How Dark Can I Legally Tint My Car Windows?

 When it comes to window tints, the darker the better. Wondering how dark you can legally tint your vehicle's windows? The answer will depend on your state and sometimes even your county, but the most common allowable limits are 50% for the front side windows and 35% for the rear side windows and the rear windshield. Now let's talk about some state specifics...

Legal Window Tinting Limits by State

Window Tinting Jargon and Definitions

Understanding the following terminology will help you to better understand local tinting laws:

  • VLT stands for visible light transmission, and window tint darkness is measured in VLT percentages
  • Front side windows refer to the driver's and passenger's moveable front windows
  • Rear side windows include the rear passenger windows--but they also include any side windows that are behind the front side windows
  • Shade bands are bands of window tinting film that extend down from the top of the windshield
  • The AS1 line is a marking in the glass near the top of the windshield
  • Tint reflection percentage or lack thereof is dependent on the material used in window tinting
  • A slash followed by another value means that the limits are different for passenger cars than they are for vans and SUV's--the first number listed is the limit for passenger cars

Window Tinting Laws in Western States

Arizona

  • front side window limit: 33%
  • no limit for rear side windows
  • no limit for back windows
  • windshield limit: to AS1 marking
  • tint reflection limit: no more than 35% reflective

California

  • front side window limit: 70%
  • no limit for rear side windows
  • no limit for back windows
  • windshield limit: 4-inch shade band
  • tint reflection limit: must be non-reflective

Colorado

  • front side window limit: 27%
  • rear side window limit: 27%
  • back window limit: 27%
  • windshield limit: 4-inch shade band
  • tint reflection limit: must be non-reflective

Idaho

  • front side window limit: 35%
  • rear side window limit: 20% / no limit
  • back window limit: 35% / no limit
  • windshield limit: to AS1 marking
  • tint reflection limit: no more than 35% reflective

Nevada

  • front side window limit: 35%
  • rear side window limit: no limit
  • back window limit: no limit
  • windshield limit: to AS1 marking
  • tint reflection limit: no limit

New Mexico

  • front side window limit: 20%
  • rear side window limit: 20% / no limit
  • back window limit: 20% / no limit
  • windshield limit: 5-inch shade band or to AS1 marking (whichever is the lesser)
  • tint reflection limit: no limit

Oregon

  • front side window limit: 35%
  • rear side window limit: 35% / no limit
  • back window limit: 35% / no limit
  • windshield limit: 6-inch shade band
  • tint reflection limit: no more than 13% reflective

Utah

  • front side window limit: 43%
  • rear side window limit: no limit
  • back window limit: no limit
  • windshield limit: to AS1 marking
  • tint reflection limit: must be non-reflective

Washington

  • front side window limit: 24%
  • rear side window limit: 24% / no limit
  • back window limit: 24% / no limit
  • windshield limit: 6-inch shade band
  • tint reflection limit: not more than 35% reflective

Traveling with Tinted Windows

Usually, you won't be ticketed while driving through a state with a stricter tinting law, but if you travel a lot, you may want to go a little lighter on the tinting to be on the safe side. If you purchase an out-of-state vehicle that does not comply with your home state's tinting laws, you will of course have to get the tinting removed or redone. The important thing is complying with the laws where you live.

A good tinting specialist will be familiar with local tinting laws in your state. For example, If you're in Las Vegas, Nevada, Capital Tint and Customs in Henderson can hook you up with window tinting that's as dark as possible but still within the legal limits.

Location: Henderson, NV, USA

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