Window Tint Laws

Disclaimer: The author is not responsible for any mistakes or misinformation. The user may use the information at their own risk and the writer is not responsible for problems arrising from the use of this document.

WARNING !!!!!
Window Tint reference are for personal use by individuals, tint business, or for educational use. Government officials are prohibited from using this reference related to the enactment of window tint laws or regulations, changing current window tint laws or regulations without EXPRESS permission of the author, Brad Cuppy - Mail me.

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK !!!!!!
  • Percentage Numbers represent amount of light transmission.
    Example : 35% means 35% light transmission.
    Also known as VLT or Visible Light Transmission.
  • Film - Amount of light that is required to pass through window film.
    Example : 35% Film means that the film must pass through at least 35% visible light.
  • Net - Amount of light that is required to pass both the car window and the tint film.
  • MPV - A vehicle such as a recreation vehicle such as a pickup truck including GMC Suburbans, Nissan Pathfinders, Extra Cab Trucks
  • When info is given, it is in the format of :
    Windshield / Front Side Windows / Rear Side Windows / Rear-Back Window / Year Passed
    Where :
    NO - No Film is Allowed
    ANY - Any degree of tinting is allowed
    AS-1 - On the windshield, there is a mark that says "AS-1" toward the top that defines that the tint cannot go below.
    UnDef - Nothing defined in the law.
    FMVSS 205 - A regulation that is found in the Code of Federal Regulation. The regulation is found in 49 CFR 571.205
    35 % Film - Light that is measured on the film alone
    35 % Net - Light that is measured both through the film and car window


    Example

    4 inches / 35 % Film / 15 % Net / 5 % Net / 1994

    A tint brow on the windshield cannot go no lower than 4 inches, 35% film may be applied to the front side windows, 15% light must go through the combined window film and windows for the rear side windows and 5 % light transmission is permitted on the rear back window and film combined. The year 1994 is the year that the law went into effect.
    Alabama
    6 inches / 35% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1996

    Note : MPV Vehicles are exempt behind the front side doors.

    Alaska
    5 inches / NO / 40% Net / 40% Net / 1994

    Note : MPV Vehicles can have any degree of tinting behind the front side doors so long as they comply with FMVSS 205. Mirrored tint is prohibited.

    Enforcement Note : Tint regulation does apply to non-Alaska registered vehicles. State Troopers write fix-it tickets which requires "repair" within 5 days and the City of Anchorage will write $150 tickets for the violation.

    Arizona
    UnDef / 35% Film / ANY / ANY / 198?

    Arkansas
    UnDef / 25% Net / 25% Net / 10% Net / 1994

    Note : MPV's are allowed 10% Net tint on rear side windows

    Enforcement Note : Tint law applies only to AR registered vehicles and vehicles from other states that have NO tint law which is now moot since all 50 states have some type of tint law with Wyoming being the last to pass a tint law.

    California
    NO / NO / ANY / ANY* / 1987 ?

    Note : If the rear-back window is tinted, left and right rear-view mirrors are required.

    Medical exemption allows for tint or other shading material is allowed on the front side doors if it allows at least 35% of the light to go through, readily is removable and cannot be used at night.

    Enforcement Note : Out-of-State cars driven in California are required to be in compliance with the CA Tint law.

    Colorado
    2 Phase Law:
    4 inches or AS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / 1989
    4 inches or AS-1 / 27% Net / 27% Net / 27% Net / 1989

    Note : No mirrored tint is allowed.

    Enforcement Note : The fine for being in violation is $50 and the driver is not usually required to fix the windows. Tint shops are not allowed to tint cars beyond state law. State patrol carries light meters along with some local towns but they don't worry about window tinting unless it is very dark such as limo tint (5%).

    Connecticut
    Complex / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1995

    Note : MPV Vehicle windows behind the front side doors are exempt so long as they meet FMVSS 205. The Windshield can have a tint strip at the top. The amount is determined by a complex formula as defined in Sec 14-99g, Subsection C, part 11 as written by an East Coast lawyer.

    Delaware
    AS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / 199?

    District of Columbia
    NO / NO / 50% Net / 50% Net / 1994

    Enforcement Note : Can apply to out-of-state motorist, no out-of-state exemption defined in statute.

    Florida
    AS-1 / 28% Net / 15% Net / 15% Net / 198?

    Note : MPV Vehicles windows behind the front side doors must allow for 6 % Net light transmission.

    Enforcement Note : Law enforced by the use of light meters and can apply to out-of-state motorist.

    Georgia
    NO / 32% Net / 32% Net / 32% Net / 2005

    Note : New law went into effect that can be enforced on out of state vehicles as well as Georgia registered vehicles. Penalty is up to $1000 and/or 12 months in jail as a misdemeanor.

    On Jun 8, 2004, the Georgia Surpreme Court threw out GA's tint law since it discriminated against GA residents by not applying to non-residents. Look for the non-resident exemption to be repealed next year which would reinstate the tint law.

    This can have ramifications for other states who exempt non-residents from their tint laws. Legislation was sponsored in the 2004 session to remove the non-resident exemption but failed to pass.

    Guam
    ANY / ANY / ANY / ANY / 1978/9

    Note : It was illegal to have tint but the tint law was declared unconstitutional as noted in the court decision part.

    Hawaii
    NO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 198x

    Enforcement Note : Illegal tint on cars can be a reason to be failed in the state safety inspection.

    Idaho
    AS-1 / 35% Film / ANY / 35% Film / 1993

    Note : Mirrored tint is illegal. Medical exemption ia available. Cars with window tint that are considered illegal can apply for a waiver between June 30, 1992 and Jan 1, 1993.

    Illinois
    3 phase law:

    6 inches / NO / ANY / ANY* / 1984 ?
    6 inches / 50% / 30% / 30% / 2010
    6 inches / 35% / %35 / %35 / 2010

    Note : If window tint is applied to the rear-back window, a right and left rear-view mirrors are required. Grandfather clause for pre-1982 cars reprealed.

    Indiana
    30% Film / 30% Film / ANY / 30% Film / 1995

    Note : Darker tint is allowed for medical reason only as attested to by medical doctor or eye doctor.

    Enforcement Note : Out-of-state motorist can be ticketed for being in violation of IN tint law but are usually left alone. Law enforcement usually enforces the tint law on the front side windows. Most law enforcement do not know that the rear-back window is included in the law. Some local towns will fine motorist $200 for violation as well as requiring them to fix it.

    Legislation: HB1282 which will basically outlaw window tint. It would ban any tint that would go beyond Federal Standards which is 70% visible light transmission. Violation would fall under an enhanced penalty of a Class B infraction which has a max fine of $1000.

    Iowa
    AS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / Unknown

    Note : A pending bill in the legislature would mandate light transmission on all windows of at least 70% (Basically no aftermarket tint allowed). Puts the federal window tint regulation into state law.

    Enforcement Note : Iowa is spotty on enforcement but can enforce the law against out-of-state motorist such as writing a fix-it ticket.

    Kansas
    AS-1 / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1987

    Kentucky
    AS-1 / 35% Film / 18% Film / 18% Film / 1988

    Note : MPV Vehicles can have 8% Film behind the front side doors.

    Louisiana
    AS-1 / 40% Net / 25% Net / 12% Net / 199x

    Maine
    NO / 50% Film / 50% Film / 50% Film / 198x

    Enforcement Note : As the law is read, it can be applied to out-of-state cars. A car with tint that is more dark than allowed by the state can fail safety ispection.

    Maryland
    NO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1993

    Massachusetts
    NO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net

    Enforcement Note : People with 35% tint have been given tickets for tinting due to light meters reading less than 35% since car glass can have from 70% to 90% window tint.

    Michigan
    4 inches / 4 inches / ANY / ANY / 198x

    Note : Changes to the law has been discussed such as allowing for 35% tint on the front side windows but the State Police would push hard for a complete ban on tint if it got through and they have the political power to do it.

    Enforcement Note : Michigan State police will give the 3rd degree look to any car that is not in compliance with MI tint law but will usually leave out-of-state motorist alone.

    Minnesota
    NO / 50% Film / 50% Film / 50% Film / 198x

    Note : Darker tint is allowed with Medical Exemption.

    Mississippi
    AS-1 / 35% Net / 35% Net / 35% Net / 1989

    Enforcement Note : Illegal window tint can be a reason for failing the yearly state safety inspection.

    Missouri
    AS-1 / 35% Net / Any / Any / 2002

    Enforcement Note : New law removed out-of-state exemption but don't know how the MO State Highway Patrol will deal with that ?

    Tint is NO LONGER part of the State Safety Inspection, a plus for MO residents.

    Additional Note: Took effect Feb 14, 2002. Original law banned tint on the front side windows but allowed anything behind and then changed in 2001 for 35% NET on ALL windows and in 2002 changed to 35% NET on front side windows but once again, anything behind goes !

    Montana
    AS-1 / 24% Net / 14% Net / 14% Net / 1991

    Note : MPV Vehicles windows behind the front doors are exempt from tint law. Cars before Oct 1, 1991 that were registered in Montana and had tint that would be considered illegal under the law can continue to have any kind of window tint but the registration must indicate a tinted window waiver and the waiver can no longer be applied for. Those who have waviers can continue to use them and when the car is sold, the waiver is good for the next owner.

    A permit for dark tint can be applied for if needed for security or medical reasons.

    Enforcement Note : Montana Law enforcement is lax on enforcing the tint law but there is a heavy fine if enforced and maybe required to be fixed.

    Nebraska
    AS-1 / 35% Film / 20% Film / 20% Film / 199x

    Nevada
    AS-1 / 35% Film / ANY / ANY / 1993

    Note : There is a medical exemption for the tint law.

    Enforcement Note : Tint law does not apply to 1993 or older model cars that had tint applied before July 1, 1993.

    New Hampshire
    NO / NO / 35% Net / 35% Net / 198x

    Enforcement Note : Having illegal tint can mean the failure of the state safety inspection.

    New Jersey
    NO / NO / ANY / ANY / 198x

    Enforcement Note : Illegal window tint can be the reason for failing state safety inspection.

    New Mexico
    AS-1 / 20% Net / 20-% Net / 20-% Net / 1997

    Note : Local law takes precedence over state law. The most liberal tint law in the country. MPV, trucks, buses can have anything behind the front side windows. Tint done before Jul 1, 1997 is exempt from the law.

    New York
    NO / NO/ NO/ NO / 1993

    Note : Very strict law. Replacement glass that is tinted is allowed if and only if the original windows were tinted as well. Medical exemption is provided for with permission from Commisioner of Motor Vehicles.

    North Carolina
    AS-1 / 32% Net / 32% Net / 32% Net / 1996

    Enforcement Note : Illegal tint is a reson to fail state safety inspection. Out-of-state cars must be in compliance with tint law in the state where registered.

    North Dakota
    AS-1 / NO / ANY* / ANY* / 1989

    Note : If windows behind the front side doors are tinted, a right and left outside rear view mirror is required.

    Enforcement Note : The tint law may be applied to non-resident cars as written.

    Ohio
    5 inches / 50% Film / ANY* / ANY* / 2004

    Note : Director of Ohio DPS determines what degree of tint that is legal on motor vehicles in Ohio. The tint law has been known to be enforced on out-of-state cars in some towns.

    Revised from 50% on all windows before. Mirrors on both sides are required for the dark tint.

    Oklahoma
    Before 1996 Model Year :
    AS-1 or 5 inches / 25% Net / 10% Net* / 10% Net* / 1995

    1996 Model Year and after :
    AS-1 or 5 inches / 25% Net / 25% Net / 25% Net / 1995

    Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt from the tint law. Outside right and left rear view mirrors are required if tint is darker than 25% net for pre-1996 vehicles. Law enforcement and government owned vehicles are exempt.

    Oregon
    6 inches / 50% Film & 35% Net / 50% Film & 35% Net / 50% Film & 35% Net / 1996

    Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt as long as they are in compliance with FMVSS 205.

    Government and Law Enforcement vehicles are exempt from the tint law. If ordinary people are required to obey this law, it should definitely apply to government and law enforcement vehicles.

    Enforcement Note : Tint Law may be applied to out-of-state vehicles.

    Pennsylvania
    NO / NO / NO / NO / 1996 for 1998 model year and after NO / NO / ANY / ANY before 1998 Model Year

    Enforcement Note : Illegal tint on cars can be a reason to be failed in the state safety inspection which was struck down in court.

    Rhode Island
    NO / NO / NO / NO / 1993

    Note : MPV's are exempt on windows behind the front side windows but the windows must comply to FMVSS 205 which is usually 30% VLT.

    Government and Law Enforcement vehicles are exempt from the tint law. If ordinary people are required to obey this law, it should definitely apply to government and law enforcement vehicles.

    South Carolina
    UnDef / 27% Net / ANY / *27% Net / 1993

    Special Note : If the rear-back window was tinted darker than 27% VLT before 1/1/93, it continues to be legal as long as it is the original tint. There was also a bill to require 50% VLT on front side windows and rear-back effective 1/1/99. If the Rear-back window was done before 1/1/99, it must have at least 27% VLT. It never got out of committee but with many sponsors, it can be counted on to be back.

    South Dakota
    Undef / 26% Net / ANY / 11% Net / 1991 ?

    Note : The defined numbers include an enforcement tolerance of 9%. The numbers are the absolute darkest that is allowed. Violation is a Class 2 Misdemeanor.

    Tennessee
    NO / 35% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 2009

    Note : MPV's and SUV's can have darker tint behind the front side doors such as extended cab trucks.

    Out of state vehicles must comply with tint law in home state with caveat that front door windoes cannot be less than 35% VLT

    Texas
    Before 1988 Model Year:
    AS-1 / 35% Film / 20% Film / 20% Film / 1988

    1988 Model Year and after :
    AS-1 / 35% Film / 35% Film / 20% Film / 1988

    Enforcement Note : Illegal window tint can be the reason for failing state safety inspection. State DPS carry light meters especially around the Mexican Border.

    Texas law is in the process of being changed.

    Utah
    NO / 35% Net / ANY / ANY / 2002

    Note : Previous laws allowed only 28% tint behind and prior, nonthing was allowed on the front side windows and anything behind.

    Enforcement Note : Illegal tint can be a reason to fail safety inspection. The tint law can be enforced on out-of-state cars. Violation is a Class C misdemeanor.

    Vermont
    AS-1 / NO / ANY / ANY / 198x

    Enforcement Note : Tint law can be applied to out-of-state registered cars. The fine is $120.50 with no points.

    Virginia
    AS-1 / 43% Net / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1993

    Enforcement Note : Tint law may technically be applied to out-of-state registered cars. There is HB 1563 which would make the law apply to VA registered cars only. The bill did not pass. VA State Police opinion on out-of-state cars with tint that does not comply with VA law.

    Washington
    6 inches / 32% Film / 32% Film / 32% Film / 1989

    Note : MPV Windows behind the front side doors are exempt.

    Enforcement Note : Tint law applies to non-Washington registered vehicles.

    West Virginia
    AS1 or 5 inches/ 35% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1991 ?

    Wisconsin
    NO / 50% Film / 35% Film / 35% Film / 1996

    Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt. The new tint regulation is defined under the Tran-305 administrative rule.

    Enforcement Note : Tint regulation applies to non-Wisconsin registered vehicles but out-of-state motorist are normally left alone for tint.

    Additional Notes : 2 demerit points are assessed for tinted window violation. Revisions to the regulation is being considered this fall and comments can be sent to B. Bird at the Wisconsin DOT. One of the proposed revisions is exempting out-of-state cars that are temporarily in Wisconsin such as tourist.

    Wyoming
    AS-1 / 28% Net / 28% Net / 28% Net / 1997

    Note : MPV windows behind the front side doors are exempt. There is a medical exemption which allows for window film as dark as 25% light transmission.

    I came across a newspaper article located at Laramie County Community College. The article which mentions the new law.

    Alberta
    15cm / NO / ANY / ANY / ????

    British Columbia
    7.5 cm / NO / ANY / ANY / ????

    Enforcement Note : Tint law applies to non-residents.

    Manitoba
    15 cm / 45% Net / 30% Net / 30% Net / 19??

    New Brunswick
    NO / NO / ANY / ANY / 19??

    New Foundland
    15 cm / Vague / ANY / ANY / 19??

    Northwest Territories
    NO / NO / ?? / ?? / 19??

    Enforcement Note : Tint law applies to non-residents.

    Nova Scotia
    NO / NO / NO / NO / 19??

    Ontario
    Vague / Vague / ANY / ANY / 198x

    Note : Has vague law. Law simply says that the windshield and front side windows cannot be tinted to the extent that people and contents inside cannot easily be identified from the outside.

    Enforcement Note : Tint law applies to non-residents.

    Prince Edward Island
    15 cm / NO / ANY / ANY / 19??

    Quebec
    15 cm / NO / ANY / ANY / ????

    Enforcement Note : Tint law may apply to non-residents.

    Saskatchewan
    15 cm / NO / ANY / ANY / 19??

    Yukon Territory
    ??? / ??? / ??? / ??? / 19??

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    Last Updated : Sep 4, 2011