New Hampshire Window Tint Laws
New Hampshire requires 70% VLT on front side windows and 35% on car rear windows; SUVs, vans and pickups may use factory-level darkness behind the driver, with side mirrors.
New Hampshire Window Tint Laws Chart
Official New Hampshire Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under New Hampshire vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Top 6 in. (35%) | Top 6 in. (35%) |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 70% | 70% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 35% | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 35% | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in New Hampshire
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).
New Hampshire Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Required on both sides if any window behind the driver is tinted.
Prohibited Tint Colors
RSA 266:58-a has no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
RSA 266:58-a does not require a label or compliance certificate.
Medical Tint Exemptions
Special permit from the Commissioner for people who need to tint the windshield or front side windows for medical reasons: never below 35% transmission. The Commissioner may consult a medical board. Documentation may be signed by a professional licensed in New Hampshire or affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The permit stays in the vehicle and lasts up to 2 years, or up to 4 if a lasting medical need is documented (RSA 266:58-a, III-a and 266:61-a, V, VII and IX).
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in New Hampshire? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in New Hampshire, front side windows must allow at least 70% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 35%, and the rear window requires 35%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in New Hampshire? +
Under New Hampshire law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Top 6 in. (35%) (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through New Hampshire? +
While law enforcement in New Hampshire enforces the state vehicle code (N.H. RSA 266:58-a), 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 New Hampshire? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire, 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. New Hampshire statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does New Hampshire allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire? +
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 New Hampshire
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
Gills Point S Tire & Auto - Merrimack
📍 East Merrimack, NH
IMS Detailing | Ceramic Pro Manchester
📍 Hooksett, NH
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