Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by Alex Koch
So what is 50 tint? How dark is it? Is it easy to see through? How much does it cost?
50 PERCENT WINDOW TINT: PROS, CONS AND, WHERE TO BUY
Everything you should know about 50 window tint, Before & After photos, how the tint looks at night, and top brands to buy from.
THE BEST 50 WINDOW TINT TO BUY:
OUR TOP CHOICE FOR 50% WINDOW TINT IS THE LEXEN Carbon 50% Window Tint Film
WHAT DOES 50% TINT LOOK LIKE?
50 percent tint is smack-dab in the middle of the VLT spectrum in terms of window film and will block out half of the UV rays while also aiding with privacy when trying to view inside the vehicle to a degree.
50 tint will offer some protection but you will still be able to see into the vehicle without much challenge.
If you want to be sure you’re staying compliant with state tinting laws, 50% window tint is a good choice and is legal in any state that allows tinted windows. Check your state’s tint laws here.
50% window tint will block some UV rays and is legal in almost all U.S. states.
50 WINDOW TINT BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURE
Below is a before and after picture of a car that started with no window tint film and then added a 50% window tint so you can visualize the difference before and after the tint film was added.
You can purchase 50 percent tint in various colors to match your vehicle.
Below is an example photo of a car with 50% window tint applied to it.
Interested to learn more about other tint percentages?
HOW DARK IS 50% TINT COMPARED TO OTHER TINT PERCENTAGES?
50 percent tint is more often applied at the factory or if the dealer wants a small layer of reduced visibility on their cars. Most private owners do not select 50 tint because it does not make the tint that much darker.
It is legal to install 50% window film on the driver’s side and front passenger windows in most states.
50% achieves some balance between blocking out the light and but overall, the car will still be easy to see into and only provide limited protection from UV rays.
50 tint is very popular for cars coming from a dealership, however, it could potentially not be enough privacy or tint-darkness for many drivers.
You can see in the picture below the VLT of several tinting options including 50% window tint as well as 5%, 15%, 35% and 50%
CAN YOU SEE THROUGH 50% TINT AT NIGHT?
You can see through 50 percent window tint at night when you are inside the vehicle. If you are outside of the vehicle you can also see into a car with 50 tints installed fairly easily, even if you are over 10ft away.
Tinting professionals will tell you that 50 percent window tint is a poor choice to pay for, considering the car will not look too much different from its current state.
Twenty percent is approximately the darkest you can tint your windows and still see clearly on a gloomy night. 50 tint should not impact your visibility while driving.
If you have poor vision, driving at night with fifty percent window tint will be ok, even if with less than perfect vision.
A dark night combined with dark window film can result in a severe lack of visibility.
HOW MUCH DOES 50% TINT COST?
Installing 50% window tint on your vehicle may range from $125 to 5650 for standard, non-reflective tint film.
If you want ‘the good stuff‘ your range will be closer to $200 to $625 for a more premium tint film, such as what you get with ceramic, carbon, or other specialized films.
Expect to spend extra on a vehicle with a larger number of windows.
If you need to remove your tint for whatever reason, you will have to pay for this service as well. This can cost anywhere from $25 to $200 or more. As you can see, a variety of factors will determine the price you’ll pay for 50% tint.
You can check pricing for 50 window tint rolls here.
50 WINDOW TINT VS 20
We are talking about very different films. There is a 50% difference in visible light transmittance.
You can see through 50 window film easily, even if you are not close to the car, however, 20 tint can rather difficult to see through at times, even if it is light out.
It will be tricky to see inside the window with 20 tint, while 50 tint will not be difficult.
50 tint is easier to see inside than 20 tint.
There are several differences here, including a legal one. More U.S. states allow 50% film than 20 tint. However, 20 percent tinting is preferable to 50 percent tint for drivers looking for an added touch of privacy and just an overall darker-looking tint.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
A 50 percent film is going to block out some UV light but not much. It will have minimal impact of providing additional privacy into the car, most people will be able to see inside.
The lighter shade look that comes with 50 tint is common when purchasing a car from a dealership or after-market sales center. 50% window tint is not illegal in your state.
Remember, the optimal percentage for your windows is determined by your reasons for tinting them in the first place.