Posted on December 22 2022
Window tint laws regulate the amount of visible light transmission (VLT) that is allowed through the windows of a vehicle. These laws vary from state to state and even from city to city, so it is important to check the specific laws in your area before getting your windows tinted.
In general, window tint laws specify the minimum and maximum VLT allowed for different types of windows on a vehicle. For example, the front windshield may have a maximum VLT of 70%, while the rear and rear side windows may have a maximum VLT of 50%. Some states also have different VLT requirements for vehicles used for commercial purposes, such as delivery trucks or taxis.
| 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 |
| 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 |
In addition to regulating VLT, window tint laws may also specify other requirements for tinted windows, such as the reflective properties of the tint or the color of the tint. Some states also have laws that prohibit the use of certain types of tinting materials, such as metallic or mirrored tints, on certain windows or on the entire vehicle.
There are several reasons why window tint laws are in place. One reason is to improve the visibility and safety of the road for all drivers. Tinted windows can make it more difficult for other drivers to see into a vehicle, which can be especially dangerous at night or in poor weather conditions. Tinted windows can also make it more difficult for law enforcement officers to see into a vehicle, which can pose a safety risk for both the officers and the occupants of the vehicle.
Another reason for window tint laws is to protect the health and well-being of the occupants of the vehicle. Tinted windows can block harmful UV rays, which can cause skin cancer and other health problems. They can also help to reduce the amount of heat and glare inside the vehicle, making it more comfortable to drive in hot weather.
It is important to follow the window tint laws in your area to ensure the safety of yourself and other drivers on the road, and to avoid getting ticketed or having to remove the tint from your windows. If you are considering getting your windows tinted, be sure to check the specific laws in your state or city and choose a reputable company to do the work.