Smoked headlights and tail lights have been a major part of vehicle customization for decades. More recently, headlight tinting using films rather than spray tint has become very popular.

I’ve done it to a few of my cars over the last couple of years and will share the reasons with you. But first, let me answer the most important question:

Is it okay to tint your headlights?

Yes, giving your ride a pair of sleek sunglasses is perfectly fine. As long as you choose the headlight tint with safety and local laws in mind, there is nothing to worry about.

I’ll touch on safety and legality right after we go through the pros.

What Are the Benefits of Tinted Headlights?

Car enthusiasts use headlight tints for different purposes. Some do it for practical benefits, others for style enhancements. Here are the three main reasons I’ve done it to my rides.

Customized Vehicle Look

Headlight tints are one of those budget-friendly exterior customizations that make any car stand out. No matter the color of your vehicle, they always work.

Yes, it complements some paint jobs better than others; think White or Black. It’s also more effective when combined with other mods, like tinted windows or chrome delete.

Here is how one of my weekend toys looks with tinted headlights and a glossy black grille. The total cost for both mods was a little over $300, and I’m pretty happy with the results.

Protection from UV Rays

Apart from the enhanced aesthetics, I use tints like sunscreen for my cars’ headlights. The harsh UV rays have no mercy, so headlight protection is something all vehicles need.

Some folks prefer to wax their lenses. It works, but it has to be done frequently. That’s why I prefer tint covers to prevent my headlights from yellowing and becoming brittle.

Increased Lenses Longevity

Tinting not only blocks UV rays but also protects my headlights from scratches and dents on the road. I’m sure you’re familiar with the telltale ping of a pebble bouncing off the front of the car.

Even if your lenses have minor damages or have turned yellow, buying replacements might not be necessary. You can clean them at home at a very low cost and then install headlight tint to increase their lifespan.

Why not save a few bucks while giving your lights a sharp look?

Potential Issues When Using Headlight Tints

As with any process involved in modifying a street-driven vehicle, there are a couple of speed bumps you might hit with headlight tints.

Problems with the Law

Let’s talk about Johhny Law first. The last thing you want is to be pulled over and slapped with a fine or told to remove your tints. Not all countries or states have clear-cut regulations on illegal car mods and how dark your tints can be in particular.

To stay on the right side and avoid any risk, I’d recommend to:

Check your local laws and regulations
Don’t go for the darkest shades

Reduced Visibility at Night

Reduced visibility is a serious safety concern, not just for you but for every other driver on the road. If you choose a combination of super dark but low-quality tint film, you’ll feel like wearing sunglasses at night. Not a good idea.

I used mid-shade tints on my BMW 325i (shown in the above photos) and haven’t noticed any reduction in light when driving at night.

Some light PPFs offer better protection for your headlights, in case you prioritize that over appearance. I used PPF on my BMW E38.

Headlight Tinting FAQ

I hope that covering the pros and cons of using headlight tints was a good read. Before wrapping it up, I’ll answer a few more questions that may help you decide.

How Long Does It Take to Tint Your Headlights?

It depends on whether you’ll be doing it yourself or seeking a professional for the job. If you have experience and feel comfortable with DIY car mods, it shouldn’t take you more than 3-4 hours for both headlights. If no lens polishing is needed, a pro will handle it in about an hour.

Can You Use Window Tint on Headlights?

I’ve seen people do it in the past, but I wouldn’t recommend it. There is a reason why different tint films are available for windows and headlights.

The only purpose of window tints is to stop light and heat from entering your car. A headlight tint film is made from different materials intended to protect the lenses from oxidation and road debris.

What is the Lifespan of a Headlight Tint Film?

According to manufacturers, headlight tints can last for an average of 2-3 years and 5+ years for top-quality films. The two major factors impacting the lifespan apart from quality are:

Installation: Many DIY-ers are convinced that they can do it as good as a pro, but in most cases, they’ll end up with imperfections, shortening the lifespan.

UV Exposure: Even mid-priced films can last for years if the vehicle is stored in a garage. On the contrary, the sun and other environmental factors will reduce the life of any tint film.

Can You Tint Headlights: Key Facts to Consider?