AlabamaTinting of front windshield glass to reduce light transmission is not permitted, except for the upper 6 inches of the windshield.For side windows or rear windshield, glass tinting that reduces light transmission to less than 32% or increases light reflectance to more than 20% is not permitted. For SUVs, vans and trucks, the limit is 32% for the driver’s window and the front passenger window only.
AlaskaThe front windshield can have tinting applied, but only on the top 5 inches of the window.Side windows must have 70% light transmittance.Rear windows must have 40% light transmittance.Mirrored tints are not allowed.
ArizonaApplication or installation of a substance or material that alters the color or reduces the light transmittance is permissible for a luminous reflection of 35% or less.
ArkansasTinting may not extend more than 5 inches from the top of the windshield.On all model 1994 and later vehicles, side may use a tint that allows at least 25% net light transmission.On all model 1994 and later vehicles, the rearmost window may be covered with after-market tint that allows at least 10% net light transmission.All vehicles with after-market tints must have a label with the name and phone number of the company and a declaration that the vehicle conforms to the vehicle tinting law that installed the tint on the front glass immediately to the driver’s left. A motorist with a medical waiver exemption for window tinting must carry a physician’s certification in the motor vehicle.
CaliforniaWindow tinting is permitted only for the side windows to the rear of the driver; rear windows may be tinted but only if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides that provide 200 feet of visibility; the uppermost portion of the windshield may also be tinted.
ColoradoThe windshield shall allow no less than 70% light transmission.The windows to the side of the driver may be tinted to allow a minimum of 27% light transmittance.The windows to the rear of the driver, including the rear window, may be tinted less than 27% if the front side windows and the windshield shall allow 70% light transmittance.
ConnecticutThe side and rear windows shall have a light transmittance of at least 32%.The front window may have tinting only from the top of the window to a point 29 inches above the top of the driver’s seat.All vehicles with tinted windows shall have a window sticker legible from the outside of the vehicle that indicates the sticker registration number and a certification of compliance with the tinting laws.
DelawareNo person shall operate any motor vehicle on any public highway, which does not conspicuously display a certificate by the manufacturer of any “after manufacture” tinting material, stating that the tinting material meets the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205.
District of ColumbiaAll vehicles other than minivans must have the following light transmittance: the front windshield and the front side windows: 70% light transmittance.All minivans must have the following light transmittance: the rear windshield and the rear side windows: 50% light transmittance; the front windshield and the front side windows: 55% light transmittance; the rear windshield and the rear side windows: 35% light transmittance; and no tint on the windshield may come down lower than 5 inches from the top.
FloridaNo vehicle’s side windows may be tinted with a material that has a total solar reflectance of visible light of not more than 25% and a light transmittance of at least 28% in the visible light range.The windows behind the driver may not be tinted with a screening material consisting of film that has a total solar reflectance of not more than 35% and a light transmittance of less than 15% in the visible light range; tinted with a perforated screening material which has a total reflectance of visible light of more than 35% and a light transmittance of less than 30%; or tinted by louvered materials that reduce the driver visibility by more than 50%.The FLHSMV shall issue a medical exemption certificate to persons who are afflicted with Lupus or similar medical conditions, which require a limited exposure to light.
GeorgiaFront windshields may not have material or glazing applied or affixed to reduce light transmission.Material and glazing may not be applied or affixed to the rear windshield or the side or door windows so that light transmission is reduced to less than 32%, plus or minus 3%, or light reflectance increased to more than 20%.The restrictions do not apply to the rear and side windows, except those windows to the right and left of the driver, of any multipurpose passenger vehicle, school bus, church or other nonprofit organization van, limousine owned or leased by a public or private entity, any vehicles with windows that were tinted before factory delivery or are permitted by federal law or regulation.
HawaiiIt is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle if the glazing material on any windows or windshield, excepting the top edge of the windshield, does not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205.
IdahoThe front windshield can have tinting applied, but only on the top 6 inches of the window.The front side vents, front side windows to the immediate left and right of the driver, and rear window may have a light transmission not less than 35%.The side windows to the rear of the driver may have a light transmission of not less than 20%.
IllinoisAny glass tinting on the front and side windows is prohibited, except when accompanied by a certification by a licensed physician stating that the driver’s medical condition would require it.Exceptions may be permitted for certain windows with specified light transmittance and variances.A non-reflective tinted film may be used along the uppermost portion of the windshield if such material does not extend more than 6 inches down from the top of the windshield.The use of non-reflective, smoked or tinted glass, non-reflective film, perforated window screen, or other decorative window application on windows to the rear of the driver’s seat is permitted, except the motor vehicle must be equipped with a side mirror on each side of the motor vehicle and may not have window treatment on the windows immediately adjacent to each side of the driver.
IndianaA person may not drive a motor vehicle with any tinted windows that obstruct the driver’s clear view of the highway or intersecting highway or that prevent the ability of people outside the vehicle to recognize the people inside the vehicle. The exceptions to this rule are tinted windows installed by the manufacturer that are in compliance with federal law, and windows that are tinted for medical reasons, which require a physician’s or optometrist’s certification that must be carried in the car at all times. This certification must be updated annually. Effective January 2, 2015, windows may not be tinted with a material that has a total solar reflectance of visible light of more than 25 percent as measured on the non-film side and light transmittance of less than 30 percent in the visible light range.
IowaNo person may operate a motor vehicle with a windshield, a side window to the immediate right or left of the driver, or a sidewing forward of the driver that has less than 70% transparency unless the person suffers from a severe light-sensitive condition documented by a licensed physician.
KansasThe windshield may have tinting installed above the AS1 line along the top of the windshield.All windows must have a total light transmission of at least 35%. Reflective tinting is prohibited on all windows.
KentuckyAny windows that are forward of or adjacent to the driver’s seat may not be composed of, covered by, or treated with any sunscreening material or any product that has the effect of making the windows non-transparent. Sunscreening material is permitted if it has a total solar reflectance of visible light of not more than 25% on the non-film side.Any windows that are behind the driver may not be covered by, composed of, or treated with any sunscreening material, but such material may be used if it has a total solar reflectance of visible light of not more than 35% on the non-film side.The rear window of any vehicle may not be composed of, covered by, or treated with any sunscreening material unless the vehicle is equipped with side mirrors on both sides.Window tinting on the windshield is permitted only along the top strip of the windshield.
LouisianaA person may not drive a motor vehicle with any tinted windows that obstruct the inward and outward view. The exceptions to this rule are: (1) a sun-screening device used with automotive safety glazing material on the front side window with a light transmission of at least 40%, the side window behind the driver with a light transmission of at least 25% and rearmost windows with a light transmission of at least 12%; (2) a transparent material, not colored red or amber, affixed to the top of the windshield not extending more than 5 inches down from the top; (3) an adjustable nontransparent sun visor that is not attached to the glass and mounted forward on the side window; and (4) all vehicles that have windows tinted on or before December 31, 1993, that were in compliance with the law at that time, as long as the owner obtains a certificate stating that the tinting occurred before 1994; a certificate confirming this must be filed with the Department. Individuals can seek medical exemptions.
MissouriAny person may operate a motor vehicle with front sidewing vents or windows located immediately to the left and right of the driver that have a sun screening device, in conjunction with safety glazing material, that has a light transmission of 35% or more plus or minus 3% and a luminous reflectance of 35% or less plus or minus 3%.A permit exempting a driver from these requirements may be issued by the Department of Public Safety to a person having a serious medical condition that requires the use of a sun screening device if the permittee’s physician prescribes its use. The permit shall allow the operation of the vehicle by any titleholder or relative (spouse, each grandparent, parent, brother, sister, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, child, and grandchild).Does not prohibit labels, stickers, decalcomania, or informational signs on motor vehicles or the application of tinted or solar screening material to recreational vehicles provided that such material does not interfere with the driver’s normal view of the road. Does not prohibit factory installed tinted glass, the equivalent replacement thereof, or tinting material applied to the upper portion of the motor vehicle’s windshield is normally tinted by the manufacturer of motor vehicle safety glass.Any vehicle licensed with a historical license plate shall be exempt from the window tinting requirements.
MaineTinting is permitted only along the top 5 inches of the windshield.Side and rear windows may not be covered or treated with tinting that allows a light transmittance of less than 35%.Reflective material is not permitted on any vehicle windows.All windows except the rear window must contain 2-way glass.
MarylandNo window may have tinting applied that does not allow for at least 35% light transmission.No tint shall be applied to the windshield of a vehicle below 5 inches from the top of the windshield.
MassachusettsThe use of non-transparent or sunscreen material or window application is allowed if it has a total visible light reflectance of not more than 35% or a visible light transmittance of not less than 35% on the side windows immediately adjacent to the right and the left of the operator’s seat, immediately to the rear of the operator’s seat and the front passenger seat, or on the rear window if the vehicle is equipped with 2 outside mirrors.The use of any transparent material is limited to the uppermost 6% along the top of the windshield, provided such strip does not encroach upon the driver’s direct forward viewing area.A special window treatment or application determined necessary via written attestation by a licensed physician, for the protection of the owner or operator of a private passenger motor vehicle who is determined to be light or photosensitive, is allowed upon approval of an application made to the RMV and proper display of an exemption sticker.
MichiganNo window application may be used on the front windshield, unless accompanied by a letter from a certified physician stating a medical necessity of the motor vehicle driver.A tinted film, however, may be applied no more than 4 inches from the top of the windshield and front side windows.Rear and rear side window tinting is allowed.
MinnesotaIt is illegal to drive or operate a vehicle when any window on the vehicle is composed of, covered by, or treated with any material which has the following effects: (1) making the windshield more reflective or in any way reducing light transmittance through the windshield; (2) making the windshield have a highly reflective or mirrored appearance; (3) making any side or rear window substantially reduce the driver’s clear view through the window by having a light transmission of less than 50% in the visible light range or a luminous reflectance of more than 20%. This does not apply to the following: (1) glazing material which has not been modified since the original installation, or the original replacement windows and windshields that were replaced in conformance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205; (2) windows tinted for medical reasons provided that the driver or passenger of the vehicle is in possession of a prescription or a physician’s statement of medical need; and (3) the rear windows of a pickup truck, the rear windows or the side windows on either side behind the driver’s seat of a van, the rear and side windows of any vehicle used to transport human remains by a funeral establishment holding a license, and the side and rear windows of a limousine.
MississippiNo vehicle registered in Mississippi shall have windows that are covered with any glazing material that causes a mirrored effect.No person shall drive any motor vehicle registered in Mississippi with any tinted film, glazing material, or darkening material of any kind on the windshield except material designed to replace or provide a sun shield in the uppermost area as authorized to be installed by manufacturers of vehicles under federal law.Requires that tinted windows not exceed 20% luminous reflectance and have a light transmittance of 28% or more, and have a label certifying the percentages.School buses, buses used for public transportation, any bus or van owned or leased by any nonprofit organization, any limousine owned or leased by a private or public entity, or any other motor vehicle the windows of which have been tinted or darkened before factory delivery as permitted by federal law or regulation, are exempt from all window tinting rules.
MontanaA windshield may not have sunscreening material that is not clear and transparent below the AS-1 line or sunscreening material that is red, yellow, or amber in color above the AS-1 line.The front side windows may not have sunscreening or other transparent material that has a luminous reflectance of more than 35% or has light transmission of less than 24%.The rear window or side windows behind the front seat may not have sunscreening or other transparent material that has a luminous reflectance of more than 35% or has light transmission of less than 14%, except for the rear window or side windows behind the front seat on a multipurpose vehicle, van, or bus.The highway patrol or local law enforcement may grant a waiver of window tinting standards for medical reasons based on an affidavit signed by a licensed physician.
NebraskaIt shall be unlawful for a person to drive a motor vehicle required to be registered in this state upon a highway: (a) if the windows in such motor vehicle are tinted so that the driver’s clear view through the windshield or side or rear windows is reduced or the ability to see into the motor vehicle is substantially impaired; (b) if the windshield has any sunscreening material that is not clear and transparent below the AS-1 line or if it has a sunscreening material that is red, yellow, or amber in color above the AS-1 line; (c) if the front side windows have any sunscreening or other transparent material that has a luminous reflectance of more than 35% or has light transmission of less than 35%; or (d) if the rear window or side windows behind the front seat have sunscreening or other transparent material that has a luminous reflectance of more than 35% or has light transmission of less than 20% except for the rear window or side windows behind the front seat on a multipurpose vehicle, van, or bus.The term “AS-1 line” shall mean a line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield or shall mean a line 5 inches below and parallel to the top of the windshield, whichever is closer to the top of the windshield.
NevadaNon-reflective window tinting is allowed on the front side windows if the light transmission is at least 35%, with a tolerance of 7%.Rear side windows can have non-reflective tinting, so long as the vehicle has outside mirrors on each side that are so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway through each mirror for a distance of at least 200 feet. Vehicles manufactured before 1993 that have tinting prior to 1993 are not subject to this prohibition.The windshield may have a transparent material applied, so long as the bottom edge of the material is not less than 29 inches above the top of the driver’s seat when the seat is in its rearmost and lowermost position with the vehicle on a level surface, and the material may not be red or amber.
New HampshireNo person shall drive a vehicle, registered in New Hampshire, which has after-market tinting installed on the windshield or on the windows to the left and right of the driver.After-market tinting may be applied to the windows to the rear of the driver if such vehicle has rearview mirrors located on both the left and right sides of the vehicle. However, the light transmittance of after-market tinted windows shall not be less than 35%.Persons who require after-market tinting on the windshield or on the windows to the left and right of the driver for medical reasons may apply to the DMV for a special permit.After-market tinting of the 6-inch strip at the top of the windshield of any vehicle is allowed so long as the light transmittance of the strip is not less than 35%.
New JerseyThe owner or lessee of a vehicle that is driven by or used to transport a person with a medical condition involving ophthalmic or dermatologic photosensitivity may apply to the director of the MVC for permission to have the windshield and windows of that vehicle covered or treated with a product or material that increases its light reflectance or reduces its light transmittance.Sunscreening materials that are installed or applied to the windshield of a motor vehicle shall be of a clear film and such material installed or applied to the front side windows of a motor vehicle shall be either a clear or tinted film.Any motor vehicle may have the rear window and/or the rear side windows tinted or covered in a manner so as to partially obscure the driver’s vision, provided that the vehicle is equipped with an exterior mirror on each side of the vehicle. Any high-mounted rear stoplight shall not be obstructed in any manner.Mirror-type material is not permitted on any window of a motor vehicle.
New MexicoTinting cannot extend more than 5 inches from the top of the windshield.If the vehicle is equipped with both left and right outside rearview mirrors, non-reflective tinting may be used on side windows and the rear windshield but cannot have a light transmission of less than 20%.
New YorkNo person shall operate any motor vehicle if the following windows are composed of, covered by, or treated with any material which has a light transmittance of less than 70%:
- Front windshield, unless such material is limited to the uppermost 6 inches of the windshield.
- Sidewings or side windows on either side forward or adjacent to the operator’s seat.
- Rear window, unless there are side mirrors on both sides adjusted that the driver has a clear and full view of the road and conditions behind their vehicle. No person shall operate any motor vehicle classified as a station wagon, sedan, hardtop, coupe, hatchback, or convertible if any rear side window has a light transmittance of less than 70%.
North CarolinaThe windshield of a vehicle may only be tinted along the top 5 inches of the windshield or to the AS1 line, whichever is longer. The tinting must allow a light transmission of at least 35%.All other windows must have a light transmission of 35%, but vehicles measured to have a light transmission of at least 32% will be presumed to meet the standard.All windows must have a light reflectance of 20% or less.Exceptions are available to persons with a medical condition causing them to be photosensitive to visible light.
North DakotaNo person shall operate a vehicle with any windshield tinting that has a light transmittance of less than 70% or window tinting with a light transmittance of less than 50%. Windows behind the operator are exempt if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides.
OhioApplication of vehicle glass darkening material must meet Director of Public Safety specifications. Reflectorized material prohibited.
OklahomaFor model year 1996 and later, side and back windows may have window tinting that allows at least 25% light transmission, and has a luminous reflectance no greater than 25%.For model year 1995 and earlier, side windows to the rear of the driver, and back windows may have window tinting that allows at least 10% light transmission, and has a luminous reflectance no greater than 25%.Windshields may have transparent material affixed from the top of the windshield to either the AS-1 line or for a maximum of 5 inches, whichever is closest to the top of the windshield. The material may not be red or amber in color.
OregonTinting material may be applied to the side and rear windows of a motor vehicle if the material has a light transmittance of 50% or more; a light reflectance of 13% or more; and the total light transmittance through the window is 35% or more.Tinting material with a total light transmittance lower than 35% may be applied to the top 6 inches of a windshield, but may not be applied to any other portion of the windshield.Tinting material with a total light transmittance lower than 35% may be applied to all windows of a multipurpose passenger vehicle that are behind the driver, but only if the vehicle is equipped with rearview mirrors on each side of the vehicle.A signed affidavit by a physician or optometrist may permit the use of tinting material with a total light transmittance lower than 35%. Drivers are to provide the affidavit and a window tint certificate upon request by law enforcement. Window tint certificates are issued at the time of installation.Mirror finish tinting, red tinting, yellow tinting, gold tinting, amber tinting, black tinting, or tinting material that is in liquid form and is brushed or sprayed on is prohibited.
PennsylvaniaNo person may drive any motor vehicle with any sunscreening device or other material which does not permit a person to see or view the inside of the vehicle through the windshield, side wing, or side window of the vehicle.This does not apply to a vehicle which is equipped with tinted windows of the type and specification that were installed by the manufacturer of the vehicle or to any hearse, ambulance, government vehicle, or any other vehicle for which a currently valid certificate of exemption has been issued in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department.The Department can grant a certificate of exemption for a vehicle that is registered in Pennsylvania and is equipped with any prohibited sunscreening devices for a medical condition certified to the Department by a licensed physician or optometrist.
Rhode IslandAnyone installing a sunscreen device on a motor vehicle must place a label on the front window that contains the installer’s name and the percentage of light transmittance.The use of non-transparent or sunscreen material or window application on motor vehicles which has a total light transmittance of not less than 70% on the windshield, all side windows, or the rear window is permitted if the vehicle has 2 outside mirrors, 1 on each side, adjusted to provide the driver with a clear view of the highway behind the vehicle.The use of transparent material on the uppermost 6 inches of the windshield is permitted.
South CarolinaA sunscreening device must be nonreflective and may not be red, yellow, or amber in color.A sunscreening device may be used only along the top of the windshield and may not extend downward beyond the AS1 line. If the AS1 line is not visible, no sunscreening device may be applied to the windshield.A single sunscreening device may be installed on the sidewings or side windows, or both, located at the immediate right and left of the driver and the side windows behind the driver, or the rearmost window. The sunscreening device must be nonreflective and the combined light transmission of the sunscreening device with the factory or manufacturer-installed sunscreening material must not be less than 27%.If a sunscreening device is used on the rearmost window, 1 right and 1 left outside rearview mirror is required.Each vehicle equipped with an after-factory sunscreening device, whether installed by a consumer or professional, at all times must bear a certificate of compliance containing the following information: the percentage of light transmission allowed by the sunscreening device; the identity of the installer by name, address, and telephone number; and the date of installation.These light transmittance requirements apply to windows behind the driver on pickup trucks but do not apply to windows behind the driver on other trucks, buses, trailers, mobile homes, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and recreational vehicles.
South DakotaThe windows on a vehicle cannot be cracked, broken, shattered, or distorted to the extent that it significantly impairs the driver’s vision.A vehicle must not have any adhesive film or glaze on the front windshield, sidewing vents, side windows on either side forward of or next to the operator’s seat which reduces the light transmission of the window below 35%.
TennesseeIt is unlawful to operate a vehicle with window tinting that has a visible light transmittance of less than 35% or reduces the visible light transmittance in the windshield below 70%.
TexasA windshield sunscreening device that has a light transmission of less than 25% or more, a luminous reflectance of less than 25%, that is blue, red, or amber, or extends downward beyond the AS-1 line or more than 5 inches from the top of the windshield is prohibited.A sunscreening device in the front side wing vent or window, a side window to the rear of the vehicle operator, or a rear window is prohibited if it has a light transmission of less than 35% or a luminous reflectance of more than 35%.
UtahFront windows must allow 70% light transmittance; windshield banners are allowed on the top of the windshield as long as they do not exceed 4 inches from the top of the windshield or go below the AS-1 line. Windows to the left and right of the driver must still allow 43% light transmittance. Windows behind the driver may be as dark as the owner wishes. Mirrored and reflective tint is still prohibited. A right side mirror is required on all vehicles with window tint. The third brake light may not be covered by window tint.VermontApplication of after-market window tinting is legal if a medical exemption is obtained.
VirginiaGlass tinting is allowed only if the vehicle is equipped with 2 side mirrors, and the following conditions apply: rear side windows or rear windows tint cannot reduce the total light transmittance of such window to less than 35%; and front side windows tint cannot reduce total light transmittance of such window to less than 50%.No tints may have a reflectance of light exceeding 20% or produce a holographic or prism effect.No film or darkening material may be applied to the windshield except to replace the sunshield in the uppermost area of the windshield.Any greater reduction of light transmittance of any window requires written authorization from the Commissioner of the DMV.
WashingtonThe maximum level of film sunscreening material to be applied to any window, except the windshield, must have a total reflectance of 35% or less, and a light transmission of 24% or more. Installation of more than a single sheet of film sunscreening material to any window is prohibited.A greater degree of light reduction is permitted on all windows and the top 6 inches of windshields operated by or carrying as a passenger a person who possesses a written medical exemption from a licensed physician.A greater degree of light reduction is permitted on the top 6-inch area of a vehicle’s windshield as long as the product is transparent and does not extend into the AS-1 portion of the windshield. Clear film sunscreening material that reduces or eliminates ultraviolet light may be applied to the windshield.The following types of film sunscreening material are not permitted: mirror finish products; red, gold, yellow, or black material; or film sunscreening material that is in liquid preapplication form and brushed or sprayed on.Sunscreening devices may be applied to any window behind the driver as long the device reduces the driver’s field of vision uniformly and by no more than 50%. If sunscreening devices are applied to the rear window, the vehicle must be equipped with outside rearview mirrors on both the left and right.
West VirginiaA sunscreening device, when used in conjunction with the automotive safety glazing materials on the side wings or windows located to the immediate right and left of the driver shall be of a non-reflective type with a reflectivity of not more than 20% and with a light transmission of not less than 35%.The side windows behind the driver and the rear windows may have a sunscreening device that has a light transmission of not less than 35% and a reflectivity of not more than 20%.
WisconsinAll glass used for the vent, side, or rear windows must be safety glass. Vent and front side windows may be tinted to a degree that permits 50% of visible light to pass through. Rear windows may be tinted to a degree that permits 35% of visible light to pass through.
WyomingNo person may operate an enclosed motor vehicle that is required to be registered in the state on any public highway, road, or street that has a sunscreening device on the windshield, the front sidewings, and side windows adjacent to the right and left of the driver and windows adjacent to the rear of the driver that do not meet the following requirements: (1) a sunscreening device in the windshield must be non-reflective and may not be red, yellow, or amber in color, and must not extend downward beyond the AS-1 line or more than 5 inches from the top of the windshield, whichever is closer to the top of the windshield; and (2) a sunscreening device used on the sidewings, side windows, and rear windows must be a non-reflective type and have total light transmission of not less than 28%.No sunscreening device or tinting film may be applied or affixed to any window of a motor vehicle that has a luminous reflectance of light exceeding 20%.If any sunscreen device or tinting film has been added to any windows behind the operator, 1 left and 1 right outside rearview mirror are required.Any person with a medical condition requiring tinted windows may obtain a certificate from WYDOT upon WYDOT’s receipt of a signed statement from a licensed physician or optometrist.
Puerto RicoUse of unidirectional vision glass prohibited on motor vehicles.Application of tints or other material that reduces visibility to less than 35% is prohibited.Any person with a medical condition requiring tinted windows under the legal limit, may obtain a certificate from the Puerto Rico DOT upon DOT’s receipt of a signed statement from a licensed physician.