Vehicle window tinting in California is regulated under the state’s vehicle code. Only certain levels of light transmittance are allowed for front, rear, and side windows. Going darker than what is permitted can result in fines or needing to remove the illegal tint.
“What vehicle tint is legal in California?” For drivers in the Golden State, the answer determines just how dark they can go when adding a cool, protective layer of window tinting film to their car or truck. Yet with complex regulations in place, many are left wondering exactly how dark their new ride can get before running afoul of the law.
California restricts vehicle window tinting darkness and light transmittance levels depending on which windows are being tinted. Front side windows must allow 88% of light through, while the rear and back side windows can have darker tint allowing 70% of light transmission. Only clear, colorless tint is allowed on front windshields. Going darker than these legal limits risks citation and removal of the excess tint.
What car tinting laws exist in California?
California has specific legal limits on how dark window tint can be for different windows on cars and trucks registered in the state. These restrictions are in place for traffic safety reasons, to ensure adequate visibility for drivers. The exact allowable levels of window tint are defined by the visible light transmittance (VLT) percentage, which measures how much light passes through.
California first enacted its window tint regulations in 1999. The standards have been updated over the years but still regulate tint darkness based on VLT percentages, as well as rules for windshield tinting and allowable tint colors. Fines exist for vehicles that violate the legal tint levels.
How dark can I legally tint my car windows in California?
California restricts legal window tint darkness levels based on which car windows are being tinted. For the front driver and passenger side windows, an aftermarket tint film must allow 70% of visible light transmittance (VLT). This means a maximum of 30% tint darkness is allowed on front side windows in CA.
The state’s window tint law, including regulations on Window Tint Laws in Oklahoma, also permits any level of darkness or VLT percentage for the rear and back side windows on a car or truck. However, if the rear window is tinted, “Window Tint Laws in Oklahoma” regulations require outside mirrors on both sides of the vehicle.
What percentage of light transmittance is required by California tint laws?
California’s car window tint law specifies the allowed percentages of visible light that must pass through different vehicle windows with aftermarket tint films. For front side windows, there must be at least 70% VLT, allowing a 30% tint.
If the front side windows already have factory tint from the manufacturer, then an absolute minimum of 70% cumulative VLT is required. There are no limits on VLT percentage or darkness levels for rear and back side window tints.
Can I get an exemption or waiver for the CA legal tint limits?
No, California’s statewide window tint regulations apply to all non-commercial cars and trucks registered in the state. Unlike some other states, California does not allow exemptions or waivers for its legal auto window tinting restrictions, even for medical reasons.
This means even drivers who may benefit from darker window tinting due to health conditions must still comply with the law’s defined allowable VLT percentages. Tint darkness levels darker than the legal limits cannot be used on California passenger vehicles.
What are the fines and penalties for illegal tint in California?
If cited for non-compliant window tinting on a vehicle registered in California, state law calls for a “fix-it” ticket. This means the driver will get fined and has to remove the excessively dark window film. The fine for a first offense is generally around $25.
Repeat violations for illegal tint lead to increased fines, typically starting from $50 for a second offense. At the officer’s discretion, driving a vehicle with very dark tint in California can also be penalized as a moving violation instead of just a correctable citation. This results in higher fines and hits the driver’s insurance.
Which car windows have limitations on tint darkness in California?
In California, there are legal limits on the darkness of tint that can be applied to the windshield and front side windows of a vehicle. Specifically, the top 4 inches of the windshield can have non-reflective tinting. For the front side windows, aftermarket tint must allow at least 70% of visible light transmission, whether applied to the factory glass or aftermarket glass.
This 70% visible light transmission limit applies to sedans, SUVs, vans, and all other vehicle types. There are no darkness restrictions for the rear window or back side windows in California.
Are there legal limits for tinting my California car’s windshield?
California law restricts how much you can tint your car’s windshield. Only the top 4 inches of the windshield can have non-reflective tint applied. No other portion of the windshield may be tinted.
This 4 inch strip is intended to block harmful UV rays and glare without obstructing the driver’s view. The 70% visible light transmission requirement for front side windows also indirectly limits how dark the top 4 inches of the windshield can be.
What level of tint can I put on the front side windows in California?
For the front side windows in California vehicles, the tint must allow at least 70% of visible light to pass through, whether using the factory glass or applying an aftermarket film. This means the maximum allowable tint darkness for front side windows is 30%.
If the factory glass already has some level of tint, then the aftermarket tint percentage must be reduced accordingly to meet the 70% visible light transmission minimum. For example, if the factory glass has 20% tint, then only an additional 10% can be added.
What about tint darkness limits on the rear and back side windows of my CA car?
There are no legal restrictions in California on the darkness or visible light transmission percentage of tint applied to the rear window or back side windows of a vehicle. As long as there are two external side mirrors (not including the rearview mirror), you can apply any level of tint to the rear and back side windows. Common choices are 20% for a medium tint or 5% for an extremely dark limo-style tint.
Can I still use decorative or colored tint films on my car legally in California?
No, California prohibits using decorative, color-altering, or color-shifting tint films on any of the windows. This includes red, amber, blue, gold, silver, and other non-neutral colored films. Only neutral smoke gray or charcoal black tints are allowed. The intent is to avoid any colors that could inhibit visibility. Mirrored or reflective films are also illegal for all windows under California tint laws.
Do window tint regulations also apply to trucks in California?
The window tinting laws in California apply to all motor vehicles, including trucks, vans, and SUVs. The regulations restrict the darkness level and reflectivity of aftermarket tint that can be applied to the windshield and front side windows. The rear side windows and back window can have darker tint in California. The laws are intended to promote driver visibility and safety for all vehicles traveling on state roads.
The California Highway Patrol enforces compliance with the window tint regulations during traffic stops. Truck drivers can receive a fix-it ticket if their vehicle windows violate the allowable visible light transmission levels. Tint darkness is measured as the percentage of visible light that can pass through the window.
Is the same allowable VLT percentage used for truck window tints in California?
Yes, trucks must meet the same minimum visible light transmission (VLT) percentage as passenger vehicles for window tinting in California. The front side windows in trucks can have aftermarket film with at least 70% VLT or 88% total VLT if combined with factory tint. There is no restriction on VLT percentage for the rear side or back windows in trucks per the California window tint law.
So while the overall regulations are the same, trucks often have darker factory tint on the rear windows than cars come standard with. This means trucks can legally have darker overall tint on the back side windows after adding aftermarket film, as long as the total VLT remains at or above 70% for those windows. The front side windows must allow 70% light passage minimum in trucks, the same as cars.
The California tint law only permits non-reflective tint on the top 4 inches of the front windshield for trucks. No other aftermarket tint can be applied to the truck windshield under state regulations. Reflective tint strips are prohibited on truck windshields to ensure good visibility for the driver.
The top portion allowed for tinting on truck windshields in California matches the regulations for cars and other passenger vehicles. The law aims to maximize driver visibility out the front while allowing a dark tint strip along the top to block glare from the sun. But the windshield itself must remain clear without any tint for trucks.
Can trucks have darker tint on the side and rear windows than cars in California?
Yes, the California window tint law places no restrictions on darkness levels for aftermarket tint on the rear side windows and back window in trucks. Since trucks often come standard with darker back window factory tint than cars, they can legally have much darker overall VLT when adding aftermarket tint.
For the front side windows, the regulations are the same – a minimum of 70% VLT is required on trucks, matching cars. But trucks can have limo-style tint or any other darkness on the rear cab windows as long as the tint has the required non-reflective properties. The darker tint on trucks is intended to reduce glare and heat in the rear passenger and cargo areas.
Do commercial vehicles follow the same California laws on window tinting?
Under the California tint law, the allowable film darkness and VLT percentages apply to all non-reflective aftermarket window tint, whether installed on personal trucks or commercial vehicles operating in the state. The same 70% VLT limit exists for front side windows in commercial trucks. No restrictions exist on rear window tint darkness.
The regulations aim to promote driver visibility for all vehicles, whether commercial or private. So commercial trucks cannot have darker tint on front windows than personal trucks. All trucks must also meet the windshield rules prohibiting reflective film and only allowing non-reflective tint on the top portion. The California Highway Patrol enforces these commercial truck window tinting rules during inspections and traffic stops.
Who enforces illegal tint violations on vehicles in California?
In California, law enforcement officers like the California Highway Patrol as well as local police have the authority to enforce window tint violations and pull over vehicles that appear to have illegal tint.
Officers can issue citations if they determine the window tint does not comply with California Vehicle Code 26708 during a traffic stop. Typically officers will use a tint meter to measure the light transmittance percentage of the windows to check if it meets the legal requirements.
Can I be pulled over solely for excessively dark window tint in California?
Yes, you can be pulled over in California solely for having windows that look excessively dark, even if the tint actually meets legal requirements.
The appearance of dark tint gives law enforcement probable cause to conduct a traffic stop to inspect and measure the actual tint levels. However, if the tint complies with the 70% VLT minimum, then a citation cannot be issued. But it’s still best to avoid very dark looking tint that may attract attention from officers.
Will I just get a fix-it ticket if cited for illegal tint in California?
No, you will not just receive a fix-it ticket for illegal tint in California. The typical penalty is a fine of $197 for the infraction if you are cited for noncompliant tint under California Vehicle Code 26708.
You will also be required to remove the excessively dark tint within a certain timeframe after receiving the citation. But a fix-it ticket that allows correcting the violation to avoid paying the fine is not an option for illegal window tint violations.
What is the typical fine for non-compliant window tint on California vehicles?
The standard fine for having illegally dark window tint on a vehicle in California is $197 if you are found guilty of the infraction per California Vehicle Code 26708.
This fine can increase to over $800 if late fees or other penalties accrue if you do not pay on time or fail to remove the excessively dark tint as ordered. But you can try to contest the citation if you believe the tint actually meets legal requirements.
If cited, how much time do I have to get the illegal film removed in CA?
The typical timeframe to remove excessively dark, noncompliant window tint after being cited in California is 30 days. When cited for illegal tint under California Vehicle Code 26708, the citation will include an order to remove the tint within 30 days.
You can be cited again if you fail to remove window tint deemed illegally dark within 30 days, and fines may increase. You can try contesting the citation if you disagree with the officer’s determination about the tint darkness.
How do California tint laws compare to other states’ regulations?
California’s tint laws are considered relatively moderate compared to other states. Some states like Arizona allow darker tints, while others such as New York have more restrictive regulations. California allows 70% visible light transmission (VLT) on the front side windows and windshield, with no restrictions on rear window tinting darkness. This contrasts with Arizona which permits darker front window tints at 33% VLT, while New York requires a minimum 70% VLT on all windows.
Overall, California strikes a balance between allowing decent heat reduction and glare protection benefits from tinting, while still meeting safety standards in terms of driver visibility. The state does not permit excessively dark limo-style tinting on front windows, but gives more flexibility for rear window darkness. This puts California in the middle ground regarding tint regulations.
Is California known for having more restrictive tint laws than most other states?
No, California is not generally known for having the most restrictive tint laws compared to other states. While its regulations are more moderate than extremely permissive states like Arizona, California does not have unusually strict rules. Over 20 other states match or exceed California’s 70% VLT requirement for front side windows. And California allows total darkness on rear windows, which is more permissible than many states.
California did used to have stricter tint laws prior to 1999 which restricted even rear window tinting. But current regulations have eased over time to provide more driver choice and flexibility, while still emphasizing safety by limiting front window darkness. So while not the most lenient state, California also does not stand out for having unusually harsh tint rules compared to most of the country. Its laws sit somewhere in the middle among state requirements.
What are some of the differences between California and Arizona tint legality?
The main differences between California and Arizona tint laws include:
- Front side windows: California requires 70% VLT, while Arizona allows darker 33% VLT tinting.
- Rear side/back windows: California permits any VLT % (limo tint), but Arizona only allows 33% VLT.
- Windshield: California allows non-reflective tint on the top 4 inches, but Arizona prohibits any windshield tinting.
- Restrictions: Arizona has no extra side mirror requirements for darker rear tinting like California does.
So in summary, Arizona generally has more permissible tint laws allowing darker front and rear tints than California regulations. The exception is California allows small windshield brow tinting, which Arizona completely prohibits. But Arizona provides more flexibility without extra vehicle requirements for limo-style rear window tinting.
How does Nevada’s window tint law compare to the regulations in California?
Nevada’s tint law is similar to California’s law. Both states allow 35% VLT for front side windows. Nevada does not limit rear window tint. California limits rear tint to 70% VLT.
Nevada has no rules on reflective tint. California bans reflective tint on front and rear windows.
Here is a table comparing the tint laws:
| Law Aspect | Nevada | California |
| Front Side Window VLT | 35% | 70% |
| Rear Window VLT | No limit | 70% limit |
| Reflective Tint | No rules | Banned on front and rear |
In summary, Nevada allows darker front window tinting than California. Nevada also does not restrict rear window darkness or reflective tint. But both states have similar front window VLT requirements.
Are there certain states with no restrictions on car window tint darkness?
Yes, a handful of states have no legal restrictions at all on car window tint darkness or visible light transmission percentage. These most permissive tint law states include:
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
So in these 5 states with no tint laws, excessively dark limo-style tint would be allowed on all vehicle windows if desired. This gives drivers complete discretion over tint darkness for glare and heat protection. However, it does raise some safety concerns over vehicle operation for extremely dark tinting. But for those wanting maximum tint darkness, these states provide no legal limitations.
Frequently Asked Question
What percentage tint is allowed on front side windows in California?
70% VLT (visible light transmission) minimum is permitted on front side windows in California.
Can you have limo tint on rear windows in California?
Yes, there are no darkness restrictions for rear window tinting in California.
Is a medical exemption required for darker tint in California?
No, California’s tint laws do not provide medical exemptions for darker window tinting.
What color tints are prohibited on vehicle windows in California?
Red, blue, amber, and other color altering tints are not permitted on front or rear windows in California.
Does California require dual side mirrors if the back window is tinted?
Yes, if rear window tinting is darker than 70% VLT in California, dual exterior side mirrors are mandatory.
Conclusion
California has specific vehicle tinting laws that regulate how dark windows can be tinted. The key aspects include allowing 70% visible light transmission on front side windows, with no darkness limit for rear back windows. Additionally, non-reflective tint is permitted on the top 4 inches of front windshields. California window tint law aims to balance driver visibility and safety with heat and glare protection benefits.
Front side windows must allow 70% light in California, while the rear can be extremely dark limo-style tint. Reflective tint is prohibited on front and rear windows, but front windshield brow tinting is allowed. As long as legal tint levels are met on front windows and non-reflective film is used, there is flexibility for dark rear tint. Checking California’s regulations is important before installing illegal vehicle window tint.
