Window Tinting Laws by State (Complete US Guide – 2025)

Window tint can make your ride look clean, cool, and way more comfortable but every state has different rules on how dark or reflective your tint can be.

Whether you’re moving states, shopping for a tint job, or already got tint and wondering if it’s legal, this guide covers everything you need to know.

We break it down by state-specific legal limits for:

• VLT (Visible Light Transmission): How much light must pass through
• Windshield, front, rear, and back windows
• Reflectivity, color bans, and medical exemptions

Key Takeaways

• Each state has its own tint laws for each window.
• VLT% is the main number to know. Lower VLT = darker tint.
• Windshield tints are the most restricted in every state.
• Some states ban mirror-like or colored tint (like red, blue, or amber).
• Medical exemptions are allowed in most states, but rules vary.
• Getting tint that’s too dark can result in fines or fix-it tickets.

What Does “Legal Tint” Mean?

Legal window tint means your film meets your state’s rules for Visible Light Transmission (VLT).

VLT% tells you how much light can pass through the glass and film combined. For example:

• 70% VLT = lets in 70% of light (lighter tint)
• 20% VLT = lets in 20% of light (very dark tint)

Every state sets limits for:

• Front side windows (driver and passenger)
• Rear side windows
• Back window (rear windshield)
• Front windshield (usually just a strip at the top)

Why Tint Laws Matter?

Tint laws aren’t just about looks. They’re there to:

• Help police see inside vehicles during traffic stops
• Make sure drivers can see clearly at night
• Prevent illegal front windshield tinting
• Regulate high-reflective films that can blind others

Tint that’s too dark, too reflective, or the wrong color could get you:

• A ticket or fine
• A fix-it notice
• A failed inspection in some states

50-State Legal Window Tint Limits

Here’s a quick comparison of the front side window VLT limits by state.

State	Front Side VLT%	Windshield Tint Rule
California	70%	Top 4 inches or AS-1 line
Texas	25%	Above AS-1 line only
Florida	28%	Top of windshield (non-reflective)
New York	70%	6 inches or AS-1 line
Arizona	33%	Non-reflective above AS-1 line
Illinois	35%	6 inches or AS-1 line
Michigan	No limit	Only top 4 inches allowed
North Carolina	35%	Top 5 inches or AS-1 line
Nevada	35%	Non-reflective above AS-1 line
Ohio	50%	Top 5 inches or AS-1 line

State-by-State Tint Laws

Click your state below for full VLT%, windshield rules, medical exemptions, and fines.

West Coast

• California Window Tint Laws
• Oregon Window Tint Laws
• Washington Window Tint Laws

Southwest

• Arizona Window Tint Laws
• Nevada Window Tint Laws
• New Mexico Window Tint Laws
• Texas Window Tint Laws

Midwest

• Illinois Window Tint Laws
• Ohio Window Tint Laws
• Michigan Window Tint Laws
• Minnesota Window Tint Laws
• Wisconsin Window Tint Laws
• Indiana Window Tint Laws

South

• Florida Window Tint Laws
• Georgia Window Tint Laws
• North Carolina Window Tint Laws
• South Carolina Window Tint Laws
• Alabama Window Tint Laws
• Mississippi Window Tint Laws
• Louisiana Window Tint Laws
• Tennessee Window Tint Laws
• Arkansas Window Tint Laws
• Kentucky Window Tint Laws
• Virginia Window Tint Laws

Northeast

• New York Window Tint Laws
• New Jersey Window Tint Laws
• Massachusetts Window Tint Laws
• Connecticut Window Tint Laws
• Rhode Island Window Tint Laws
• Vermont Window Tint Laws
• Maine Window Tint Laws
• New Hampshire Window Tint Laws
• Pennsylvania Window Tint Laws
• Delaware Window Tint Laws
• Maryland Window Tint Laws
• D.C. Window Tint Laws

Mountain & Central

• Colorado Window Tint Laws
• Utah Window Tint Laws
• Idaho Window Tint Laws
• Montana Window Tint Laws
• Wyoming Window Tint Laws
• Nebraska Window Tint Laws
• Kansas Window Tint Laws
• Oklahoma Window Tint Laws
• Missouri Window Tint Laws
• Iowa Window Tint Laws
• North Dakota Window Tint Laws
• South Dakota Window Tint Laws

Alaska + Hawaii

• Alaska Window Tint Laws
• Hawaii Window Tint Laws

Common Tint Law Restrictions (What to Watch For)

Even though rules change by state, these are the most common restrictions:

Illegal Colors

• Red, blue, and amber tint is banned in many states.
• These colors can be confused with emergency lights.

Reflective or Mirrored Tints

• Too much reflectivity can blind other drivers.
• Most states allow up to 20% reflectivity, but some cap it at 15% or ban it entirely.

Medical Exemptions

If you have light sensitivity, lupus, melanoma, or other conditions, you may qualify for a medical exemption that allows darker tint.

• You’ll usually need a doctor’s note or DMV application.
• Laws vary widely, some allow full tint, others just reduce VLT% slightly.

Always check your state DMV or highway patrol site for exact forms.

How to Stay Legal With Window Tint

Here’s how to make sure your tint stays within the law:

• Know your state’s VLT limits before getting tinted
• Ask your installer to provide a film spec sheet
• Keep your receipt or certificate of compliance in your glovebox
• If you travel often, choose a lighter, more universal tint
• Consider ceramic tint for better heat and UV rejection, even with higher VLT%

Final Thoughts

Tint laws can be tricky but now you’ve got a complete state-by-state roadmap to stay legal.

Want to dive into your specific state’s rules? Click any state above to get the full breakdown, including fines, medical exemptions, and detailed tint percentages.