a vehicle's front windshield and front side windows, California law stipulates that the front windshield

fixcarz.com

ps. always like your responses to postings.

 

[santua]

Appreciate the comments guys, I wish the poll still remained when the thread was moved.

Anyways, as for window tint, the max legal limit in Florida for front windows is 30-35% I believe. Personally, I have had 30% and it is too light, I like my privacy. On my previous car, I went with 20% which I thought was perfect (2 doors, no sunroof), but on the 3, given the vast amount of light that gets in due to the glass roof and overall big windows, I decided to go with 15% on all sides and back, which I think is just perfect.

 

[jjrandorin]

Appreciate the comments guys, I wish the poll still remained when the thread was moved.

sorry about that, I forgot that when I move threads with polls it breaks them.

 

[santua]

sorry about that, I forgot that when I move threads with polls it breaks them.

Dw about it.

My mistake by not paying attention to where I posted the thread.

 

[Huskyfan]

have darkly tinted tail lights for a 2020 or earlier Model 3 if interested in purchase. Not tinted by a film, was applied with some sort of paint. Name a price if interested.

 

[iyordanov]

If you want some tinted PPF but are conservative about the shade, you can just get the Light Tint (70%) from here (disclaimer - TWRAPS is my business):

Tail Lights Smoke Tint for Tesla Model 3 / Model Y

Product Features 🏁 Made with ultra premium tinted PPF (8mil, self-healing, stain resistant) 🧰 Our kit is designed and manufactured in-house and allows for easy DYI installation without a heat gun. 🛡 Protects the tail lights against minor scratches 💪 Install in 30 minutes. Easy to remove/replace...

twraps.com

Headlights & Fog Lights Smoke Tint for Tesla Model 3 / Model Y

Product Features 🏁 Made with ultra premium tinted PPF (8mil, self-healing, stain resistant) 💪 Install in 20 minutes. Easy to remove/replace. 🛡 8mil tint acts as PPF and protects your headlights & fog lights from rock chips 💎 Precision cutout that doesn't require a heat gun or special skills 🇺🇸...

twraps.com

 

[NoVrooms]

I would have then done but not with paint