With 50 states in the United States, each with its own UV protection needs, traffic control challenges and governance priorities, it is likely no surprise that there is little conformity in automobile window tint laws. But this is nothing new, as discussions and disagreements around tinting automobile windows started almost as soon as cars became a necessity for everyday life.
A Brief History of Automobile Window Tint
In the 1950s, when people began regularly hitting the roads in automobiles, they noticed how sunlight often made seeing out the windows difficult and heated the vehicle to an uncomfortable temperature, causing some manufacturers to offer factory window tints by the end of the decade. In the 1960s, car owners began to experiment with available DIY window tinting, as new products came to market. By the 1970s, privacy became a concern and an opportunity. Mirrored and very dark tints began to show up in limousines and sports cars, and safety concerns began to surface.
Fast forward to the 1980s when states began to implement laws to control how dark automobile window tints could be and on what windows it was allowed by setting limits on Visible Light Transmission (VLT). With each state setting its own rules, there were immediate variations state to state. And they continue to transform over time to accommodate new products and concerns.
Because of this, drivers who travel in a vehicle with tinted windows should explore ahead of a trip to see where they might run into trouble because of their choices.
Are Any Rules Consistent?
One rule is uniform no matter the state, and that is the prohibition of tinting the entire front windshield of a vehicle. Of course, the allowed number of inches of tint and its VLT varies greatly from state to state.
Another rule that is mostly universal is the tint allowed on rear side windows and back windows. In both cases, states set few limits on the VLT allowed. That is, as long as the tint isn’t reflective. That is not allowed on any window in any state.
The State of Tint Laws
Most states allow some limited windshield tinting, as well as side and rear windows. However, some states stand out at extremes. Let’s explore some examples of each.
States with the least restrictive laws include:
- Hawaii doesn’t have a specific space allowance for windshield tint (ex. 4 inches from the top), but requires tint applied there to rate 70% VLT.
- New Mexico rules allow 20% VLT on front side windows, among the darkest in the nation.
- Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Washington join this list with less than 30% VLT requirement for front side windows.
- In Michigan, you can tint side windows to any percent, but only 4 inches from the top of the window.
- And in 32% of all states, there is no limit on back side window VLT. This is the law in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Utah, Vermont and Texas
Examples of most restrictive state laws:
- In New Jersey, there is a law prohibiting any aftermarket tinting on a vehicle’s windshield and front side windows.
- In another total ban, Minnesota prohibits any tinting of a vehicle’s windshield.
- Connecticut requires 65% transmission of light with a window tint compliance sticker from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Side windows are not allowed any tint in New Jersey and Vermont.
2025 Window Tint Laws in Florida, the home of Tint World® HQ
Since this is our home state, we’ll use Florida as an example of how laws might change from year to year. Lawmakers enacted new guidelines, taking effect in January 2025. There are differences in laws as applied to car owners and those driving trucks, vans or SUVs. Some of those changes include the following:
- Windshields: It is now illegal in Florida to cover your windshield in a tint. Car owners are still allowed to apply film above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, which is generally about 5 inches below the top of the windshield. This tint must be non-reflective.
- Front side windows: On a car’s front windows, tint with 28% VLT or lighter is allowed.
- Rear passenger and back windows (sedans and coupes): While the tint darkness on these windows once didn’t matter, it is now required to allow 15% light through.
- Rear side and back windows (vans, trucks and SUVs): Laws governing tint on these windows have also been updated to now allow 6% or more visible light.
What Does This Mean to Me?
If you think these rules are confusing, we agree! Luckily, most of us drive regularly in only one or two states. If you want to apply aftermarket window tint to your vehicle, you’d be smart to at least check the laws in yours and surrounding states. And if you plan to travel, try and bring your vehicle into compliance for all the states on your journey. Otherwise, you could risk being pulled over by police and fined.
If you have more questions about choosing window tint for your vehicle, reach out to your local Tint World location. They can help you decide on the right tint for your car, as well as identify possible issues before you get out on the road.
