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??