Want cooler, more private windows in California but worried about tickets? This page explains California window tint rules in clear, simple language so you know what is legal before you tint.
Quick Rules at a Glance
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint strip allowed only on the top 4 inches (above or at the AS-1 line).
- Front side windows: Must let in at least 70% of light (70% VLT or lighter).
- Back side windows: Any darkness allowed.
- Rear window: Any darkness allowed, but the car must have dual side mirrors if the rear window is tinted.
- Reflectivity: Tint must not be more reflective than a standard window (no mirror-like or chrome finishes).
- Colors: Red, amber, and blue tints are not allowed.
- Medical exemptions: Some drivers can use darker tint with an approved medical exemption and proper paperwork.
In short: keep the front doors very light (70%+), use any darkness on rear glass with side mirrors,
and limit windshield tint to a narrow, non-reflective strip at the top.
What Is VLT and How Does It Work?
California, like most states, uses Visible Light Transmission (VLT) to describe tint darkness.
- VLT is the percentage of visible light that passes through the glass and film together.
- Higher VLT % = lighter tint (easier to see through).
- Lower VLT % = darker tint (harder to see through).
When the law says front side windows must allow at least 70% VLT, it means:
the combined glass and tint must let at least 70% of visible light through.
California Windshield Tint Rules
The windshield has the strictest rules because it is your main field of view.
- Tint is allowed only on the top 4 inches of the windshield (also called the AS-1 area on many vehicles).
- The strip must be non-reflective and cannot significantly reduce visibility.
- The rest of the windshield must stay essentially clear (no dark film across the full glass).
A common legal setup is a light, non-reflective “sun strip” at the top of the windshield with clear glass below.
Front Side Windows (Driver & Passenger)
California is very strict about the tint on the front side windows.
- Front side windows must allow at least 70% of light in.
- Because factory glass already has a little tint, any added film usually needs to be very light.
- Popular dark levels like 35%, 20%, or 5% “limo” are too dark for the front windows.
Many shops in California use 70% or lighter film on the front doors to keep cars legal.
Back Side Windows and Rear Window
The windows behind the driver have much more flexibility.
- Back side windows: You can use any tint darkness, including very dark 5% film.
- Rear window: You can also use any darkness on the rear window.
- If the rear window is tinted, the vehicle must have left and right side mirrors to give an adequate rear view.
This is why many California cars and SUVs have light front door tint and much darker tint on the rear doors and rear glass.
Reflectivity and Tint Colors
California controls not just how dark your tint is, but also how it looks from the outside.
- Tint on side windows cannot be more reflective than a standard factory window.
- Highly mirrored or chrome-like films are not allowed.
- Colors: red, amber, and blue tint are not allowed on vehicle windows.
- Most legal films are gray, charcoal, bronze, or neutral smoke with no strong color shift.
Certificates and Tint Stickers
California also has rules about documentation for tint film.
- Manufacturers of tint film sold in California must certify their products for legal use.
- Installers are expected to use certified film if they are tinting street-legal vehicles.
- Many shops apply a small sticker or certificate on the driver’s side window to show that legal film was used.
If you are pulled over, having proof that your film is certified can make the stop much easier.
Medical Exemptions
Some people need extra sun protection because of medical conditions, such as serious light sensitivity or skin disorders.
California allows medical exemptions for darker tint in certain situations.
- You must obtain a medical statement or certificate from a licensed physician or optometrist describing why extra tint is needed.
- You usually apply using the DMV’s exemption form (for example, REG 256A or an updated equivalent).
- Even with an exemption, the state typically allows only moderately darker tint on the front windows, not completely blacked-out glass.
- You must keep the exemption paperwork in the vehicle whenever you are driving.
Without valid paperwork present, officers will judge your tint under the standard 70% rule.
How Police Check Tint
California police can and do enforce tint laws, especially on the front side windows.
- Officers may visually spot very dark tint and pull you over for a check.
- They can use a handheld tint meter to measure the VLT of your windows.
- If the front windows or windshield strip do not meet the legal requirements, you can receive a ticket.
Many tint tickets start as “fix-it” citations, but repeated violations or failure to correct can lead to higher fines.
Penalties for Illegal Tint in California
Exact fines can vary, but window tint violations are typically treated as equipment violations under
California Vehicle Code section 26708.
- You may get a fix-it ticket, which gives you a deadline to remove or change the tint and show proof of correction.
- If you ignore the problem, later tickets can carry higher fines and may affect your registration.
- Driving repeatedly with knowingly illegal tint can attract more attention and more stops from law enforcement.
Is Your Tint Likely Legal?
Use this quick checklist to guess whether your tint is probably okay under California law:
- Front side windows: If your film is labeled around 70%, you are probably safe. If it is 35%, 20%, or 5%, it is almost certainly illegal on these windows.
- Back side & rear windows: Any darkness is allowed, as long as you have dual side mirrors and no banned colors.
- Windshield: Only a non-reflective strip on the top 4 inches should be tinted. No full windshield film.
- Colors & shine: Avoid red, amber, or blue hues and avoid mirror-like reflective film.
- Need darker tint for health? Make sure you have a valid medical exemption and keep the paperwork with you.
Important Legal Note
This page is a simple, plain-language summary of California window tint laws.
It is not formal legal advice and may not cover every special case.
Laws and enforcement can change. If you receive a tint ticket or plan extreme tint,
it is wise to check the latest version of California Vehicle Code § 26708
or talk with a California traffic attorney.
Summary
To stay comfortable and legal on California roads:
- Keep front side windows at 70% VLT or lighter.
- Use any darkness you want on back side windows and the rear window, but keep dual side mirrors if the rear is tinted.
- Limit windshield tint to a non-reflective 4-inch strip at the top.
- Avoid red, amber, blue tints and mirror-like reflective films.
- Use certified film and keep any medical exemption documents in your car.
Follow these guidelines to enjoy the benefits of window tint while avoiding tickets and headaches in California.