Alabama Window Tint Laws
Alabama allows 32% VLT on front side windows and, for cars, on all rear windows; SUVs and vans may use any darkness behind the driver.
Alabama Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Alabama Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Alabama vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Top 6 in. | Top 6 in. |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 32% | 32% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 32% | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 32% | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Alabama
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
Alabama Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Required on both sides when the rear windows of an SUV or van are tinted darker than 32%.
Prohibited Tint Colors
Red and amber are banned only in the 6-inch windshield strip (§32-5C-3(4)). No color rules for other windows.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
Every vehicle with tint must display a label, visible from outside, stating that it complies (§32-5C-6). Manufacturers must register the film and label with the state before selling it in Alabama (§32-5C-5).
Medical Tint Exemptions
ALEA may grant an exemption with a written statement from an Alabama-licensed physician, for a vehicle the person owns or regularly rides in; ALEA sets the conditions and limits. For photosensitive porphyria, it covers all windows and the windshield as the physician specifies. ALEA issues a numbered windshield sticker and may charge a fee (§32-5C-4). Handled by the ALEA Medical Records Unit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Alabama? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Alabama, front side windows must allow at least 32% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 32%, and the rear window requires 32%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in Alabama? +
Under Alabama law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Top 6 in. (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Alabama? +
While law enforcement in Alabama enforces the state vehicle code (Code of Ala. §§32-5C-1 et seq. (Act 96-534)), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in Alabama? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Alabama because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 32% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in Alabama, and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. Alabama statutes recognize a 3% tolerance; the officer must carry a light transmission meter before stopping the driver (§32-5C-2(a)(2)). to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Alabama allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Alabama permits medical tint waivers for individuals with certified photosensitivity or UV-reactive conditions (such as lupus or porphyria). An official affidavit signed by a licensed physician must be approved and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Alabama? +
Yes. Alabama statutes mandate that an identifying certification sticker must be affixed between the tint film and glass (typically on the lower driver-side window) to certify compliance with state regulations.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Alabama? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
Top-Rated Window Tint Shops in Alabama
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
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