2025 Window Tint Laws by State | Stay Cool & Compliant
Dr. Solar here! Let's face it, cruising with window tint is like wearing sunglasses for your car. It keeps the sun’s glare at bay, protects your precious interior from fading faster than your favorite band's frontman, and, well, makes your car look like a total boss.
But here's the thing—just like sunglasses, there are rules about how dark you can go.
This guide will be your roadmap to navigating the wacky world of window tint laws in the USA (because yes, they can be that wacky).
Understanding the Lingo: Don't Be a Tint Terminology Tourist
- VLT% (Visible Light Transmission): This fancy term basically means how much light can squeeze through your windows. Think of it like sunshine on a scale from "wear-a-hat" bright (70% VLT) to "wear-night-vision-goggles" dark (5% VLT).
- AS-1 Line: This imaginary line etched on your windshield is like the stop sign for tint. Most states only allow a light tint above this line, keeping your peepers clear for prime road viewing.
The 50 States of Tint: State-by-State Breakdown
Listen, nobody wants to spend all day memorizing tint laws (unless you're like a superfan of legalese, which, hey, no judgment). So, we've got a handy table to show you the general rules for front side windows, rear sides, and rear windows in each state.
(Remember, these are just general guidelines, so double-check the specifics for your state before you go all Michael Bay on your windows.)
Search Window Tint Laws by State
| 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 | NONE | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| DC | 70% | 50% | 50% | 5"/AS1 |
| 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 | 70% |
| KS | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| KY | 35% | 18% | 18% | AS1 |
| LA | 40% | 25% | 12% | AS1 |
| ME | 35% | ANY | ANY | 5"/AS1 |
| 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 |
| NV | 35% | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| NH | 70% | 35% | 35% | 6" |
| NJ | NONE | ANY | ANY | NONE |
| NM | 20% | 20% | 20% | 5"/AS1 |
| NY | 70% | 70% | ANY | 6" |
| NC | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| ND | 50% | ANY | ANY | <70% |
| OH | 50% | ANY | ANY | 5" |
| OK | 25% | 25% | 25% | 5"/AS1 |
| OR | 35% | 35% | 35% | 6" |
| PA | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% |
| RI | 70% | 70% | 70% | AS1 |
| SC | 27% | 27% | 27% | AS1 |
| SD | 35% | 20% | 20% | AS1 |
| TN | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS1 |
| TX | 25% | 25% | ANY | 5"/AS1 |
| UT | 35% | ANY | ANY | AS1 |
| VT | NONE | 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% | 5"/AS1 |
Why Play By the Rules? Because Perks, That's Why!
Think window tint is just about looking cool (which it totally is)? Think again! Here's why following the tint laws gets you more than just avoiding a ticket:
- Privacy and Sun Protection: Tinted windows basically become shades for your car, keeping prying eyes (and UV rays) out. This means your stuff stays safe, and your skin stays younger-looking (because nobody likes leather-seat-level sunburn).
- Cooler Car, Cooler You: Tinted windows help block heat, making those summer road trips a little less like driving a furnace. Plus, less cranking the AC might even mean slightly better gas mileage (score!).
- Looking Sharp, Feeling Sharper: Let's be honest, a car with a sleek tint job just looks undeniably sharper. It's like the cherry on top of your automotive sundae.
FAQ About Window Tinting
What's the darkest tint I can legally get?
This depends on your state. Some states are pretty chill with darker tints, while others are like your grandma telling you to "take off those sunglasses, young man!" Check the local laws or search online to find out the exact limits for your area.
How do different tint percentages look?
Think of it like sunglasses:
- 70% VLT: Like a light pair of shades—lets in most of the light.
- 35% VLT: A happy medium—good privacy without being too dark.
- 20% VLT or darker: Superhero-level privacy—but check if it's legal first!
So there you have it! Now you can cruise in style and comfort, with windows that are as smooth as your driving skills (hopefully).
Just remember—knowledge is power, especially when it comes to tint and avoiding unwanted chats with the local police.
Got questions or window tinting war stories? Drop a comment below—we love hearing from our community of car lovers.
Happy Tinting from Dr. Solar!