I've noticed quite a few thread here on the forums about people getting ticketed for window tint. I was digging through some old emails that I got sent from a friend and found a list of all of the state rules and regulations for window tint. Hopefully this will help you guys out when deciding how to tint your windows.

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 required 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
NO / NO / ANY / ANY* / 1984 ?

Note : If window tint is applied to the rear-back window, a right and left rear-view mirrors are required. Cars before 1982 model year are exempt from IL tint law.

 

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 / 198x

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

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.

Utah
NO / 43% 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.


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??

 

Thats true in Guam we dont have any tint laws, my G is full faced dark tint in the front and dark tint all around.

 

Thanks Hi-Tech! Especially for including the Canadian data.

 

Well I have had tint on all my cars for years and NEVER have had an issue, until last weekend.

When I bought my G it was already tinted from the dealer, I knew it was dark but I had no idea how dark.

Thankfully a CT state trooper was kind enough to test my windows and a reading of 12% showed(front windows) after explaing that they must be at 35% he graciously wrote me a $160 reminder to remove the tint. He seemed unmoved by my explanation that it was simply a 'G' thing.

What can I do?? I guess not a thing.

 

damn guam has it soo lucky~!
i would just do 5% everything including front windshield.. It would look pretty nice.. except i could only drive my car in bright sunlight.. Driving at night would be murder..

But in all seriousiness anyone have 35% on their front windsield?

 

^Yeah they do. A lot of states where you see people driving around with super dark tints or front windshield tints are in most cases illegal. It ahs to do a lot with the law not being enforced. Thats why when my friends get tint tickets and they get all pissed I tell them it says right there that this is the legal limit. Just because it is not enforced doesn't mena it's legal. Today was just your lucky day...lol

 

Thanks for this. Can we sticky this thread?

 

it's been stickied for quite some time now..

 

Short version:

Windshield
Glass coating or sunscreening devices

Cannot extend downward beyond the AS-1 line; or
Cannot extend more than 5 inches from the top of the windshield without an AS-1 line.
If sunscreening devices are used above the AS-1 area of the windshield, the light transmittance value must be 25% or more;
The luminous reflectance of any additional sunscreening devices used must be 25% or less;
Sunscreening device cannot be red, blue or amber in color.
Side Windows
All side windows must have at least 25% light transmittance and luminous reflectance of 25% or less, over the entire surface area of the window.
*Rear (back) Window

If vehicle has left and right outside mirrors, there is no minimum light transmission requirement.
If not equipped with both outside mirrors, the rear window must have no less than 25% light transmittance and a luminous reflectance of 25% or less.
The manufacturers installed glazing shade band is excluded.

Law as it is on the books:

§ 547.613. Restrictions on Windows

(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person commits an offense that is a misdemeanor:

(1) if the person operates a motor vehicle that has an object or material that is placed on or attached to the windshield or side or rear window and that obstructs or reduces the operator's clear view; or

(2) if a person, including an installer or manufacturer, places on or attaches to the windshield or side or rear window of a motor vehicle a transparent material that alters the color or reduces the light transmission.

(b) This section does not apply to:

(1) a windshield that has a sunscreening device that:

(A) in combination with the windshield has a light transmission of 25 percent or more;

(B) in combination with the windshield has a luminous reflectance of 25 percent or less;

(C) is not red, blue, or amber; and

(D) does not extend downward beyond the AS-1 line or more than five inches from the top of the windshield, whichever is closer to the top of the windshield;

(2) a wing vent or a window other than a windshield if the vent or window has a sunscreening device that in combination with the vent or window has:

(A) a light transmission of 25 percent or more; and

(B) a luminous reflectance of 25 percent or less;

(3) a rear window, if the motor vehicle is equipped with an outside mirror on each side of the vehicle that reflects to the vehicle operator a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear;

(4) a rearview mirror;

(5) an adjustable nontransparent sun visor that is mounted in front of a side window and not attached to the glass;

(6) a direction, destination, or termination sign on a passenger common carrier motor vehicle, if the sign does not interfere with the vehicle operator's view of approaching traffic;

(7) a rear window wiper motor;

(8) a rear trunk lid handle or hinge;

(9) a luggage rack attached to the rear trunk;

(10) a side window that is to the rear of the vehicle operator on a multipurpose vehicle;

(11) a window that has a United States, state, or local certificate placed on or attached to it as required by law;

(12) a motor vehicle that is not registered in this state;

(13) a window that complies with federal standards for window materials, including a factory-tinted or a pretinted window installed by the vehicle manufacturer, or a replacement window meeting the specifications required by the vehicle manufacturer ;

(14) a vehicle that is:

(A) used regularly to transport passengers for a fee; and

(B) authorized to operate under license or permit by a local authority; or

(15) a vehicle that is maintained by a law enforcement agency and used for law enforcement purposes.

(c) A manufacturer shall certify to the department that the sunscreening device made or assembled by the manufacturer complies with the light transmission and luminous reflectance specifications established by Subsection (b) for sunscreening devices in combination with a window.

(d) The department may determine that a window that has a sunscreening device is exempt under Subsection (b)(2) if the light transmission or luminous reflectance varies by no more than three percent from the standard established in that subsection.

(e) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the defendant or a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the violation is required for a medical reason to be shielded from direct rays of the sun.

(f) It is not an offense under this section for a person to offer for sale or sell a motor vehicle with a windshield or window that does not comply with this section.

(g) In this section:

(1) "Installer" means a person who fabricates, laminates, or tempers a safety glazing material to incorporate, during the installation process, the capacity to reflect light or reduce light transmission.

(2) "Manufacturer" means a person who:

(A) manufactures or assembles a sunscreening device; or

(B) fabricates, laminates, or tempers safety glazing material to incorporate, during the manufacturing process, the capacity to reflect light or reduce light transmission.

 

what so should i take my tint out??even though its from the dealer...??

 

Late to the party, but thought I would chime in anyway.

My last three vehicles have had tint darker than the legal limit. I have never once been stopped for it OR had them say anything about it when I was stopped.

In the words of a friend of mine, who is a Sherrif's Deputy: "We won't stop people just for tint. We will add tint on if they **** us off while we have them stopped for something else. We will also use tint as an excuse to pull cars over when we need probable cause because we are *pretty sure* we are going to find some other interesting things."

In other words:
1. If you are obeying the speed limits signals, etc they won't pull you.
2. If you are speeding and they pull you and you act like an idiot, they may stuff you with tint too, just to be a d*ck.
3. If you have the bass bumping and smoke rolling out of the crack of your window and you are "cruising" they may use tint as an excuse to initiate a stop.
4. Sad but true. If you are in "The wrong part of town" they may use tint as an excuse to stop you.

 

california is so gay with tint, my friends an i have gotten soo many fix it tickets for tint...I hate so cal valley cops...

 

Tint laws are changing for Guam now, the police is now pulling over vehicles that have full face tint boo for me.... cuz I have full face tint and the fine is $150, but we can have any darkness of tint, such as 4% all around. BUT not more full face: