Tinted windows provide a variety of benefits to automobile owners. They help block potentially dangerous UV rays, they provide aesthetic appeal, and they even offer a bit of privacy when out on the road. However, there are a few potential downfalls to windows that are too dark. Here are five reasons to think it through before you decide to apply tint.

#1 – It May Not Be Legal

In southern states like Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, dark tinted windows are everywhere. This is because they help to block heat and UV rays that would otherwise come through the windows, putting a ton of strain on already overtaxed air conditioning systems. However, in states farther north, dark tinted windows often signify that someone has something to hide. In fact, many states enforce laws about window tint; for the most part, if a police officer cannot see you through your window, your tint is too dark – and the fines can be quite high.

#2 – It Can Impede Your Vision

Although tinted windows can definitely protect your eyes from the sun, it can also impede your vision on very cloudy or rainy days, and seeing outside through heavily-tinted windows is very difficult. This means that you may miss an odd car without its headlights on, an animal running out into the road, or even a child or other pedestrian crossing to your left or right. For these reasons, be sure to consider the darkness of your tint and whether you’ll be able to see well during cloudy days and at night.

#3 – It Obstructs Police and Rescue Personnel

Heavy tint can obstruct the work of rescue personnel and police. For example, a police officer who is on the hunt for a suspect cannot see through dark tinted windows, so if your vehicle matches a description, he or she will have to take time away from his or her hunt to stop you and check your identity. What’s more, in the event of an accident, rescue workers will have difficulty seeing inside your vehicle to gauge your condition, which could mean the difference between life and death.

#4 – It Draws Attention to Your Vehicle

People tint their windows for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common reasons cited by those who use very dark tint is the privacy it provides. People feel that very dark tint can keep others from seeing them inside of their cars, which seems like a great idea – at first. In all actuality, cars with very dark tinted windows attract a lot of attention, which could have the opposite effect. Although no one can see you, personally, inside your car, they will definitely see your car and you may draw more attention from law enforcement because of it.

#5 – It May Increase Your Insurance Rates

There are a number of seemingly benign factors that can have an impact on your insurance rates. In fact, many insurers will even increase your rates based on the color of your car. Not surprisingly, window tint that is too dark can also increase your insurance rates since many providers see it as a hindrance to your driving ability. Thus, avoiding tint that is too dark can actually help you save money on your auto insurance.

As you can see, while dark window tint may provide the aesthetic appeal you want, it can also hinder your ability to drive, draw more attention from law enforcement, increase your insurance rates, and even land you an expensive fine if you’re in an area where dark tint is prohibited.