Is It Illegal To Tint Your Car Windows?

Sometimes you just want to protect yourself from the sun. Other times, you want a little anonymity for your passengers and yourself as you unapologetically belt out “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey at a stop light. Well, you could tint your car windows and accomplish both. Easy, right? Not so fast. The police might take issue with how you darken your ride’s illegal tint. 

Your car window tint could be illegal depending on where you live, how dark they are, and which windows you’re tinting

Many owners are quick to modify their car as soon as they buy it. From bolt-on performance upgrades to aesthetic touches, it’s a very popular move for enthusiasts and big personalities alike. One such upgrade is to tint the windows on a car, adding a level of mystery to your ride. 

However, before you buy film or take your car to a shop that handles tint for car windows, you might want to consider your state’s laws regarding tint. 

Tint location
Allowable tint darkness (Most states)

Windshield
0%

Front side windows
35%-70%

Rear side windows
35%-100%

Rear window
35%-100%

To start, most states forbid tinting your windshield. However, there are caveats to the rule. For instance, California and Colorado will allow you to tint up to four inches of your windshield in the interest of UV protection. Conversely, Minnesota doesn’t allow any windshield tinting whatsoever.

Additionally, most states will allow around 35% tint darkness on the front side windows. However, some states, like New York and California, will allow as much as 70% tint. On the other hand, Rayno Film says New Jersey may find any level of front-side window tint on a car illegal. That can be a big issue for drivers commuting between New York and New Jersey.

Finally, most states permit car owners around 35% tint on the rear side and rear windows without reaching illegal levels. However, Connecticut and Delaware will allow full rear window tint. If you don’t want to get into hot water with the authorities, be sure to stay on top of the state and local laws.