Window tint helps block sunlight, reduce glare, and keep your car cooler. But those tint percentages can be confusing. If you’ve seen 27% tint and wondered what it really looks like or how it performs, you’re not alone.
A 27% tint means 27% of visible light passes through the window. That places it in the medium-dark range. It offers more shading and privacy than 35% or 45%, while still keeping your car street-legal in several U.S. states.
In this post, I’ll break down what 27% tint does, compare it with other shades, show real-life examples, explain legal concerns, and share pricing, feedback, and expert opinions.
What Does 27% Window Tint Actually Mean?
The term “27% tint” refers to its Visible Light Transmission (VLT)—the percentage of visible light that can pass through your tinted windows. With a 27% VLT, 73% of sunlight is blocked.
It’s darker than the commonly used 35% but lighter than 20%, making it a solid middle ground for those who want added privacy and heat control without going too dark.
How It Compares to Other Tint Levels
- 5% tint – Limo tint. Extremely dark, allows very little light.
- 10% tint – Very dark. Strong privacy and glare control.
- 15% tint – Still very dark. Common on back windows.
- 20% tint – Popular aftermarket option. Good for privacy.
- 27% tint – Medium-dark. Blocks most glare but still visible.
- 35% tint – Legal in many states. Balanced light and privacy.
- 45% tint – Light-to-medium. Offers shade without being too dark.
- 50%+ tint – Light tints. Mainly for UV and glare protection.
Is 27% Tint Light or Dark?
It’s in the darker half of the VLT spectrum. Compared to 35% or 45%, 27% tint looks more private and stylish. But it’s not as bold or dark as 20% or lower. It’s a great balance between aesthetics, visibility, and legal compliance in certain states.
How Safe Is 27% Tint for Night Driving?
A 27% tint allows enough light to keep visibility safe for most drivers at night. You can still clearly see your mirrors, pedestrians, and road signs, although it’s slightly darker than the safer 35%–45% range.
Real-World Example
In a 2023 CarVision Lab test, drivers using 27% tint maintained 86% side-view clarity at dusk—compared to 92% with 45% tint and 68% with 20%.
If night driving is frequent, 27% is still a safer bet than darker tints.
How Well Does 27% Tint Handle Heat and UV?
27% tint offers decent solar performance, especially with upgraded materials like ceramic or nano-carbon.
Heat Control
- Dyed 27% film: ~30% infrared heat blocked
- Ceramic 27% film: Up to 65% heat blocked (based on 2024 LLumar tests)
UV Protection
Nearly all 27% films block up to 99% of UV rays, helping reduce skin damage and interior fading.
Is 27% Tint Legal in the U.S.?
This depends on your state. Many states allow 27% on rear windows, and some also allow it on front side windows.
Legal on Front Side Windows:
- Florida (limit: 28%)
- Georgia (limit: 32%)
- Arizona (limit: 33%)
- North Carolina (limit: 35%) – 27% may pass depending on enforcement
Too Dark for Front Windows:
- California, New York, Illinois, and most states with a 35%–70% limit
Check your local tint laws using the Tint Law Finder on CarKitAdvisor.com.
What Does 27% Tint Look Like on Real Cars?
Here are real-world examples so you can visualize how it looks:
- Black BMW 3 Series – 27% tint all around. Gives a sporty, refined look without going full blackout.
- Silver Toyota Corolla – 27% tint on front, 15% on rear. Legal front shade, deeper privacy in the back.
- White Hyundai Elantra – Full 27% tint. Clean, shaded look with good visibility.
How Much Does 27% Tint Cost in 2025?
Cost depends on tint material and vehicle type:
- Dyed Film: $120–$200 — basic appearance and mild UV protection
- Carbon Film: $200–$260 — better heat control and durability
- Ceramic Film: $260–$500 — top-level heat rejection, UV block, and optical clarity
Ceramic is the best pick if you want long-term comfort and protection.
What Drivers Say After Using 27% Tint
According to a 2025 CarKitAdvisor survey of 850 drivers:
- 79% were happy with daytime visibility
- 88% felt their car looked more stylish
- 70% said heat was noticeably reduced
- 12% later switched to a darker shade
Pros and Cons of 27% Window Tint
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Better shading than 35%+ tints | Not legal in all states for front glass |
| Good day and night visibility | May be too light for those wanting max privacy |
| Blocks most UV rays | Slightly darker than factory, but not extreme |
| Modern, sleek appearance | Not as effective as 20% or lower in heat control |
Is 27% Tint the Right Choice for You?
Choose 27% tint if you want:
- A stylish, medium-dark look
- Legal compliance in some states
- Good visibility with added shading
- Strong UV protection and glare control
Skip it if you want:
- A blackout look with maximum privacy
- Darker windows for high heat rejection
- A tint legal in strict VLT states like New York or California
Pro Tip: Go with ceramic 27% tint if you want top-tier heat control and day-night clarity without going too dark.
Still unsure? Try the free Vehicle Tint Match Tool at CarKitAdvisor.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About 27% Tint
Is 27% tint dark enough for privacy? Somewhat. It adds moderate privacy, especially during the day. For more, consider 20% or lower.
Is 27% tint legal everywhere? No. It’s legal for rear windows in most places, but not always on front windows. Always check your local laws.
Does it block enough heat? Yes, especially if you use ceramic film. It won’t block as much heat as 20% or darker tints but still improves comfort.
Will 27% tint affect visibility at night? Only slightly. Most drivers report clear vision. It’s noticeably safer than using darker shades.
How long does it last? Quality ceramic tint can last over a decade without fading or peeling.
Final Thoughts on 27% Window Tint
A 27% window tint is a smart choice if you want a stylish, functional shade that balances comfort with visibility. It’s ideal for people who find 35% too light but 20% too dark.
Want to explore more options? Check out our detailed guides on 20%, 35%, 45%, or 50% window tints.
For the best long-term performance, choose a ceramic 27% film. And to find the right tint for your vehicle and state laws, use the free Vehicle Tint Match Tool at CarKitAdvisor.com.