Planning to tint your car in Idaho or wondering if your current tint is legal? This page explains the main Idaho window tint laws in clear, simple language so you know what is allowed before you tint.
Quick Rules at a Glance
- Applies to everyone: Idaho’s tint law applies to any motor vehicle operated on Idaho highways, no matter where it is registered.
- Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed above the AS-1 line; if there is no AS-1 mark, only the top 6 inches may be tinted. No film is allowed below that, unless you have a medical exemption.
- Front side windows (driver & passenger): Must have light transmission of at least 35% (35% VLT) with a tolerance of ±3%. Reflectivity must be 35% or less.
- Rear side windows (behind the driver): May be darker, but must still have at least 20% VLT (±3%) and not more than 35% reflectivity.
- Rear window (back glass): Must have at least 35% VLT (±3%) and not more than 35% reflectivity.
- Side mirrors: If the rear window is tinted so that your view straight back is blocked, the vehicle must have outside mirrors on both sides that show at least 200 feet behind.
- Colors: Idaho law does not list any specific banned tint colors, but all films must obey the VLT and reflectivity limits.
- Medical exemptions: With a doctor’s letter, a vehicle may have 70% VLT tint on the whole windshield and 20% VLT tint on other windows (±3%), with reflectivity up to 35%.
- Enforcement: Tint violations are treated as an infraction (a ticket), not a criminal offense.
In simple terms: keep the front doors and rear window at about 35% or lighter,
the rear side windows at 20% or lighter, tint only the top of the windshield,
and avoid mirror-like films.
What Is VLT?
Idaho uses Visible Light Transmission (VLT) to measure tint darkness.
- VLT is the percentage of visible light that passes through the glass and tint film together.
- Higher VLT % = lighter tint (easier to see through).
- Lower VLT % = darker tint (harder to see through).
When the law says 35% VLT with ±3% tolerance, it means the combined glass and film
should let about 35% of the light in; meter readings down to about 32% may still be accepted.
Windshield Tint Rules in Idaho
The windshield is regulated the most strictly.
- You may only use non-reflective tint:
- Above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line marked on the glass, or
- If there is no AS-1 mark, in a strip up to 6 inches down from the top of the windshield.
- No dark film is allowed on the main viewing area of the windshield under the standard rules.
- With a medical exemption, you may tint the full windshield to about 70% VLT,
which is a very light tint that mainly cuts UV and glare.
In everyday terms: you can have a thin non-reflective strip at the top of the windshield,
and the rest must stay clear unless you have a special medical waiver.
Front Side Windows (Driver & Passenger)
The front doors are where Idaho law is most commonly enforced.
- Front side windows (and small front side vents) may use tint with:
- Light transmission ≥ 35% VLT (with ±3% tolerance), and
- Luminous reflectance ≤ 35% (also with ±3% tolerance).
- Shops usually install film labeled around 35–40% for the front doors to be comfortably legal.
- Common dark shades like 15% or 5% “limo” on the front doors are almost always too dark for Idaho law.
If you want trouble-free tint, aim for film around 35% VLT on the front doors.
Rear Side Windows (Behind the Driver)
The side windows behind the driver can be darker than the front, but there are still limits.
- Rear side windows are allowed tint with:
- Light transmission ≥ 20% VLT (with ±3% tolerance), and
- Luminous reflectance ≤ 35%.
- Tint around 20% gives a noticeably dark look and more privacy while staying within the law.
- Anything darker than about 17–20% on these windows risks being too dark when tested.
So you can go darker in the back than in the front, but not full blackout.
Rear Window (Back Glass)
The rear window (rear windshield) follows the same light rule as the front doors, unless you are using a medical exemption.
- Under standard rules, the rear window:
- Must have ≥ 35% VLT (±3%), and
- Must not be more than 35% reflective.
- If the rear window tint makes it hard to see straight behind,
your vehicle must have outside mirrors on both sides giving a view of at least 200 feet to the rear.
A common legal setup is 35% on the rear window with slightly darker rear side windows (around 20%).
Reflectivity and Tint Colors
Idaho regulates how reflective your tint can be, but does not list specific banned colors.
- Maximum reflectivity: All tinted side and rear windows must have luminous reflectance ≤ 35% (±3%).
- This means mirror-like or chrome films that reflect a lot of light are not allowed.
- The statute does not ban particular colors, but unusual colors that affect visibility or attract attention might still be questioned.
- Most people choose neutral charcoal or gray tint with a standard, non-mirrored finish.
Medical Tint Exemptions in Idaho
Some drivers and passengers need extra protection from sunlight due to medical conditions.
Idaho allows darker tint for these cases.
- With written verification from a licensed physician that you must be protected from sunlight or heat:
- The front windshield may be tinted to at least 70% VLT (±3%).
- The other windows may be tinted to at least 20% VLT (±3%).
- All such tint must still have reflectance ≤ 35% (±3%).
- The physician’s verification must be carried in the vehicle whenever it is being driven.
- The exemption is for the person who needs protection; any vehicle used to transport that person may use the exemption tint levels.
Without the doctor’s note in the car, police will judge your tint under the normal rules, not the medical limits.
Other Idaho Tint Rules & Practical Notes
- 3% tolerance: Idaho law allows a ±3% VLT tolerance,
so a 35% limit window might test slightly lower and still be considered legal.
Even so, aim to be within the stated limits rather than relying on the margin. - Manufacturers & stickers: Idaho does not require film makers to certify tint,
and there is no mandatory tint sticker on the glass, so you are responsible for making sure your tint is legal. - Different vehicle types: Unlike many states, Idaho uses the same tint limits for passenger cars, SUVs, vans, and pickups.
Penalties for Illegal Tint in Idaho
Violating Idaho’s tint law is an infraction.
- You can receive a ticket if your tint does not meet the VLT or reflectivity requirements, or if tint is placed on parts of the windshield where it is not allowed.
- Fines vary by court and county, but they are typically in the tens of dollars to low hundreds range.
- Repeated violations may lead to higher fines and continued orders to remove or correct the tint.
- While it is not a criminal offense, having obviously illegal tint can lead to traffic stops and extra scrutiny.
Is Your Tint Likely Legal in Idaho?
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Windshield:
- Only a non-reflective strip above the AS-1 line or top 6 inches?
- No full dark film on the main viewing area (unless you have a 70% medical exemption)?
- Front side windows:
- Film labeled around 35–40% VLT? → Usually okay.
- Film labeled 20% or 5%? → Almost certainly too dark.
- Rear side windows:
- Labeled around 20% (not darker)? → Typically legal.
- Rear window:
- Labeled around 35% or lighter? → Typically legal.
- If it is very dark, do you have outside mirrors on both sides?
- Reflectivity & color:
- No mirror-like or chrome finish? → Better.
- Medical condition?
- If you use darker tint based on a medical need, do you keep your doctor’s letter in the vehicle?
If your tint is close to the legal limits, the only way to be sure is to have it checked with a meter at an inspection station,
a reputable tint shop, or by law enforcement.
Important Legal Note
This page is a plain-language summary of Idaho Code § 49-944 and related mirror rules.
It is not formal legal advice and may not cover every special case or future amendment.
For serious questions, tickets you want to fight, or custom setups near the limit,
you should read the current statute text and, if needed, talk with an Idaho attorney or law enforcement officer.
Summary
To stay comfortable and legal on Idaho roads:
- Keep front side windows and the rear window at about 35% VLT or lighter.
- Keep rear side windows at about 20% VLT or lighter.
- Limit windshield tint to a non-reflective strip above the AS-1 line or top 6 inches.
- Avoid mirrored films and keep reflectivity at or below 35%.
- Use the medical exemption route if you genuinely need darker tint for health reasons, and keep the paperwork in the car.
- Make sure you have two side mirrors if your rear window is heavily tinted.
Follow these guidelines and you can enjoy cooler, more private windows without constantly worrying about getting pulled over in Idaho.