California Tint Limits Explained: Everything You Need to Know

California Tint Laws Explained

California vehicle tint laws were established in 2001 in an attempt to lower the rate of driving accidents. Officials noted a higher than average accident rate in California, particularly for injuries due to motor vehicle accidents, which could be lowered if drivers had better visibility through tinted windows. Since then, regulations have been established to allow window tinting that does not impede visibility and still allows people inside a vehicle to see outside.
While window tinting in California is fairly common, only 34 states allow wider ranges of tinting than California , and 17 others have no window tint law at all. The tint law permits sliding window tinting to have at least 70 percent of visible light transmission on the front window with percentages no less than 50 percent on all other windows. Front windshield tinting has a percentage maximum of 35, with a minimum of 4 inches of non-reflective tint on the uppermost portion of the window.
Tinting is allowed under certain other conditions. The back windows, except those that are rearview mirrors, can have up to 70 percent tint visibility, but with a maximum of 20 percent on SUVs and vans. Law prohibiting tinting can be waived for medical purposes, and exceptions are made for drivers with certain medical conditions who are required to wear eyewear.

Window-Specific Tint Limits

California regulations mandate specific tint percentage limitations on different car windows. For example, the tint percentage limit for front side windows and back side windows is different than the tint percentage limit for the rear window. The maximum tint percentage limit for the windshield is even more specific.
Front side windows must have a maximum tint of 70% visible light. If you want your car to have tinted windows, it should have at least 30% of visible light. For back side windows, the allowable tint percentage is 70%, allowing 30% of visible light to come through, like the front side windows. There is not a tint percentage limit for side rear windows, allowing the driver to choose whatever tint he or she wants.
The rear window, unlike the side rear windows, has a maximum tint percentage of 70%. That means the tint on the rear window can only be as dark as 70%, allowing 30% of visible light to come through. Again, the side rear windows are exempt from this tint percentage limit and the driver can choose the tint limit he or she would like for side rear windows.
Like the front side windows and rear window, the windshield has a specified tint percentage limit for cars and trucks. The tint percentage limit for the windshield is more relaxed, permitting at least 70% of visible light to come through the windshield. Unlike the side rear windows, the tint limit for the windshield is much lower than the tint percentage limit for the windshield because of the very important safety purpose the windshield serves. Having a very lightly tinted windshield is considered the safest option for drivers.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

Certain individuals may be eligible for exemptions to the tint darkness or lightness standard. Such exemptions are limited to individuals with certain debilitating conditions such as lupus, skin cancer, or porphyria, where exposure to bright sunlight can exacerbate their condition. In addition, contact dermatitis and other diseases that make contact with unprotected skin painful may also qualify for an exemption.
To apply for an exemption one must fill out the application form MV-80U issued by the DMV. To receive a new exemption, one must pay a $22 fee and file a new exemption request form with the DMV even if they currently have a valid exemption. Exemptions may be renewed at no charge. Unless notified by the Department of Motor Vehicles to the contrary, the exemption will remain valid during the life of the license issued to the individual. If the DMV grants the exemption, it will place a restriction on the licensee’s file, so that law enforcement officials can see the exemption in place. An "Exempt" sticker will not be placed on the windshield of the exempt vehicle. Exemption stickers were in use between July 1, 2007 and October 1, 2009. From October 1, 2009 to the present, the DMV has ceased issuing exemption stickers. The DMV plans to discontinue issuing exemption stickers to individuals who received exemptions prior to October 1, 2009. In addition, the DMV will cease mailing out exemption letters as of July 1, 2010. However, the exemption will remain on the individual’s file so that law enforcement can reference them for verification purposes.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

If you or your tint installer make the decision to ignore the legal limits for tint in California, there could be a few consequences. Non-compliance with the California tint laws can result in a fine. However, in most situations, a law enforcement officer who comes across a driver with illegal tint will more than likely issue a ticket. A windshield tint ticket in California will usually cost between $25 and $250, depending on how many times the driver has been cited for it . For this reason, it is always best to be on the safe side and follow the law when choosing the level of tint that you want on your windows. While having extremely dark tint on the front side and driver side windows may give your vehicle a sleek, cool look, it is unsettling to the law enforcement officers who may pull you over for any reason. Should that happen, and they see that your tint is darker than legally allowed, they are going to either give you a ticket or issue you a warning and ask that you get it removed.

Making Sure Your Tint is Compliant

When it comes to selecting a window tint that complies with the law, there are several important tips you should bear in mind:

1. Select an Approved Shade

Your first step should be to research which shades are permitted for your vehicle type. The manufacturer of many tint brands will carry a sticker indicating whether or not their shade is approved. For instance, 3M Tint offers a sticker on each box and roll they sell. If you do not see a sticker indicating approval, and tint of that shade can legally be sold, inquire with your dealership or tint installation company to determine why.

2. Give Your Installer Information

If you are having your tint installed, be sure to provide information on your make, model, and registration details. This way your installer can tell you which shades are legally permitted.

3. Ask for a Tint Label on Your Installed Windows

To differentiate between legal and illegal tint, the Department of Motor Vehicles requires that all vehicles have a label indicating compliance. Your tint installer can provide this for you, and it is typically a sticker that is placed at the corner of your tinted window.

4. Keep a Copy of Your Tint Installation Receipt

If, for some reason, you are pulled over and questioned about your tint, you can provide police with proof from your tint installer that your shade matches the legal shade permissible for your vehicle type.

5. Test Your Window Tints

The only way to know for sure that your tint meets the legal standard is to test them. There are two main methods for testing your tints at home.
The first method is to use a light meter, which you can find at many hardware and window installation retailers. Place the meter at the edge of your window, where the tint may not fully cover, and see what percentage of light is blocked. If it is under 70 percent, you have legal tint.
The second method involves rolling down your tinted window and looking out to see which way traffic is moving. If the tint is as dark as a pair of sunglasses, consider re-tinting.
Although tint laws may seem stringent, they are in place for a good reason – to ensure that drivers have proper visibility when driving their vehicles.

Tint Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to have any tint on your windscreen?
No. In California, tint is permissible on all windows of the vehicle, even the windscreen as long as it has an allowable reflection and VLT.
If the law allows for the tint to be a certain amount dark, can I add a darker tint later?
Yes. If the tint that was originally put on the car is legal, then you can add another layer as long as the combination of the two is compliant with the law. If your windows are fully tinted out, you would need to have the first tint of performed and documented to stay in compliance.
Is tint okay on a truck or SUV?
Yes, the same rules apply to all vehicles as far as the windshield and side and rear windows .
Do the tint laws vary by county in California?
No. The law is statewide. However, the enforcement methods and levels vary by county and municipality. For instance, some counties require a sticker that is issued by the Diagnostic Testing Centers. If the vehicle was tinted at a facility that doesn’t issue stickers, then you will need to have the strip of paper printed off and attached to the window to stay in compliance. Window tint exemptions are allowing vehicles to have darker tint than normally allowed. You may be required to show documentation from your physician stating the reason for the exemption.