Georgia Window Tint Laws
Since July 1, 2026, Georgia allows 28% VLT on front side windows and 15% on car rear side windows and rear window; SUVs, vans and pickups are exempt behind the driver.
Georgia Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Georgia Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Georgia 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 | 28% | 28% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 15% | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 15% | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Georgia
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).
Georgia Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
HB 1161 (text of §40-8-73.1) does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
Red and amber are banned in the top windshield strip.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
No label has been required since 2005.
Medical Tint Exemptions
A DPS permit for darker tint for medical need, with a statement signed by a physician or optometrist; it must be kept in the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Georgia? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Georgia, front side windows must allow at least 28% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 15%, and the rear window requires 15%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in Georgia? +
Under Georgia 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 Georgia? +
While law enforcement in Georgia enforces the state vehicle code (O.C.G.A. §40-8-73.1, as amended by HB 1161 (Act 640 of 2026)), 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 Georgia? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Georgia because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 28% 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 Georgia, 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. Georgia statutes recognize a ±3% on light transmission. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Georgia allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Georgia 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 Georgia? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Georgia, 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 Georgia? +
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 Georgia
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
Find Tint Shops by City in Georgia
Select your city to browse verified local installers, direct contact numbers, and customer reviews: