New Jersey Window Tint Laws
New Jersey bans any aftermarket tint on the windshield and front side windows without a medical exemption; rear side windows and the rear window are not regulated.
New Jersey Window Tint Laws Chart
Official New Jersey Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under New Jersey vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| 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 New Jersey
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 Jersey Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
N.J.S.A. 39:3-74 does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
N.J.S.A. 39:3-74 has no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
N.J.S.A. 39:3-74 does not require a label or compliance certificate.
Medical Tint Exemptions
It must be requested BEFORE tinting (MVC form Sunscreening 1) with a prescription and the physician's section completed, including the photodermatological test. A temporary 60-day approval is issued; the installation is done by an MVC-authorized installer, and then the permanent approval arrives, valid for 48 months, which must be kept in the vehicle. Only for conditions listed in N.J.A.C. 13:20-1.5.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in New Jersey? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in New Jersey, front side windows must allow at least Not allowed 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 New Jersey? +
Under New Jersey law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Not allowed (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through New Jersey? +
While law enforcement in New Jersey enforces the state vehicle code (N.J.S.A. 39:3-74; regulation N.J.A.C. 13:20-1 (medical exemption)), 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 Jersey? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in New Jersey because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of Not allowed 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 Jersey, 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 Jersey statutes recognize a Not applicable. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does New Jersey allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, New Jersey 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 Jersey? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in New Jersey, 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 Jersey? +
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 Jersey
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
Dan's Mobile Window Tinting llc
📍 Flemington, NJ
Quality Tint by Nelson
📍 Municipio De Galloway, NJ
Elbow Grease Car Detailing & Window Tint
📍 Tinton Falls, NJ
World Class Auto / Mobile Tint
📍 South Plainfield, NJFind Tint Shops by City in New Jersey
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