Many motorists enjoy tinted windows for a number of reasons. In addition to darker windows giving your vehicle a sleek appearance, the extra shading that they provide can keep the interior of your car or truck cooler. Many automotive shops handle tinting jobs, but some motorists buy tinting kits to do the work at home. The last thing that you want is a traffic ticket because of your tinted windows, so consider this list of dos and don'ts before you proceed.

Do: Look Up Your State's Laws First

The degree to which you can tint your vehicle's windows varies by state, so it's important for you to learn this information before you move forward with the work. You don't want to invest money in a tinting job, only to get a ticket for having your windows too dark, and then have to pay more money to correct the issue. Automotive shops are aware of the state's laws and will work in accordance with them, which is one reason to pay an expert to do your window tinting instead of do the work yourself.

Don't: Tint Your Front Windows As Dark

Some motorists make the mistake of tinting their front windows as dark as their back windows. A police officer wants to be able to see you when he or she pulls you over, and if the front windows in your vehicle are too dark, this makes the officer nervous and can often lead to a ticket instead of a warning. If you favor the look of a darker (but legal) tint, reserve it for the back windows.

Do: Go With A Lighter Tint

Even if you like the appearance of a dark tint, you don't need to automatically opt for the darkest tint that your state will allow. If you're inexperienced driving a vehicle with tinted windows, start with a lighter tint. You'll find that it provides the shading that you need without obstructing your view. For example, some motorists find that seeing through tinted windows while driving at night can be a bit of a challenge.

Don't: Keep Your Windows Up During A Traffic Stop

It's possible that a local police officer may pull you over to inspect your tint, or you may get pulled over for an unrelated issue. It's a good habit to immediately lower your windows when you stop your vehicle. Doing so shows that you aren't attempting to hide anything from the officer. If you get a ticket for your window tinting and want to fight it, consult a traffic law attorney.