Indiana Window Tint Laws
Indiana allows 30% VLT and 25% reflectance on front side windows, the rear window and the windshield strip; rear side windows are not regulated.
Indiana Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Indiana Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Indiana vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Above AS-1 line (30%) | Above AS-1 line (30%) |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 30% | 30% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | Any darkness | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 30% | 30% |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Indiana
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).
Indiana Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
IC 9-19-19-4 does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
IC 9-19-19-4 has no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
No label is required. With factory-tinted glass, proof from the manufacturer, supplier or installer that it meets FMVSS 205 must be kept in the vehicle.
Medical Tint Exemptions
Certificate from an Indiana-licensed physician or optometrist, kept in the vehicle and renewed EVERY YEAR. It covers the owner or a regular passenger. An installer may tint beyond the limits after receiving that statement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Indiana? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Indiana, front side windows must allow at least 30% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow Any darkness, and the rear window requires 30%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in Indiana? +
Under Indiana law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Above AS-1 line (30%) (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Indiana? +
While law enforcement in Indiana enforces the state vehicle code (Ind. Code §9-19-19-4), 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 Indiana? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Indiana because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 30% 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 Indiana, 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. Indiana statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Indiana allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Indiana 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 Indiana? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Indiana, 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 Indiana? +
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 Indiana
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
Ezekiel Window Tinting & Paint Protection Film
📍 Lafayette, IN
King's Window Tint & Clear Bra
📍 Columbus, IN
Carr Tech Smart Autobody Solutions
📍 Leesburg, IN
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