Understanding window tint percentage laws is essential for every car owner in the United States. Tint regulations are set at the state level, and what’s legal in one state might be illegal just a few miles away. These laws govern how dark tint can be on your vehicle’s windows to balance driver visibility, law enforcement safety, and heat/UV protection. Below, we break down everything you need to know — from legal limits and terminology to enforcement, exemptions, and compliance strategies.
What Are Window Tint Percentage Laws?
Window tint percentage laws define how much visible light must pass through a vehicle’s windows after tinting. This measurement is called Visible Light Transmission (VLT) — the higher the VLT, the lighter (more transparent) the tint is, and the lower the VLT, the darker the tint appears. For example, a 70% VLT tint allows 70% of visible light to pass through, whereas a 5% tint only lets through 5% of light, making it very dark.
States regulate VLT to ensure that drivers have sufficient visibility and that law enforcement can see into vehicles during stops.
Key Terms and Terminology in Tint Laws
To understand tint laws, here are some essential definitions:
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Visible Light Transmission (VLT): The percentage of visible light that passes through the window and tint combined.
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AS‑1 Line: A line printed on the windshield glass indicating the maximum tint zone. Tint is generally allowed only above this line.
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Front‑Side Windows: Driver and front passenger windows — usually have strict VLT requirements.
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Rear‑Side Windows / Rear Window: Often have looser restrictions, with some states allowing darker tints. Tint Wiz
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Reflectivity: How much light reflects off the tint surface — some states limit this to reduce glare. Octint Solutions
State‑by‑State Window Tint Percentage Laws Chart
| State | Front Side VLT | Rear Side VLT | Rear Window VLT | Windshield Tint | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ≥32% | ≥32% | ≥32% | 6 in top | — |
| Alaska | ≥70% | ≥40% | ≥40% | 5 in top | No mirrored/metal tint |
| Arizona | ≥33% | Any | Any | To AS‑1 | Dual mirrors if rear tinted |
| Arkansas | ≥25% | ≥25% | ≥10% | 5 in top | — |
| California | ≥70% | Any | Any | 4 in top | Reflectivity limited |
| Colorado | ≥27% | ≥27% | ≥27% | 4 in top | Color restrictions |
| Connecticut | ≥35% | ≥35% | Any | Above AS‑1 | Dual mirrors needed |
| Delaware | ≥70% | Any | Any | Above AS‑1 | — |
| Florida | ≥28% | ≥15% | ≥15% | Above AS‑1 | Stricter SUV rules |
| Georgia | ≥32% | ≥32% | ≥32% | 6 in top | No red/amber tints |
| Hawaii | ≥35% | ≥35% | ≥35% | ≥70% pass | Dual mirrors |
| Idaho | ≥35% | ≥20% | ≥35% | To AS‑1 | — |
| Illinois | ≥35% | ≥35% | ≥35% | 6 in top | Non‑reflective only |
| Indiana | ≥30% | ≥30% | ≥30% | To AS‑1 | — |
| Iowa | ≥70% | Any | Any | To AS‑1 | — |
| Kansas | ≥35% | ≥35% | ≥35% | To AS‑1 | Color/reflectivity limits |
| Louisiana | ≥25% | ≥25% | ≥12% | To AS‑1 | — |
| Maryland | ≥35% | ≥35% | ≥35% | 5 in top | Color banned |
| Massachusetts | ≥35% | ≥35% | ≥35% | 6 in top | Reflectivity cap |
| Michigan | 4 in top | Any | Any | 4 in top | — |
| Minnesota | ≥50% | ≥50% | ≥50% | No tint | — |
| Mississippi | ≥28% | ≥28% | ≥28% | To AS‑1 | — |
| Missouri | ≥35% | Any | Any | To AS‑1 | — |
| Montana | ≥24% | ≥14% | ≥14% | To AS‑1 | — |
| Nebraska | ≥35% | ≥20% | ≥20% | 5 in or AS‑1 | — |
| Nevada | ≥35% | Any | Any | To AS‑1 | Medical exemption allowed |
| New Hampshire | No tint | ≥35% | ≥35% | 6 in top | — |
| New Jersey | No tint | Any | Any | No tint | — |
| New Mexico | ≥20% | ≥20% | ≥20% | 5 in or AS‑1 | — |
| New York | ≥70% | ≥70% | ≥70% | 6 in top | — |
| North Carolina | ≥35% | ≥35% | ≥35% | To AS‑1 | New enforcement rules |
| Ohio | ≥50% | Any | Any | Must allow ≥70% | — |
| Oklahoma | ≥25% | ≥25% | ≥25% | 5 in or AS‑1 | — |
| Oregon | ≥35% | ≥35% | ≥35% | 6 in top | — |
| Pennsylvania | ≥70% | ≥70% | ≥70% | No tint | — |
| Texas | ≥25% | ≥25% | Any | 5 in top | — |
| Utah | ≥43% | Any | Any | To AS‑1 | — |
| Virginia | ≥50% | ≥35% | ≥35% | To AS‑1 | — |
| Washington | ≥24% | ≥24% | ≥24% | 6 in top | Color limits |
| Wisconsin | ≥50% | ≥35% | ≥35% | To AS‑1 | — |
| Wyoming | ≥28% | ≥28% | ≥28% | 5 in or AS‑1 | — |
The Role of the AS‑1 Line in Tint Laws
The AS‑1 line is a federal glazing mark molded into many windshields. Most states allow aftermarket tint only above this line — typically the top few inches of the windshield — to preserve driver visibility.
Some states specify a fixed distance (e.g., 4–6 inches) if the AS‑1 line is absent.
How Law Enforcement Measures Tint
Police and highway patrol use specialized tint meters to measure VLT. The officer places the meter against the window, and the device reads the combined light transmission through glass and film. Tint that falls below the legal minimum can result in fines or correction orders.
Medical Exemptions for Tint Percentages
Several states allow medical exemptions for darker tints when the driver has a documented condition (e.g., photosensitivity, skin cancer risk). Requirements vary, and official certificates are typically required. Always check your state’s specific exemption process
Common Tint Color and Reflectivity Restrictions
Many states not only regulate VLT but also:
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Ban specific colors (e.g., red, amber, blue).
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Limit reflectivity to prevent glare for other drivers.
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Require non‑metallic or non‑mirrored films on certain windows.
Always verify whether your tint meets both VLT and reflectivity/color restrictions.
How to Choose the Right Tint Percentage for Your Vehicle
Selecting a legal tint involves balancing:
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Legal compliance: Choose a tint that meets your home state’s minimum VLT for each window.
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Driving environment: Darker tints offer more heat and UV blocking but must stay above legal limits.
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Visibility needs: Drivers who frequently drive at night may prefer lighter tints for safety.
Professional installers can help measure and match tints to both your needs and legal requirements.
Window Tint Laws FAQ
Is window tinting legal?
Yes — but legality depends on state‑specific VLT minimums for each window. What is the darkest legal tint?
It varies — e.g., New Mexico allows as low as 20% on front windows, while many states require 35–70%.
Is limo (5%) tint legal?
Often only on rear windows; rarely allowed on front side windows in most states. How do cops know if my tint is too dark?
Officers use tint meters during traffic stops or inspections.
Do laws apply when driving out‑of‑state?
Yes — you must comply with the laws of the state you are in. Non‑compliance can result in fines.
Final Thoughts
Window tint percentage laws may seem complex, but understanding VLT, state limits, AS‑1 line rules, and enforcement helps ensure your vehicle looks good and stays legal. Always check the most current regulations before installing or correcting window tint — legal compliance protects you from fines and unsafe conditions on the road.
If you’d like help selecting the right tint that both complies with your state laws and delivers performance, ask a certified installer near you!
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