Hawaii Window Tint Laws
Hawaii allows 35% VLT on front side windows; since 2025, rear side windows and the rear window of all vehicles may be any darkness with dual side mirrors.
Hawaii Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Hawaii Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Hawaii vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | AS-1 or 4" | AS-1 or 4" |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 35% | 35% |
| 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 Hawaii
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).
Hawaii Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Required on both sides for rear side windows and the rear window to go beyond the limit (§291-21.5(e)(9)).
Prohibited Tint Colors
Mirrored or highly reflective finishes that look red, yellow, amber or blue from outside are banned (§291-21.5(b)(2)). The DOT may set visual criteria for color and reflectance by rule.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
The installer must give a certificate of compliance that must always be kept in the vehicle. Not having it when cited is presumed to be the installer's violation.
Medical Tint Exemptions
§291-21.5 does not provide a medical exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Hawaii? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Hawaii, front side windows must allow at least 35% 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 Hawaii? +
Under Hawaii law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: AS-1 or 4" (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Hawaii? +
While law enforcement in Hawaii enforces the state vehicle code (Haw. Rev. Stat. §291-21.5), 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 Hawaii? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Hawaii because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 35% 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 Hawaii, 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. Hawaii statutes recognize a ±6% on front side windows. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Hawaii allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Hawaii enforces statutory limits strictly, and medical waivers require formalized application with the state licensing or public safety division.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Hawaii? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Hawaii, 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 Hawaii? +
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.
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