Visible light transmission refers to the amount of light that can pass through a material and be perceived by the human eye. When light travels through a medium, such as glass or water, some of it may be absorbed or reflected, while the rest continues through the material. The percentage of light that successfully passes through and is not absorbed or reflected is known as the visible light transmission (VLT) percentage.
In simpler terms, if a material has high visible light transmission, it allows more light to pass through, making it transparent and bright. On the other hand, if a material has low visible light transmission, it absorbs or reflects more light, making it less transparent and potentially darker. The concept is often discussed in the context of windows, eyeglasses, and various optical devices where controlling the amount of light entering is important.
Visible light transmission (VLT) is an important consideration when it comes to tinting car windows. Car window tinting involves applying a thin film or coating to the windows to reduce the amount of visible light that can pass through.
The level of tint is often expressed as a percentage of VLT, indicating how much light is allowed to transmit through the tinted windows. For example, a 5% VLT means only 5% of visible light can pass through, making the tint very dark. On the other hand, 50% VLT allows half of the visible light to pass through, making it a lighter tint.
Different regions and countries have regulations regarding the permissible level of window tint darkness. These regulations are often expressed in terms of VLT percentage. If you'd like to learn about the regulations and laws for your state, you can do so here.
Applying tint to car windows has many benefits including:
It's important to note that while window tinting can offer various benefits, including privacy, UV protection, and improved comfort, excessively dark tints can pose safety concerns, especially at night or in low-light conditions. Before applying window tint to your car, it's advisable to check and adhere to local regulations and ensure that the chosen tint meets safety standards.
Popular car tint percentages offered by major manufacturers (such as Llumar or Xpel) are 70%, 50%, 35%, 20%, 15%, and 5% (limo tint). 30% and 25% are also fairly common.
The popularity of percentages can vary depending on the specific regulations of your region or country and the window location.
Note that these are general guidelines, and the specific regulations can vary widely from state to state or from country to country. Additionally, some regions may have additional restrictions on reflective or mirrored tints. You can view the regulations and laws for your state here.
Measuring visible light transmission (VLT) on a car is typically done using a tint meter, which is a handheld device specifically designed for this purpose. It works by emitting light through the window and measuring how much light is transmitted to the other side. The reading is typically displayed as a percentage, representing VLT.