Can you get UV through car windows?
Some drivers notice more sun damage on the side of the face and arm next to the window. Research on vehicle glass helps explain why: not all car windows block UVA equally.
- Nearly all commercial and automobile glass blocks most UVB, but UVA transmission depends on the type of glass.
- Laminated glass blocks more UVA than tempered (non-laminated) glass; windshields are laminated.
- In a 2024 study of 34 vehicles, the front windshield blocked an average of 99.25% of UVA vs 88.78% for the driver's side window.
- For people with photosensitivity, tinted or laminated side glass, long sleeves or UV-blocking films may help.
Windshields vs side windows
A review in Almutawa et al., Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2013 (PMID 23458389) explains that "all types of commercial and automobile glass block the majority of ultraviolet-B; however, the degree of ultraviolet-A transmission depends on the type of glass," and that "laminated glass offers better UVA protection than tempered glass." Window films can be added to increase protection.
In Axelson et al., Arch Dermatol Res 2025 (PMID 39825984), researchers measured 34 gas, hybrid and electric vehicles (model years 2015-2025). The front windshield blocked an average of 99.25% of UVA and the driver-side window 88.78%. They concluded that most vehicles offered effective UV protection from the windshield but "lack sufficient UV-A protection for drivers" from the side windows, with exceptions among domestic gas vehicles, trucks and luxury vehicles.
Why it matters for sensitive skin
A study in Hampton et al., Br J Dermatol 2004 (PMID 15491429) found that clear, non-laminated glass transmitted the most UVA (62.8%) and grey laminated glass the least (0.9%). A UVA dose that can trigger polymorphic light eruption in some patients could pass through clear non-laminated glass in 30 minutes, but would take 50 hours through grey laminated glass.
Practical takeaways
- On long drives, apply sunscreen to the face, neck and arm on the window side, or wear long sleeves.
- Ask about UV ratings before adding aftermarket window film, and check your state's tint laws.
- Keep your arm below the window opening if you're photosensitive, as Hampton et al., Br J Dermatol 2004 (PMID 15491429) suggested.
- Don't rely on windows to block UVA at home or in the car; sunlight through glass still counts toward lifetime UV exposure.
Related: what broad-spectrum SPF means and drug-induced photosensitivity.
Educational information only, not medical advice. See a board-certified dermatologist or eye doctor for diagnosis and treatment. See our medical disclaimer.
Published October 31, 2026. Sources are linked in the text. See our Medical Disclaimer.