Effect of Aftermarket Automobile Window Tinting Films on Driver Vision

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the level of automobile window tint that causes a significant reduction of vision for automobile drivers. Contrast sensitivity was measured on 20 participants, of whom 10 were age 20 to 29 years and 10 were age 60 to 69 years, through a stock automobile window (control) and two windows darkened with plastic film. For the younger drivers, a car window with 37% transmittance did not significantly reduce contrast sensitivity, but a darker tint of 18% transmittance reduced contrast sensitivity at higher spatial frequencies. For the older drivers, a tint of 37% transmittance significantly reduced mid-to- high spatial frequency contrast sensitivity. The typical state standard (no tint with less than 35% transmittance) would thus seem to be appropriate for younger drivers; however, further examination of the standard may be necessary in regard to older drivers. Actual or potential applications of this research include guidelines and regulations regarding tinting of automobile windows.

The Effects of Degraded Vision and Automatic Combat Identification Reliability on Infantry Friendly Fire Engagements

“…This eliminated the ability to identify the target type. These findings are in agreement with Freedman and Zador (1993) and LaMotte, Ridder, and Yeung (2000).…”

“…ballistic, laser, and/or ultraviolet) as the luminance transmission or amount of light energy reaching the eye is reduced. Freedman and Zador (1993) and LaMotte, Ridder, and Yeung (2000) researched the effects of reduced transmission of automobile window tinting on object visibility. They determined contrast sensitivity at higher spatial frequencies was reduced at the darkest level of tinting tested for younger participants.…”

Low-Level Primary Blast Causes Acute Ocular Trauma in Rabbits

“…2J) were found in the present study. These changes would significantly compromise visual acuity and are likely to have a significant impact on daily tasks in civilian life such as driving 24,25 as well as combat effectiveness in a battlefield scenario. 26 CECD changes were not statistically significant and no clear trend emerged, at least during the 48 h of post-blast monitoring employed in the current study (Fig.…”

Photoprotection by window glass, automobile glass, and sunglasses

“…In the United States, aftermarket tints are not allowed to reduce the federally mandated 70% minimum visible light transmittance of automobile windshields, except for the top 4 inches of the windshield. 18 Minimum allowable visible light transmission levels for side and rear windows are determined by each state. Most states in the United States do not allow plastic films with less than 35% visible light transmittance.…”

“…Most states in the United States do not allow plastic films with less than 35% visible light transmittance. 18 It has been reported that plastic film with 35% and 20% visible light transmittance filtered UVA below 370 and 380 nm, respectively. 19 …”