Arkansas Window Tint Laws
Arkansas allows 25% VLT on front side windows and 10% on the rear window; car rear side windows must be 25% and SUV/van rear side windows 10%.
Arkansas Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Arkansas Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Arkansas vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Top 5 in. | Top 5 in. |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 25% | 25% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 25% | 10% |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 10% | 10% |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Arkansas
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).
Arkansas Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
§27-37-306 does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
§27-37-306 has no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
A label is required on the front window immediately to the left of the driver, showing the installer's name and phone number and a statement that all tint complies.
Medical Tint Exemptions
With a medical certification (albinism, lupus, etc.) kept in the vehicle and valid for 3 years: front and rear side windows at 20%, rear window at 10% and windshield at 50%. When selling the car, the buyer must be told or the tint removed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Arkansas? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Arkansas, front side windows must allow at least 25% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 25%, and the rear window requires 10%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow 10%.
Can you tint the front windshield in Arkansas? +
Under Arkansas law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Top 5 in. (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Arkansas? +
While law enforcement in Arkansas enforces the state vehicle code (Ark. Code Ann. §27-37-306), 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 Arkansas? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Arkansas because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 25% 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 Arkansas, 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. Arkansas statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Arkansas allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Arkansas 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 Arkansas? +
Yes. Arkansas 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 Arkansas? +
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 Arkansas
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
Elite Protective Film
📍 North Little Rock, AR
TopTint Mobile Window Tinting
📍 North Little Rock, AR
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