Based on the full vector complex coupled mode theory, a detailed analysis is made on the transmission spectrum characteristics of tilted long period fiber gratings. New transmission peaks are observed, which are located beside the long wavelength side of each transmission peak in the transmission spectrum of normal long period fiber gratings. The emerging transmission peaks are quite sensitive to both the grating tilted angle and the surrounding refractive index, and the corresponding relationship is discussed. Furthermore, a novel sensing characteristic is investigated about the tilted long period fiber gratings, which is related to the transmission resonant wavelength and peak amplitude.