Window Tint Laws by State



Window tinting is a popular way to enhance the appearance of your vehicle, improve privacy, and reduce glare and heat from the sun. However, it's important to be aware that window tinting laws vary significantly by state. Understanding these laws can help you avoid fines and ensure that your vehicle complies with local regulations. This comprehensive guide covers tint laws by state, essential terminologies, frequently asked questions, and more to help you understand the tinting laws in different states

Terminologies

Understanding the terminology related to window tinting is essential for interpreting tint laws by state. Here are some key terms:  

VLT%: Visible light transmission is the measurement used to assess automotive window tints. This is the percent of visible light that gets through either the film (film VLT%) or window plus film net VLT%. The lower the VLT%, the darker the tint. State laws limit how dark the tint can be. For example, 5% would be darker than the legal limit of 25% in Texas for Front Side windows.

AS-1 Line: The AS-1 line is typically a marking or a label placed near the top edge of the windshield, usually on the driver's side. It is typically 5 inches parallel to the top of your windshield. It indicates the maximum extent to which tinting or shading can be applied to the windshield without obstructing the driver's view or impeding the performance of sensors, such as those used for automatic headlights or rain sensors.

Windshield: Your windshield cannot be tinted in any state, but some states allow you to add a sticker to the top of the windshield, usually in the area of the manufacturer’s sun shield.


At Greenfilm, our static cling window tints are designed to meet a variety of state regulations. We also offer pre-cut window tint for coupe, sedan, pick-up truck, SUV, and more, including brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Kia, Subaru, Hyundai, and others. 


Curious to see the difference for yourself? Try it out with a free sample—get yours here!



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Window Tint Laws by State Chart



State Front Sides Rear Sides Rear Window Windshield Reflectivity Other Restrictions
AL 32% 32% 32% 6" <20% NONE
AK 70% 40% 40% 5" NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 NO RED/YELLOW/
AMBER
AZ 33% ANY ANY AS1 <35% NO RED/AMBER
AR25% 25% 10% 5" NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 NONE
CA 70% ANY ANY 4" NO REFLECTIVE NO RED/AMBER/
BLUE
CO 27% 27% 27% 4" NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 NO RED/AMBER
CT35% 35% ANY AS1 <21% DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
DE 70% ANY ANY AS1 NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
DC 70% 50% 50% 5"/AS1 ANY NONE
FL 28% 15% 15% AS1 <25% DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
GA 32% 32% 32% 6" <20% NO RED/AMBER
HI 35% 35% 35% NONE NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
ID 35% 20% 35% AS1 <35% DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
IL 35% 35% 35% 6" NO REFLECTIVE DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
IN 30% 30% 30% AS1 <25% NONE
IA 70% ANY ANY AS1 NO EXCESSIVE
REFLECTIONS		 NONE
KS 35% 35% 35% AS1 NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 NO RED/YELLOW/
AMBER
KY 35% 18% 18% AS1 <25% NONE
LA 40% 25% 12% AS1 <20%
REFLECTIVE		 NONE
ME 35% ANY ANY 4" NO REFLECTIVE DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
MD 35% 35% 35% 5" ANY NO RED/YELLOW/
AMBER
MA 35% 35% 35% 6" <35%
REFLECTIVE		 DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
MI 4" ANY ANY 4" <35%
REFLECTIVE		 NONE
MN 50% 50% 50% NONE <20%
REFLECTIVE		 NONE
MS 28% 28% 28% AS1 <20%
REFLECTIVE		 NONE
MO 35% ANY ANY AS1 <35%
REFLECTIVE		 DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
MT 24% 14% 14% AS1 <35%
REFLECTIVE		 NONE
NE 35% 20% 20% 5"/AS1 <35%
REFLECTIVE		 NO RED/YELLOW/
AMBER
NV 35% ANY ANY AS1 ANY AS1
NH NONE 35% 35% 6" NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
NJ NONE ANY ANY NONE NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
NM 20% 20% 20% 5"/AS1 ANY DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
NY 70% 70% ANY 6" NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
NC 35% 35% 35% AS1 <20%
REFLECTIVE		 NO RED/YELLOW/
AMBER
ND 50% ANY ANY <70% NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
OH 50% ANY ANY <70% <20%
REFLECTIVE		 DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
OK 25% 25% 25% 5"/AS1 <20%
REFLECTIVE		 DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
OR 35% 35% 35% 6" <13%
REFLECTIVE		 NO RED/YELLOW/
GREEN/BLACK/AMBER
PA 70% 70% 70% NONE NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
RI 70% 70% 70% AS1 ANY NONE
SC 27% 27% 27% AS1 NO REFLECTIVE NO RED/YELLOW/
AMBER
SD 35% 20% 20% AS1 NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 NONE
TN 35% 35% 35% AS1 NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 NONE
TX 25% 25% ANY 5"/AS1 <25%
REFLECTIVE		 NO RED/AMBER/
BLUE
UT 43% ANY ANY AS1 NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
VT NONE ANY ANY AS1 NO METALLIC
NO MIRRORED		 DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
VA 50% 35% 35% AS1 <20%
REFLECTIVE		 NO RED/YELLOW
AMBER
WA 24% 24% 24% 6" <35%
REFLECTIVE		 NO RED/YELLOW/
GREEN/BLACK/AMBER
WV 35% 35% 35% 5" <20%
REFLECTIVE		 NO RED/YELLOW/
AMBER
WI 50% 35% 35% AS1 ANY DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS
WY 28% 28% 28% 5"/AS1 <20%
REFLECTIVE		 DUAL SIDE
MIRRORS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


What is the darkest tint you can get legally?

The darkest legal tint varies by state and window placement. For example, California requires a 70% VLT for front-side windows, while rear windows can be darker. In Michigan, front windows can have a 35% VLT. Always check your state's specific laws.


What does 70% tint look like?

A 70% tint allows 70% of visible light to pass through. It appears nearly transparent with a slight reduction in light.


Does 70% tint block UV rays?

Yes, a 70% tint blocks some UV rays. Though it won’t provide complete UV protection, it can reduce UV exposure to some extent.


Can you see 35% tint at night?

A 35% tint is darker than a 70% tint but still allows a fair amount of light to pass through. At night, a 35% tint should not significantly impair visibility. However, individual experiences may vary based on factors like street lighting and personal sensitivity to low-light conditions.


What percentage of window tint is best?

For most people, a balance between aesthetics, privacy, glare reduction, and UV protection is essential. Common choices include:

  • 70% VLT: Provides heat and UV rejection while maintaining a high level of visible light transmission.
  • 35% VLT: Popular for its enhanced privacy and glare reduction while still maintaining reasonable visibility.
  • 20% VLT or darker: Provides significant privacy and heat rejection but may be illegal on front windows in many states and can affect nighttime visibility.

Which state allows the darkest tint?

States that allow darker tints on front side windows include:

  • Florida: Allows 28% VLT on front side windows.
  • Arizona: Allows 25% VLT on front side windows.
  • Texas: Allows 25% VLT on front side windows.
  • Washington: Allows 24% VLT on front side windows.
  • Oklahoma: Allows 25% VLT on front side windows.
  • New Mexico: Allows 20% VLT on front side windows.

Why Choose Static Cling Window Tint?  

At Greenfilm, we offer static cling window tint that complies with various state regulations. Our tints are easy to apply and remove, making them ideal for those who need to adjust their tint to stay within legal limits. Static cling tints are also great for temporary use and do not require adhesives, ensuring a clean and damage-free application. In summary, understanding and complying with state window tinting laws is crucial for legal, safety, and practical reasons. Whether you're seeking to reduce glare, increase privacy, or enhance your vehicle's appearance, ensure your tint is within legal limits. For a hassle-free solution that offers flexibility and compliance, consider using our custom pre-cut window film. Stay informed, stay compliant, and enjoy the benefits of professionally tinted windows.  

 Would you like to try our static cling window film first? You can get free samples here.