Idaho Window Tint Laws
Idaho allows 35% VLT on front side windows and the rear window and 20% on rear side windows, with a 35% reflectance cap.
Idaho Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Idaho Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Idaho vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | AS-1 or 6" | AS-1 or 6" |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 35% | 35% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 20% | 20% |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 35% | 35% |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Idaho
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).
Idaho Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
§49-944 does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
§49-944 has no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
§49-944 does not require a label or compliance certificate.
Medical Tint Exemptions
With a physician's written verification (protection from sun or heat due to a past or current treatment): windshield at 70% and other windows at 20%, always with reflectance of 35% or less. The verification must be kept in the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Idaho? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Idaho, front side windows must allow at least 35% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 20%, and the rear window requires 35%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow 20%.
Can you tint the front windshield in Idaho? +
Under Idaho law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: AS-1 or 6" (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Idaho? +
While law enforcement in Idaho enforces the state vehicle code (Idaho Code §49-944), 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 Idaho? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Idaho 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 Idaho, 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. Idaho statutes recognize a ±3% on transmission and reflectance. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Idaho allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Idaho 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 Idaho? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Idaho, 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 Idaho? +
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 Idaho
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