Windshield Feature to Reduce Glare: Shade Band, AS-1 Line and 7 Anti-Glare Fixes
The windshield feature built to reduce glare is the tinted shade band (also called a sunshade band or sun strip) across the top of the glass. It is darker, often blue, green or gray, and stops at the AS-1 line marked on the edge of the windshield. Together with the sun visors and the windshield’s laminated, lightly tinted glass, it cuts low sun glare. You can reduce glare even more by cleaning the inside of the windshield, replacing worn wipers, using a hydrophobic coating, an auto-dimming mirror and polarized sunglasses. Never tint the main windshield below the legal line.
Glare from a low sun, wet roads or headlights at night is more than annoying. It can blind you for a second or two, which is long enough to miss a pedestrian or a braking car. Carmakers fight glare with a few built-in windshield features, and there is a lot you can do on top of that.
This guide explains the windshield features that reduce glare, the legal limits on windshield tint, and seven practical ways to drive with less glare by day and night.
Windshield Features That Reduce Glare
| Feature | How it reduces glare |
|---|---|
| Shade band (sun strip) | A darker tinted band at the top of the windshield cuts bright sky and low sun. |
| AS-1 line | Marks how far down the shade band or aftermarket tint may legally go. |
| Tinted laminated glass | Most windshields have a light green or gray tint that reduces brightness and heat while staying clear. |
| Sun visors | Block direct sun from the front or, swung over, from the side window. |
| Solar or infrared coating (some cars) | Reduces heat and some brightness from sunlight. |
| Head-up display coating (some cars) | Special glass that shows the HUD without a double image. |
What Is the AS-1 Line?
Look at the side edge near the top of your windshield and you will usually see tiny letters “AS-1”. U.S. federal glass standards require most of the windshield to let in a lot of light so you can see clearly. The area above the AS-1 line is allowed to be darker, which is where the factory shade band sits. Many states also allow non-reflective aftermarket tint above the AS-1 line or within the top few inches of the windshield, but the rules differ by state. Learn more about tint rules in our window tint percentage guide.
Dark tint across the main windshield is illegal in most places and makes night driving more dangerous, not less. If glare is a problem, use the safer fixes below or a legal clear heat-rejecting film where your state allows it.
7 Ways to Reduce Windshield Glare
A greasy film builds up from the dashboard plastics and breathing. It scatters light and causes most night glare. Clean with glass cleaner and two microfiber cloths, one to clean and one to buff dry.
Dirt, bugs and chips scatter light. Small chips can often be repaired before they spread.
Streaky wipers leave a film that lights up under headlights. Replace blades every 6 to 12 months.
A hydrophobic glass treatment makes rain bead and roll off, which reduces glare from wet glass at night.
Swing the visor to the side window for low sun, and flip the rearview mirror to night mode or use an auto-dimming mirror.
They cut reflected glare from wet roads and car hoods. Do not wear tinted glasses at night.
Remove shiny items from the dash and avoid glossy dash sprays. A matte dash cover can stop the dash reflecting in the glass.
If you are considering a film, read 3M anti-glare film for car windshields and compare options in the best anti-glare windshield films. Always check your state’s laws first.
Glare at Night: Extra Tips
- Keep your headlights clean and correctly aimed so you see more without dazzling others.
- Look toward the right edge of your lane, not directly at oncoming headlights.
- Dim your dashboard and infotainment screen brightness.
- Have your eyes checked regularly. Night glare can be an early sign of vision changes.
The windshield feature made to reduce glare is the tinted shade band at the top, which stops at the AS-1 line. Combine it with clean glass inside and out, fresh wipers, a water-repellent coating, the sun visors, an auto-dimming mirror and polarized sunglasses for the clearest view. Never tint the main windshield below the legal line.
Windshield Glare FAQs
The tinted shade band, or sun strip, across the top of the windshield. It is designed to cut bright sky and low sun glare and stops at the AS-1 line.
A small marking on the windshield edge that shows the lowest point where darker tint, like the shade band, is allowed.
Usually a dirty film on the inside of the glass, worn wipers or small chips and scratches. Clean the inside thoroughly and replace old wipers.
Only above the AS-1 line or the top few inches in most states. Full windshield tint is illegal in most places. Some states allow clear heat-rejecting film.
Yes, during the day they cut reflected glare from roads and other cars. They are not suitable for night driving.
Some films reduce glare and heat, but check the law in your state and make sure the film keeps the windshield clear enough for safe night driving.
- Glare-reducing feature: the tinted shade band at the top.
- The AS-1 line marks the legal tint limit.
- Clean the inside glass to cut night glare.
- Fresh wipers and a water-repellent coating help in rain.
- Do not tint the main windshield.