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.