Want darker windows for the Arizona sun, but worried about getting a ticket? This guide explains the basic Arizona tint laws in clear, simple HTML you can use on your site.
Quick Rules at a Glance
- Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line (a mark near the top of the glass).
- Front side windows (driver & passenger): Must allow more than 33% of light to pass through (33% VLT or lighter).
- Rear side windows: Any darkness is allowed.
- Rear window: Any darkness is allowed, but you must have dual side mirrors if the rear window is heavily tinted.
- Reflectivity: Front and back side windows cannot be more than 35% reflective.
- Colors: Red and amber tints are not allowed.
- Medical exemptions: Darker tint is allowed if you are approved through Arizona’s medical review process.
In simple terms: 33%+ on the front doors, anything you want on the back and rear, keep reflectivity under 35%, and no red or amber film.
What Is VLT?
Arizona uses Visible Light Transmission (VLT) to describe how dark tint is.
- VLT is the % of light that passes through glass + film.
- High % = light tint (easy to see through).
- Low % = dark tint (harder to see through).
Arizona’s key number is 33% VLT on the front side windows. Anything darker than that (like 20%) is too dark on the front.
Arizona Windshield Tint Rules
The windshield has the strictest rules because it’s your main field of vision.
- You may add non-reflective tint only above the AS-1 line.
- The AS-1 line is a mark near the top of the windshield set by the manufacturer.
- You cannot cover the entire windshield or tint below the AS-1 line with dark film.
A common legal setup is a light “eyebrow” strip at the top of the windshield and clear glass below it.
Front Side Windows (Driver & Passenger)
Arizona is very clear on how light the front side windows must be.
- Must allow more than 33% of light through (33% VLT or lighter film).
- This applies to all vehicles: cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans.
- Dark tints like 20% or 5% “limo” are not legal on the front side windows.
If you want to be safe, many people choose around 35% tint on the front doors, which usually keeps them on the legal side of the 33% requirement.
Rear Side Windows & Rear Window
Arizona is much more relaxed about the windows behind the driver.
- Rear side windows: You can use any darkness, including 5% limo tint.
- Rear window: You can also use any darkness here.
- If the rear window is very dark, your vehicle should have dual side mirrors so you can still see behind you safely.
This is why many Arizona cars and SUVs have very dark tint in the back and a lighter tint on the front doors.
Reflectivity and Tint Colors
Arizona also regulates how shiny and what color your tint can be.
- Reflectivity: Front and back side windows cannot be more than 35% reflective.
- Mirror-like or chrome-looking films are not allowed.
- Colors: Red and amber tint are specifically banned.
- Most common legal films are gray, black, charcoal, bronze, or neutral smoke tones.
Medical Tint Exemptions in Arizona
Some people need darker tint for health reasons, such as serious light sensitivity or certain skin conditions.
Arizona allows this through a medical exemption.
- The rules are based on Arizona Revised Statute 28-959.01 and handled by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
- You must apply for a window tinting exemption through ADOT’s Medical Review program.
- A doctor must certify that you need extra protection from sunlight.
- If approved, you must keep the exemption paperwork in the vehicle as proof.
Without a valid exemption and paperwork, officers will judge your tint using the normal 33% and reflectivity rules.
How Police Check Your Tint
Arizona police can stop you for suspected illegal tint and check your windows with a tint meter.
- The meter clamps over the glass and reads the VLT%.
- If the front side windows do not meet the 33% VLT requirement, you can be cited.
- Officers also look for tint below the AS-1 line on the windshield and banned colors.
Arizona does enforce tint laws, especially on the front windows, so “hoping they won’t notice” isn’t a great strategy.
Penalties for Illegal Tint in Arizona
Exact fines can vary by city and court, but in general:
- You can receive a traffic ticket for illegal tint.
- You may be ordered to remove or replace the film to make the car legal.
- If you ignore the problem and keep driving with illegal tint, you can be cited again.
Fixing the tint as soon as you get a warning or ticket is usually the cheapest and least stressful option.
Is Your Tint Legal in Arizona?
Use this quick checklist:
- Front side windows: If your tint is listed as 35% or lighter, it’s usually okay. If it is 20% or 5%, it is almost certainly too dark.
- Rear side & rear window: Can be as dark as you like, as long as your mirrors give you a clear rear view.
- Windshield: Only a non-reflective strip above the AS-1 line is allowed. No full windshield tint.
- Colors & shine: No red or amber tint, and avoid mirror-like reflective films.
- Medical condition? If you need darker tint for health reasons, make sure your ADOT medical exemption is approved and the documents are in the car.
Important Legal Note
This page is a plain-language summary of Arizona tint rules based on
Arizona Revised Statute 28-959.01 and current guidance. It is not formal legal advice.
Laws and enforcement practices can change, and courts may interpret them differently.
If you get a ticket or plan major tint changes, consider checking the latest version of the law or talking with
an Arizona traffic attorney.
Summary
To stay legal and still enjoy cooler, more private windows in Arizona:
- Keep front side windows at 33% VLT or lighter.
- Feel free to go darker on rear side and rear windows, as long as you can see with your mirrors.
- Use non-reflective film above the windshield AS-1 line only.
- Avoid red/amber film and overly reflective tint.
- Get a proper medical exemption if you truly need darker tint for health reasons.
Following these rules helps you enjoy the benefits of tint while avoiding tickets and headaches on Arizona roads.