California Window Tint Laws
California allows only clear UV-blocking film on front side windows (70% combined); rear side windows and the rear window may be any darkness, with side mirrors for a tinted rear window.
California Window Tint Laws Chart
Official California Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under California vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Top 29" abv seat | Top 29" abv seat |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 70% | 70% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | Any darkness | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | Any darkness | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in California
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).
California Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Required on both sides to tint the rear window.
Prohibited Tint Colors
Red and amber are banned in the windshield strip. Front side windows only allow colorless film.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
For clear film on the front side windows: a certificate signed by the installer (or the manufacturer) with full name and address, kept in the vehicle.
Medical Tint Exemptions
With a letter from a physician or optometrist, REMOVABLE sun screens (frame, roll-down shade), not film, are allowed on the front side windows: green, gray or neutral smoke, at least 35% transmission and no more than 35% reflectance. They may not be used at night. With a dermatologist's certificate: clear UV film (88% or more) on any window.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in California? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in California, front side windows must allow at least 70% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow Any darkness, and the rear window requires Any darkness. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in California? +
Under California law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Top 29" abv seat (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through California? +
While law enforcement in California enforces the state vehicle code (Cal. Veh. Code §§26708, 26708.2, 26708.5 (penalty: §40610)), 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 California? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in California because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 70% 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 California, 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. California statutes recognize a Not specified in the statute. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does California allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, California 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 California? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in California, but the vehicle must be capable of passing an optical light meter test during routine traffic stops or state inspections.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in California? +
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 California
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