Window Tint Laws by State [Updated 2023]

Drive with confidence and stay up-to-date on the latest vehicle window tint laws by state with our updated chart for 2023. Whether you’re a new car owner or a seasoned driver, it’s important to know the regulations for tinting your windows. This chart covers all 50 states, including information on permissible levels of tint darkness, restrictions on specific windows, and any exceptions or special permits required. Keep this handy guide on hand as you make your next tinting decisions.

Window Tint Laws by State

Below is the chart showing window tint laws for all the 51 states of USA:

 
 
State Front Side Windows Back Side Windows Rear Windows Windshield Reflectivity Other Restrictions Penalty
Alabama 32% 32% 32% 6 inches only 20% reflective none 1st conviction – $100/10 days, 2nd conviction – $200/30 days, 3rd+ offense within a year – $500/3 months in prison.
Alaska 70% 40% 40% 5 inches no metallic or mirrored tinting no red, yellow or amber tinting allowed Warning for wrong coloring, $300 fine if not fixed within given time
Arizona 33% any any tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line only 35% reflective red and amber not permitted, back window tinting requires the use of dual side mirrors Fine up to $250
Arkansas 25% 25% 10% 5 inches no metallic or mirrored tinting none Class B misdemeanor up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail.
California 70% any any 4 inches no more reflective than a standard window red, amber, and blue are not allowed. dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows 1st warning for wrong coloring, 2nd violation – $25 fine, 3rd violation – $197 fine.
Colorado 27% 27% 27% 4 inches no metallic or mirrored tinting red and amber not permitted, back window tinting requires the use of dual side mirrors class B Traffic Infraction or fine up to $500- $5000
Connecticut 35% 35% any non-reflective tint above the as-1 line only 21% reflective dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows Warning for wrong coloring, $300 fine + $10 extra charge if not fixed within given time.
Delaware 70% any any non-reflective tint above the as-1 line no metallic or mirrored tinting dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows fine up to $28.75 to $100
Florida 28% 15% 15% non-reflective tint allowed above the as-1 line only 25% reflective dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows Warning for wrong coloring, $100 fine if not fixed within given time
Georgia 32% 32% 32% 6 inches only 20% reflective red and amber not allowed fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 12 months jail
Hawaii 35% 35% 35% no inch requirement, must allow 70% of light no metallic or mirrored tinting dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows fine up to $250 – $500 for vehicle owners, and $500 – $1000 for businesses
Idaho 35% 20% 35% tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line only 35% reflective dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows Traffic infraction
Illinois 35% 35% 35% 6 inches must be non-reflective dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows $50-$500 fine for first violation, $100-$500 fine for second or subsequent violations (class C misdemeanor)
Indiana 30% 30% 30% tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line only 25% reflective none Class A or Class C infraction
Iowa 70% any any tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line no excessive reflections allowed, but not specified none Warning for wrong coloring, $127.50 fine if not fixed within given time
Kansas 35% 35% 35% tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line no metallic or mirrored tinting red, amber and yellow are prohibited and must have dual side mirrors for back tinted windows Class C misdemeanor
Kentucky 35% 18% 18% tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line only 25% reflective none Class B misdemeanor
Louisiana 40% 25% 12% tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line only 20% reflective none Warning first, $150 fine for first offense, $250 fine for second offense, $350 fine for subsequent offenses
Maine 35% any any 4 inches must be non-reflective dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows Warning first, minimum $100 fine if not fixed within given time
Maryland 35% 35% 35% 5 inches no law red, amber and yellow are prohibited and must have dual side mirrors for back tinted windows Traffic offense, plus SERO: Safety Equipment Repair Order requiring certification of tint in inspection station
Massachusetts 35% 35% 35% 6 inches only 35% reflective must have dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows Up to a $250 fine; Third or subsequent convictions will cause a 90-day driver’s license suspension
Michigan any but 4" from top window any any 4 inches only 35% reflective none fine and two points on your driving record
Minnesota 50% 50% 50% none allowed only 20% reflective none Penalties can be up to $95
Mississippi 28% 28% 28% tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line only 20% reflective none Warning for wrong coloring, $1000 fine if not fixed within given time
Missouri 35% any any tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line only 35% reflective must have dual side mirrors for back tinted windows $75 for the first time & after that, it could be $100 or more
Montana 24% 14% 14% tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line only 35% reflective none up to $500 fine or up to 6 months in county jail
Nebraska 35% 20% 20% 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first only 35% reflective unclear on side mirrors, but red, amber and yellow are not permitted Class V misdemeanor
Nevada 35% any any tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line no law dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows You can be charged with a $100 fine
New Hampshire no tinting allowed 35% 35% 6 inches no metallic or mirrored tinting dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows Non-moving traffic violation
New Jersey no tinting allowed any any no tint allowed no metallic or mirrored tinting dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows Maximum $1,000 fine for a first offense, and $5,000 for second or subsequent offenses
New Mexico 20% 20% 20% 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first no law dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows Fine up to a $75
New York 70% 70% any 6 inches no metallic or mirrored tinting dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows Penalties can be up to $150
North Carolina 35% 35% 35% tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line only 20% reflective red, amber and yellow are prohibited and must have dual side mirrors for back tinted windows Fine up to $200
North Dakota 50% any any only 70% no metallic or mirrored tinting dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows Penalty of $20
Ohio 50% any any only 70% no more reflective than a standard window none Misdemeanor with a fine around $120
Oklahoma 25% 25% 25% 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first only 20% reflective dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows $25 to $200
Oregon 35% 35% 35% 6 inches only 13% reflective red, green, yellow, black and amber tints are not allowed, and must have dual side mirrors for back tinted windows Class B traffic violation with a fine of $360
Pennsylvania 70% 70% 70% none allowed no metallic or mirrored tinting dual side mirrors required for back tint Fine of up to $110
Rhode Island 70% 70% 70% tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line no law none Up to $250 pe violation
South Carolina 27% 27% 27% tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line must be non-reflective red, amber and yellow are prohibited and must have dual side mirrors for back tinted windows Minimum $200 fine or 30 days in jail for each offense
South Dakota 35% 20% 20% tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line no metallic or mirrored tinting none Class 2 misdemeanor
Tennessee 35% 35% 35% tinting allowed to the top of the as-1 line no metallic or mirrored tinting none Penalty can be $130 to $300
Texas 25% 25% any 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first only 25% reflective Red, amber, and blue are not allowed. Dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows For the first time $20 to $25. 2nd time could be as much as $275
Utah 43% any any tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line no metallic or mirrored tinting dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows You may be fined $50
Vermont no tinting allowed any any tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line no metallic or mirrored tinting dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows Penalties can be from $47 to $1,197
Virginia 50% 35% 35% tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line only 20% reflective red, amber and yellow are prohibited and must have dual side mirrors for back tinted windows 1st time Class 3 misdemeanor & for the 2nd time Class 2 misdemeanor
Washington 24% 24% 24% 6 inches only 35% reflective red, green, yellow, black and amber tints are not allowed, and must have dual side mirrors for back tinted windows Can be up to $124
Washington D.C. 70% 50% cars; 35% MPVs. 50% cars; 35% MPVs. 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first no law none $50 citation; Up to $1000 fine if not in compliance after 5 days
West Virginia 35% 35% 35% 5 inches 20% reflective red, amber and yellow are prohibited and must have dual side mirrors for back tinted windows Misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $200
Wisconsin 50% 35% 35% tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line no law dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows Fine can be $175
Wyoming 28% 28% 28% 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first only 20% reflective dual side mirrors required for back tinted windows Ticket and $150 fine for non-compliance

Terminology

In order to understand and comply with state laws and limits on automotive window tints, it is important to be familiar with the following terms:

VLT%: VLT% (Visible Light Transmission) is a measurement used to determine the darkness level of automotive window tints. It is calculated as the percentage of visible light that can pass through the film (film VLT%) or the combination of the window and film (net VLT%). The lower the VLT%, the darker the tint will appear.

Front-side window tint level: The front-side window tint level refers to the amount of tint (VLT%) that is legally allowed on the driver and front passenger windows. This level is often higher than the rear-side window tint level, as it is important for the driver to be visible to other drivers and pedestrians.

Rear-side window tint level: The rear-side window tint level is the amount of tint (VLT%) that is allowed on the rear side windows of a vehicle. This value may vary for different vehicles, such as passenger cars and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs).

Rear window tint level: The rear window tint level is the amount of tint (VLT%) that is allowed on the rear window of a vehicle. In most states, this value is the same as the rear-side window tint level, but some states may have stricter regulations in place.

Windshield: The front window of a vehicle that cannot be tinted in any state.

Color: The laws regarding tint color can vary by state, with some states having no restrictions at all, while others may prohibit certain colors or reflective/mirrored finishes.

AS-1 Line: The AS-1 line is a line that is found on most motor vehicle windshields, extending from the letters AS-1 and running parallel to the top of the windshield. This line is used as a reference point when determining the legal amount of tint on a vehicle’s windows.

It is important to note that while most states have strict laws regarding window tint, exceptions are often made for medical reasons. If you have an illness or condition that makes you sensitive to light, you may be able to apply a darker tint than the state normally allows, but you will need to carry a doctor’s note with you in your car.

Additionally, some state laws use slightly ambiguous terms that can be open to interpretation by law enforcement and licensing agencies. For example, terms like “non-reflective” or “non-excessive” can be difficult to measure and may not have the same meaning for everyone. To avoid headaches in the future, it is best to err on the side of caution and stay within the safe limits of the law.

Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind 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 adding custom tint, so that you stay within the legal limits.

In Phoenix, Arizona, many people choose to tint their vehicle windows for various reasons, mainly to combat the scorching temperatures during the summer months. However, it is crucial to understand the different tint laws in the state of Arizona before making a final decision on your vehicle’s window tint. Each state throughout the United States has its own set of vehicle codes and regulations that vehicle owners must abide by. This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the benefits of window tint, but it is important to be aware of and follow the laws.

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