Which tint is darker, 5 or 3?

When comparing window tint percentages, 3 percent tint is darker than 5 percent tint. Tint percentage refers to visible light transmission, or VLT, which is the percentage of visible light that passes through the film and windows into the vehicle. A lower percentage means less light passes through, so the tint appears darker and provides more privacy. 5 percent tint allows 5 percent of visible light to pass through, blocking 95 percent of light, which is already very dark and commonly called limo tint. 3 percent tint allows only 3 percent of light to pass through, blocking 97 percent of light, making it even darker than 5 percent. The difference between 5 percent and 3 percent is subtle but noticeable, with 3 percent offering slightly more privacy and slightly less visibility from inside, especially at night. Both 5 percent and 3 percent are extremely dark and are typically only legal on rear side windows and rear windshields in most states, not on front side windows or windshields. Neither is recommended for front windows due to safety and legality issues. So in terms of darkness, 3 percent is darker than 5 percent, and 1 percent would be darker than both.