2026 Window Tint Laws by State — Stay Legal, Stay Cool
Window tint laws vary significantly from state to state. What's legal in Arizona may get you pulled over in Pennsylvania. Before you install — or buy — it's worth knowing exactly where your state stands.
This guide covers the key terminology you need to understand, a full 50-state reference table, and answers to the most common questions about legal tint limits.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer: The information in this table is based on IWFA (International Window Film Association) state law data and is provided as a general reference only. Window tint laws change over time and enforcement can vary by jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with your state DMV or local law enforcement before purchasing or installing window tint. Dr. Solar is not responsible for legal penalties resulting from reliance on this information.
Understanding the Key Terms
VLT% — Visible Light Transmission
VLT measures how much visible light passes through your window film and glass combined. A higher VLT means a lighter tint — a lower VLT means darker. For example, 70% VLT lets in most light and appears nearly clear, while 20% VLT is significantly darker and more private. Most state laws specify a minimum VLT, meaning your tint cannot go darker than that percentage.
AS-1 Line
The AS-1 line is a marking etched into your windshield near the top edge. Most states only allow tint applied above this line on the windshield. Some states specify a measurement in inches instead — typically 4 to 6 inches from the top of the windshield.
NET vs. FILM
Most state laws measure VLT on a NET basis — meaning the combined light transmission of both the film and the factory glass together. A small number of states measure the film alone. This matters when choosing your tint level because factory glass already blocks some light.
Search Window Tint Laws by State
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| State | Front Sides | Rear Sides | Rear Window | Windshield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AL | 32% | 32% | 32% | 6" |
| AK | 70% | 40% | 40% | 5" |
| AZ | 33% | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| AR | 25% | 25% | 10% | 5" |
| CA | 70% | ANY | ANY | 4" |
| CO | 27% | 27% | 27% | 4" |
| CT | 35% | 35% | ANY | AS1 |
| DE | 70% | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| DC | 70% | 50% | 35% | AS1 / 5" |
| FL | 28% | 15% | 15% | AS1 |
| GA | 32% | 32% | 32% | 6" |
| HI | 35% | 35% | 35% | 4" |
| ID | 35% | 20% | 35% | AS1 |
| IL | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6" |
| IN | 30% | 30% | 30% | AS1 |
| IA | 70% | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| KS | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| KY | 35% | 18% | 18% | AS1 |
| LA | 40% | 25% | 12% | AS1 |
| ME | 35% | ANY | ANY | AS1 / 5" |
| MD | 35% | 35% | 35% | 5" |
| MA | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6" |
| MI | 4" | ANY | ANY | 4" |
| MN | 50% | 50% | 50% | NONE |
| MS | 28% | 28% | 28% | AS1 |
| MO | 35% | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| MT | 24% | 14% | 14% | AS1 |
| NE | 35% | 20% | 20% | AS1 / 5" |
| NV | 35% | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| NH | 70% | 35% | 35% | 6" |
| NJ | NO TINT | ANY | ANY | NO TINT |
| NM | 20% | 20% | 20% | AS1 / 5" |
| NY | 70% | 70% | ANY | 6" |
| NC | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| ND | 50% | ANY | ANY | 70% |
| OH | 50% | ANY | ANY | 5" |
| OK | 25% | 25% | 25% | AS1 / 5" |
| OR | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6" |
| PA | 70% | 70% | 70% | NO TINT |
| RI | 70% | 70% | 70% | AS1 |
| SC | 27% | 27% | 27% | AS1 |
| SD | 35% | 20% | 20% | AS1 |
| TN | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| TX | 25% | 25% | ANY | AS1 / 5" |
| UT | 43% | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| VT | NO TINT | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| VA | 50% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| WA | 24% | 24% | 24% | 6" |
| WV | 35% | 35% | 35% | 5" |
| WI | 50% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| WY | 28% | 28% | 28% | AS1 / 5" |
Source: International Window Film Association (IWFA) State Law Chart, 2021. Front side and rear side values shown reflect sedan/car requirements. MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) limits may differ — verify with your state DMV. "ANY" indicates no minimum VLT requirement. "NO TINT" indicates tint is not permitted on that window.
Why Tint Laws Matter
Window tint laws exist primarily for law enforcement visibility and road safety — officers need to be able to see into vehicles during traffic stops. Beyond compliance, staying within legal limits protects you from fines, failed inspections, and having to remove film you just paid to install.
The good news: legal tint still delivers real benefits. Heat rejection, UV protection, glare reduction, and privacy are all achievable within the limits most states set.
- UV protection — quality film blocks up to 99% of UV rays regardless of tint darkness
- Heat rejection — ceramic films reject significant infrared heat even at high VLT percentages
- Glare reduction — even light tints meaningfully reduce eye strain and screen glare
- Privacy — a legal 35% tint provides meaningful privacy without going dark
FAQ: Window Tint Laws
What does the VLT percentage actually mean?
VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission. It measures how much light passes through your film and glass combined. A 70% VLT film is nearly clear. A 20% VLT film is significantly darker. Most states set a minimum VLT — meaning you cannot go darker than that number.
What is the AS-1 line?
The AS-1 line is a marking near the top of your windshield. Most states only allow tint applied above this line on the windshield. Where states don't reference AS-1, they typically specify a measurement in inches from the top of the glass.
Does legal tint still block heat and UV?
Yes. Heat rejection and UV protection are determined more by film technology than tint darkness. A high-quality ceramic film at 70% VLT can still reject significant infrared heat and block up to 99% of UV rays — well within the legal limit of most states.
What happens if my tint is too dark?
Consequences vary by state but typically include a fix-it ticket requiring film removal, a fine, or a failed vehicle inspection. In some states, non-compliant tint can result in repeated citations until corrected.
Are there medical exemptions for darker tint?
Many states allow medical exemptions for conditions requiring reduced UV or light exposure. Requirements and documentation vary — check with your state DMV for the specific process.
Ready to Tint Within the Law?
Dr. Solar carries automotive window film in multiple tint levels — including options that meet legal requirements in every state while still delivering strong heat and UV performance.
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