Alabama Window Tint Laws (Quick Guide)

Thinking about tinting your windows in Alabama, or wondering if your current tint is legal? This guide breaks down the rules in plain English so you know what you can and can’t do.

Quick Rules at a Glance

• Windshield: Only the top 6 inches can be tinted, and it must be non-reflective and transparent.
• Passenger cars (sedans, coupes, wagons): Front side, rear side, and rear window must all let in at least 32% of light (with a small tolerance).
• SUVs & vans (multi-purpose vehicles): Front side windows must be 32% or lighter. Rear windows can be darker, similar to factory privacy glass.
• Reflectivity: Window film cannot be more than 20% reflective.
• Medical exemptions: Some drivers can get special permission for darker tint based on medical needs.
• Penalties: Illegal tint is a misdemeanor and can bring fines and, in repeated cases, possible jail time.

What Is VLT and Why It Matters

Alabama’s tint law is based mainly on Visible Light Transmission (VLT).

• VLT is the amount of light that passes through the glass and tint film.
• Higher VLT % = lighter tint (more light gets through).
• Lower VLT % = darker tint (less light gets through).

For most windows in Alabama, the legal level is 32% VLT or higher on passenger cars, with a small tolerance to allow for meter variation.

Rules for Passenger Cars (Sedans, Coupes, Wagons)

Windshield

• Only the upper 6 inches of the windshield can be tinted.
• Tint must be non-reflective and designed as a light sun strip, not a dark band across your view.

Front Side Windows (Driver & Front Passenger)

• Must allow at least 32% VLT (32% or lighter).
• Cannot be more than 20% reflective.

Rear Side Windows

• Must also allow at least 32% VLT.
• Same 20% reflectivity limit applies.

Rear Window

• Must allow at least 32% VLT.
• Same 20% reflectivity limit.

Example: If you have a sedan with 20% tint on the sides and rear, that is generally too dark under Alabama law.

Rules for SUVs, Vans & Multi-Purpose Vehicles

Multi-purpose vehicles (like SUVs, crossovers, minivans, and some trucks with extra seating) are treated a little differently.

Windshield

• Same as cars: only the top 6 inches may be tinted.
• Tint must be non-reflective.

Front Side Windows

• Must allow at least 32% VLT.
• No more than 20% reflectivity.

Rear Windows (Behind the Driver)

• Rear side and back windows can be darker than on sedans.
• Factory privacy glass on many SUVs and vans is an example of the darker tint allowed.
• Even though the law is more flexible here, it is smart to use a shop that fully understands Alabama and federal safety rules.

A common setup on SUVs: around 35% on the front side windows and darker (sometimes around 20% or less) on the rear side and back window.

Reflectivity and Tint Color

Alabama limits how reflective your tint can be:

• Tint cannot make the glass more than 20% reflective.
• Highly mirror-like or very shiny films are not allowed.
• The law does not focus heavily on specific colors, but extreme or distracting colors may still draw attention from law enforcement.

How Police Check Your Tint

Police officers do not have to guess by sight alone. The law expects them to use a tint meter to measure how much light passes through your window.

• The meter clamps over the glass and reads the VLT percentage.
• If the reading shows your tint is too dark, you can be cited.
• A small measurement tolerance is built in, but being clearly legal (32% or lighter) is the safest choice.

Medical Exemptions

Some people have medical conditions that require extra protection from sunlight. Alabama allows medical exemptions in certain cases.

• You must have a qualifying medical condition, usually involving serious light sensitivity.
• A licensed physician must provide documentation.
• The state can approve darker tint and may set specific limits or conditions.
• If you have an exemption, always keep the paperwork in the vehicle.

Compliance Stickers and Installers

Professional tint shops in Alabama are expected to follow the law and label their work correctly.

• Dealers should apply a compliance label or sticker indicating the tint meets Alabama standards.
• The label is usually placed in the door jamb or another visible area.
• It is not legal for a shop to install film that does not meet the state requirements.

Penalties for Illegal Tint in Alabama

Violations of Alabama’s tint law are treated as misdemeanors. Penalties can increase with each offense.

• First offense: Fine (up to around $100) and up to a short jail term.
• Second offense (within 1 year): Higher fine and possible longer jail term.
• Third or later offense (within 1 year): Even higher fine and up to several months in jail.

In many real-life cases, drivers receive a fine and are told to remove or adjust the tint, but the law does allow for stronger punishment, especially for repeated violations.

Is Your Tint Likely Legal?

Here are some simple checks you can use:

• If your front side windows on any vehicle are darker than 32% VLT, they are probably not legal.
• If you have a sedan with very dark rear windows (around 20% or lower), that is likely too dark under Alabama rules.
• If you drive an SUV or van, your rear windows can be much darker, but your front windows still have to meet 32% VLT.
• If your tint is close to the limit, the only way to know for sure is to have it metered by a shop or officer.

Important Legal Note

This page is meant as a clear and simple explanation of Alabama tint laws, but it is not formal legal advice.
Laws can change, and different courts or officers may see things slightly differently.
If you receive a ticket or want to challenge one, it is wise to speak with a licensed Alabama attorney who handles traffic or criminal matters.

Summary

To stay out of trouble in Alabama:

• Keep the front side windows at 32% VLT or lighter.
• On sedans, keep all side windows and the rear window at 32% or lighter.
• On SUVs and vans, front windows must meet the same 32% rule, while rear windows can be darker.
• Avoid highly reflective, mirror-like film.
• Use a trusted tint shop that knows Alabama law.

Following these guidelines makes your car more comfortable, keeps you safer on the road, and helps you avoid tickets and hassle.