The degree to which a driver can legally tint their car’s windows vary from state to state. To make it just a little easier for drivers, we’ve got all the laws here in one place.
If you’re looking to get your car windows tinted (or even tinting them yourself), you might want to double check the car window tinting laws in your state. As with many regulations, window tinting laws vary state by state and can be nuanced and hard to understand. This may not be a problem if your car has never and will never leave the state, but it can get complicated for those who travel a lot, purchase out-of-state vehicles or move around the country. If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve consolidated all the information you need to know to make sure your cool tinted windows are legal.
Terminology
These are the terms you need to know in order to interpret the various state laws and limits.
VLT%: Visible light transmission is the measurement used to assess automotive window tints. This is the percent of visible light that gets through either the film (film VLT%) or window plus film net VLT%. The lower the VLT%, the darker the tint.
Front-side window tint level: This is the amount of tint (VLT%) you’re allowed on your driver and front passenger windows. This is frequently a higher value than for the rear, which allows the driver of the vehicle to be seen from outside.
Rear-side window tint level: This is the amount of tint (VLT%) you’re allowed on your rear side windows. This value is sometimes different for passenger cars and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs).
Rear window tint level: This is the amount of tint (VLT%) you’re allowed on your rear window. This value is typically the same as for the rear side windows, but some states are more restrictive.
Windshield: Your windshield cannot be tinted in any state, but some states allow you to add a sticker to the top of the windshield, usually in the area of the manufacturer’s sun shield.
Color: The state laws on tint color vary from no restrictions at all to restrictions on the use of certain colors or reflective/mirrored finishes.
AS-1 Line: This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.
Window Tint Laws by State
| State | Front Sides | Rear Sides | Rear Window | Windshield | |
| Alabama | 32% | 32% | 32% | 6″ | |
| Alaska | 70% | 40% | 30% | 5″ | |
| Arizona | 33% | ANY | ANY | AS1 | |
| Arkansas | 25% | 25% | 10% | 5″ | |
| California | 70% | ANY | ANY | 4″ | |
| Colorado | 27% | 27% | 27% | 4″ | |
| Connecticut | 35% | 35% | ANY | AS1 | |
| Delaware | 70% | ANY | ANY | AS1 | |
| District of Columbia | 70% | 50% | 50% | 5″/AS1 | |
| Florida | 28% | 15% | 15% | AS1 | |
| Georgia | 32% | 32% | 32% | 6″ | |
| Hawaii | 32% | 35% | 35% | 70% light | |
| Idaho | 35% | 20% | 35% | AS1 | |
| Illinois | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6″ | |
| Indiana | 30% | 30% | 30% | AS1 | |
| Iowa | 70% | ANY | ANY | AS1 | |
| Kansas | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 | |
| Kentucky | 35% | 18% | 18% | AS1 | |
| Louisiana | 40% | 25% | 12% | AS1 | |
| Maine | 35% | ANY | ANY | 4″ | |
| Maryland | 35% | 35% | 35% | 5″ | |
| Massachusetts | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6″ | |
| Michigan | 4″ | ANY | ANY | 4″ | |
| Minnesota | 50% | 50% | 50% | NONE | |
| Mississippi | 28% | 28% | 28% | AS1 | |
| Missouri | 35% | ANY | ANY | AS1 | |
| State | Front Sides | Rear Sides | Rear Window | Windshield | |
| Montana | 24% | 14% | 14% | AS1 | |
| Nebraska | 35% | 20% | 20% | 5″/AS1 | |
| Nevada | 35% | ANY | ANY | AS1 | |
| New Hampshire | NONE | 35% | 35% | 6″ | |
| New Jersey | NONE | ANY | ANY | NONE | |
| New Mexico | 20% | 20% | 20% | 5″/AS1 | |
| New York | 70% | 70% | ANY | 6″ | |
| North Carolina | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 | |
| North Dakota | 50% | ANY | ANY | <70% | |
| Ohio | 50% | ANY | ANY | <70% | |
| Oklahoma | 25% | 25% | 25% | 5″/AS1 | |
| Oregon | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6″ | |
| Pennsylvania | 70% | 70% | 70% | NONE | |
| Rhode Island | 70% | 70% | 70% | AS1 | |
| South Carolina | 27% | 27% | 27% | AS1 | |
| South Dakota | 35% | 20% | 20% | AS1 | |
| Tennessee | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 | |
| Texas | 25% | 25% | ANY | 5″/AS1 | |
| Utah | 43% | ANY | ANY | AS1 | |
| Vermont | NONE | ANY | 32% | 32% | |
| Virginia | 50% | 35% | 35% | AS1 | |
| Washington | 24% | 24% | 24% | 6″ | |
| West Virginia | 35% | 35% | 35% | 5″ | |
| Wisconsin | 50% | 35% | 35% | AS1 | |
| Wyoming | 28% | 28% | 28% | 5″/AS1 | |
The Fine Print of Tint Laws by State
Exceptions
Most states, including Florida and Texas legal tint laws, make exceptions for medical reasons. There are some illnesses and conditions that make people light sensitive and most laws have made provisions for these cases. If that’s you, you can apply a darker tint than the state normally allows, but you’ll need to carry a doctor’s note with you in your car.
Interpretation
Even if most of the tint laws by state are straightforward, some use slightly ambiguous terms that leave some room for law enforcement and licensing agencies to interpret. Terms like “non-reflective” or “non-excessive” are impossible to measure and won’t have the same meaning for every person. Use your best discretion but it may be best to stay on the safe side to avoid headaches in the future.
One important thing to keep in mind is that most vehicles have a certain amount of light transmission blockage straight from the factory, which measures between 70-80%. This needs to be considered when you’re adding custom tint, so that you stay within the legal limits.
Most people in Phoenix, AZ make the decision to tint their vehicle windows for many reasons. Mainly because of the excruciating temperatures in the summer months. But before making a final decision on your vehicle’s Window Tint it is wise to understand the different tint laws in the state of Arizona. Each state throughout the United States has their own vehicle codes and Window Tinting By Dana that vehicle owners must follow.
That doesn’t mean that you still can’t get all the great benefits of window tint but it’s important to know the tint laws by state.
Understanding Window Tint Percentages & Tint Laws by State
When it comes to window tinting, understanding the permissible window tint percentages by state is crucial. These regulations vary from one state to another, making it vital for both residents and travelers to stay informed. Each state has its own set of laws governing the VLT (Visible Light Transmission) percentages for front sides, rear sides, rear windows, and windshields.
For instance, in sunny Arizona, front-side window tint can be as low as 33%, while Alaska allows a darker 70% tint on front sides due to its unique climate conditions. Meanwhile, in Oklahoma and Missouri, the rules differ, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific window tint percentages by state or in your area.
Additionally, some states, like California and New York, are strict about windshield tinting, allowing only minimal shading near the AS-1 line. This diverse patchwork of regulations underscores the importance of checking your local laws before considering car window tinting laws by state.
Exceptions and Medical Exemptions
It’s worth noting that many states make exceptions for medical reasons, allowing individuals with light-sensitive medical conditions to have darker window tints. If you fall into this category, carrying a doctor’s note is essential to avoid any legal issues.
These medical exemptions ensure that those with valid health concerns can still benefit from reduced glare and sun protection, even if their state has stringent window tint laws. It’s a compassionate provision that recognizes the needs of individuals with specific medical conditions.
Benefits of Window Tinting and Staying Legal
Window tinting offers numerous advantages, such as reducing glare, protecting against harmful UV rays, and enhancing privacy. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between personal preferences and adhering to the legal tint percentages in your state.
Ensuring your vehicle’s window tint complies with local laws not only avoids potential fines but also promotes road safety. Tinted windows that adhere to legal limits help maintain visibility, allowing law enforcement and other drivers to see you clearly.
In conclusion, while window tinting can enhance your driving experience, staying within the legal boundaries is paramount. Familiarize yourself with your state’s tint percentages, consider medical exemptions if applicable, and enjoy the benefits of knowing about car window tinting laws by state while staying on the right side of the law.
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