Window Tint
Window tint laws are set state by state, and eight states have changed their limits since 2024. Here is what is legal on a passenger car in all 50 states and D.C. right now.
Window tint laws are set state-by-state. That means the shade that's fine in Texas may earn you a fix-it ticket in New York. You can technically tint as dark as you want, but if your tint measures below your state's minimum visible light transmission (VLT) or violates other rules (windshield placement, reflectivity, labels), you can be stopped and ticketed. Most states measure VLT as the combined (net) light transmission of the glass + film.
A quick note on federal rules: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205 governs glazing on new vehicles, and businesses can't legally install aftermarket film that drops glass below the federal glazing threshold; however, federal rules don't directly police individual owners. States do, through their own tint statutes and inspections. Bottom line: your state law is what's enforced roadside.
The percentage of visible light that can pass through the window. Example: 70% VLT = very light tint, 20% VLT = dark tint.
A small marking etched into most windshields by the manufacturer. It indicates a horizontal line across the top of the windshield. Tinting "above the AS-1 line" means you can only apply non-reflective film in the upper strip above that line (or, if no mark is visible, the top 5–6 inches). This is often called the sun visor strip.
How much light the tint film reflects. Many states cap reflectivity between 20–35% to prevent mirrored or highly shiny films.
Some states allow darker tint if you have a medical condition requiring reduced sun exposure. These exemptions require paperwork and must usually be carried in the vehicle.
If your back window is tinted very dark, some states require you to have dual side mirrors for safety.
A few states require tint film manufacturers or installers to certify compliance, with a sticker placed between glass and film.
Most of the recent changes move in the same direction: states are allowing darker tint, especially on the front side windows. If you tinted to an older limit, you may now have room to go darker.
Every number below is the minimum VLT allowed, so a lower number means darker tint is legal. "Any" means there is no darkness limit for that window.
These limits are for passenger cars. Many states allow darker or unlimited tint behind the driver on SUVs, trucks, and vans. Florida allows 6% instead of 15%, for example, Georgia exempts those windows entirely, and New York lets them go any darkness on the rear sides. If you drive one, confirm the rule for your vehicle type with your installer.
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| State | Windshield | Front sides | Rear sides | Rear window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Top 6″ | 32% | 32% | 32% | |
| Alaska | Top 5″ | 70% | 40% | 40% | |
| Arizona | Above AS-1 line | 33% | Any | Any | |
| Arkansas | Top 5″ | 25% | 25% | 10% | |
| California | Top 4″ | 70% | Any | Any | |
| Colorado | Top 4″ | 27% | 27% | 27% | Windows behind the driver may go darker only if the windshield and front sides stay at 70% or lighter. |
| Connecticut | Above AS-1 line | 35% | 35% | Any | |
| DelawareUpdated 2026 | Above AS-1 line | 50% | Any | Any | Front sides lowered from 70%, effective August 17, 2026. |
| District of Columbia | AS-1 line or top 5″ | 70% | 50% | 50% | |
| Florida | Above AS-1 line | 28% | 15% | 15% | |
| GeorgiaUpdated 2026 | Top 6″ | 28% | 15% | 15% | Was 32% on all windows until July 1, 2026. |
| HawaiiUpdated 2025 | Top 4″ | 35% | Any | Any | Rear limits removed in 2025. Requires outside mirrors on both sides. |
| Idaho | Above AS-1 line | 35% | 20% | 35% | |
| Illinois | Top 6″ | 35% | 35% | 35% | |
| Indiana | Above AS-1 line | 30% | Any | 30% | |
| IowaUpdated 2026 | Above AS-1 line | 50% | Any | Any | Front sides lowered from 70%, effective July 1, 2026. |
| Kansas | Above AS-1 line | 35% | 35% | 35% | |
| Kentucky | Above AS-1 line | 35% | 18% | 18% | |
| LouisianaUpdated 2025 | Above AS-1 line | 25% | 25% | 12% | Front sides lowered from 40%, effective August 1, 2025. |
| Maine | Above AS-1 line | 35% | Any | Any | |
| Maryland | Top 5″ | 35% | 35% | 35% | |
| Massachusetts | Top 6″ | 35% | 35% | 35% | |
| Michigan | Top 4″ | Top 4″ strip only | Any | Any | |
| Minnesota | None | 50% | 50% | 50% | |
| Mississippi | Above AS-1 line | 28% | 28% | 28% | |
| Missouri | Above AS-1 line | 35% | Any | Any | |
| Montana | Above AS-1 line | 24% | 14% | 14% | |
| Nebraska | Top 5″ or AS-1 line | 35% | 20% | 20% | |
| Nevada | Above AS-1 line | 35% | Any | Any | |
| New HampshireUpdated 2024 | Top 6″ | 70% | 35% | 35% | Front-side film at 70% allowed since September 12, 2024. |
| New Jersey | None | No tint | Any | Any | |
| New Mexico | Top 5″ or AS-1 line | 20% | 20% | 20% | |
| New York | Top 6″ | 70% | 70% | Any | Rear window may go darker only with side mirrors on both sides. |
| North Carolina | Above AS-1 line | 35% | 35% | 35% | |
| North DakotaUpdated 2025 | 70% VLT | 35% | Any | Any | Front sides lowered from 50% in 2025. Rear windows need outside mirrors on both sides, otherwise 35%. |
| Ohio | Top 5″; 70% VLT | 50% | Any | Any | |
| Oklahoma | Top 5″ or AS-1 line | 25% | 25% | 25% | |
| Oregon | Top 6″ | 35% | 35% | 35% | |
| Pennsylvania | None | 70% | 70% | 70% | |
| Rhode Island | Above AS-1 line | 70% | 70% | 70% | |
| South Carolina | Above AS-1 line | 27% | 27% | 27% | |
| South Dakota | Above AS-1 line | 35% | 20% | 20% | |
| Tennessee | Above AS-1 line | 35% | 35% | 35% | |
| Texas | Top 5″ or AS-1 line | 25% | Any | Any | Rear window is limited to 25% without dual outside mirrors. |
| UtahUpdated 2025 | Above AS-1 line | 35% | Any | Any | Front sides lowered from 43%, effective May 7, 2025. |
| Vermont | Above AS-1 line | No tint | Any | Any | |
| Virginia | Above AS-1 line | 50% | 35% | 35% | |
| Washington | Top 6″ | 24% | 24% | 24% | |
| West Virginia | Top 5″ | 35% | 35% | 35% | |
| Wisconsin | Above AS-1 line | 50% | 35% | 35% | |
| Wyoming | Top 5″ or AS-1 line | 28% | 28% | 28% |
Where the rear window is listed as "Any," most states require outside mirrors on both sides of the vehicle. Limits were last checked in October 2026. Tint laws change and enforcement varies, so confirm the current rule with your state's DMV or highway patrol before you buy. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Window tint is one of the best upgrades you can make for comfort, privacy, and UV protection, but every state sets its own rules on how dark you can go. Understanding VLT percentages, the AS-1 line, and mirror/reflectivity requirements will help you avoid tickets and keep your vehicle road-legal.
At Ceramic Pro, we don't just install tint. We guide you through the process to make sure your film choice balances style, performance, and compliance. Whether you're after maximum heat rejection with our Ultimate IR films or a more subtle look with our Carbon X series, our installers ensure your tint meets both your needs and your state's law.
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