Thinking about tinting your car windows in Alaska, or wondering if your current tint is legal? This guide explains the basic rules in clear, simple language so you know what to expect.
Quick Rules at a Glance
- Windshield: Only a non-reflective strip on the top 5 inches is allowed.
- Front side windows (driver and passenger): Must let in at least 70% of light (very light tint).
- Rear side windows and rear window: Must let in at least 40% of light.
- Colors: Tint must be green, gray, bronze, or neutral smoke, or a non-mirrored sun film.
- No mirrored film: Mirror-like or highly reflective tint is not allowed.
- Medical exemptions: Darker tint is allowed only with an approved medical reason and proper paperwork.
- Tolerance: A small measurement variance (about ±3%) is allowed when tint is tested.
In plain terms, popular dark levels such as 20% tint are too dark almost everywhere in Alaska
unless you have a valid medical exemption. Even 35% tint is too dark on the front side windows.
How Alaska Measures Tint: VLT
Alaska’s tint law is based on Visible Light Transmission (VLT).
- VLT is the percentage of light that passes through the glass and film together.
- A higher number means lighter tint and more light coming in.
- A lower number means darker tint and less light coming in.
For most vehicles:
- Front side windows must be at least 70% VLT.
- Rear side and rear windows must be at least 40% VLT.
Windshield Rules in Alaska
You cannot fully tint the front windshield in Alaska.
- You may add a tint strip, often called an “eyebrow,” along the top of the windshield.
- This strip can extend only 5 inches down from the top edge.
- The strip must be non-reflective so it does not shine like a mirror.
Front Side Windows (Driver and Passenger)
The front side windows have the strictest rule.
- They must allow at least 70% of light to pass through.
- This means you can usually only use very light film or keep them close to clear.
- Dark tints such as 50%, 35%, or 20% are not legal on these windows without a medical exemption.
Rear Side and Rear Windows
The windows behind the driver have a little more freedom, but they are still regulated.
- Rear side windows and the rear window must allow at least 40% of light in.
- Dark “limo” tints around 5% or 10% are too dark under Alaska’s general rule.
- Factory glass on some SUVs or vans may be darker, but that is handled under federal standards for those vehicles.
SUVs, Vans, Motorhomes, and Limousines
Some vehicle types have special treatment under federal safety rules.
- Limousines, buses for hire, motorhomes, and many multipurpose vehicles (like some SUVs and vans) may have darker factory glass built into them.
- This factory glass is designed to follow federal glazing rules (FMVSS 205).
- However, when you add aftermarket film, it still needs to respect Alaska’s limits unless clearly covered by these federal standards.
- Because this can be confusing, it is best to work with a tint shop that understands Alaska law and federal rules.
Allowed Tint Colors and No-Mirror Rule
Alaska controls not only how dark the tint is, but also how it looks.
- Legal colors for tint film are green, gray, bronze, or neutral smoke.
- Non-mirrored sun-reflective auto films are also allowed.
- Mirror-like or highly reflective tint is not allowed on any window.
Medical Exemptions
Some drivers and passengers need extra protection from sunlight because of medical issues. Alaska allows darker tint
in these cases, but only under strict rules.
- You must have a medical condition that requires shielding from direct sunlight.
- A physician licensed in Alaska must certify this need, and the certification is usually renewed each year.
- The written certification must be kept in the vehicle when it is in use.
- Without the paperwork present during a traffic stop, the tint may be treated as illegal.
How Police Check Tint
Officers do not have to guess whether your windows are too dark. They can check them with a tool.
- A small electronic meter clamps over the glass and measures the VLT percentage.
- If the reading shows that too little light is getting through, you can be cited.
- A small margin of error (around ±3%) is allowed, but aiming clearly within the legal range is the safest plan.
Installers and Tint Shops
Alaska also has rules for people who install tint.
- It is an offense for a business to install tint that does not meet Alaska’s legal limits.
- Reputable shops will know the state law and will usually refuse to put on film that is too dark.
- If you are unsure, ask the shop what VLT levels they are installing on each window.
Penalties for Illegal Tint in Alaska
Driving with illegal tint can lead to fines and the hassle of removing or changing the film.
- Tickets for illegal tint can run into the low hundreds of dollars, depending on the local fine schedule.
- You may be ordered to remove or replace the illegal tint.
- Ignoring a tint ticket and failing to fix the problem can lead to higher costs later.
Is Your Tint Likely Legal?
Here are some quick checks you can use to judge your own windows:
- If your front side windows are darker than 70% VLT (for example, 50%, 35%, or 20%), they are probably illegal without a medical exemption.
- If your rear side and rear windows are darker than 40% VLT, they may also be too dark under Alaska’s general rule.
- If you have a full tinted windshield (not just a 5-inch strip), that is not allowed.
- If your film has a mirrored or chrome look, that is not allowed either.
If your tint is close to these limits, the only way to be sure is to have it checked with a meter
at a tint shop or by law enforcement.
Important Legal Note
This page is meant as a helpful, plain-language summary of Alaska’s tint rules. It is not formal legal advice.
Laws and local enforcement policies can change over time. If you receive a ticket or plan major changes to your
vehicle’s glass, consider checking the current text of Alaska’s laws or speaking with an Alaska attorney who
handles traffic matters.
Summary
To stay safe and avoid problems in Alaska:
- Keep your front side windows at 70% VLT or lighter.
- Keep your rear side and rear windows at 40% VLT or lighter, unless your vehicle’s factory glass and type fall under special rules.
- Avoid mirrored or shiny tint and stick to approved colors like green, gray, bronze, or neutral smoke.
- Use a trusted tint shop that knows Alaska’s laws.
- If you need darker tint for health reasons, make sure your medical exemption is approved and the paperwork is in the vehicle.
Following these rules will help you enjoy the comfort and privacy of tinted windows while staying legal on Alaska roads.