Window tints provide many benefits over clear glass.
But there is a lot of complication around laws and regulations of window tints. Some states allow it, while others prohibit its use.
If you’re wondering about window tint laws in California, you have come to the right place. This article will discuss the California window tint laws and everything around it in detail.
If you live in California, this article is for you.
These California window tint laws are recently updated in 2023. They were actually enacted in the year 1999.
What are Window Tint Laws? Why These Laws Exist?
Stipulations in law that underline the restrictions on various specifications of window tints are commonly referred to as window tint laws.
These laws determine if you can use window tints in a specific state or not. If yes, then what will be the allowable visible light transmission (VLT) percentage and reflectivity? The law also covers the penalties for violation and parties exempt from following it.
These laws exist for security and safety reasons. With increasing crime rates and car-jacking incidents, it is important for law enforcement personnel to be able to see the driver.
A dark tint enables criminals to get away without any identification. This is why, to ensure the safety of all citizens, window tint laws have been implemented in all states.
Additionally, a dark tint hinders the view of the driver. This is why the traffic administration authority ensures that drivers are able to see through glass properly.
What are the VLT% Restrictions in the State of California?
Visible Light Transmission or VLT percentage is the percentage of the visible light that passes through the glass window.
A lower VLT% means a darker tint since it allows a lesser percentage of visible light to pass through it. Similarly, a higher VLT% means a lighter tint since it allows a higher percentage of visible light to pass through it.
Almost all states, including California, have imposed restrictions on the VLT% of tints. VLT% restrictions can be divided into two main categories: passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
Let’s discuss both these categories in California according to the California Vehicle Code, Division 12 Equipment of Vehicles, Chapter 4 Windshields and Mirrors – Section 26708:
For Passenger Cars
For Front Side Windows: The California window tint law defines that a minimum of 70% visible light should be passing through the tint film on the front side windows. This is on the higher side if you compare it with other states such as Colorado, Montana, and New Mexico.
For Rear Side Windows: There is no restriction on the VLT% of rear side windows for the passenger cars. You can use as dark tint as you want.
For Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
For Front Side Windows: The same rule has been applied to commercial and multi-purpose vehicles. According to California law, a minimum of 70% visible light should be passing through the tint film on the front side windows.
For Rear Side Windows: Similarly, there is no restriction on the VLT% of rear side windows for commercial cars. You can use as dark tint as you want.
Can You Use Tint on Windshields in California?
Let’s see what California tint law says about the use of window tint on windshields.
For Passenger Cars
Front Windshield: You can only use window tint on the top 4 inches of your front windshield for passenger cars in California.
Rear Windshield: You are allowed to apply a tint of any darkness level over the back windshield of your passenger car in California.
For Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
Front Windshield: You can only use window tint on the top 4 inches of your front windshield for commercial and multi-purpose vehicles in California.
Rear Windshield: You are allowed to apply a tint of any darkness level over the back windshield of your commercial and multi-purpose vehicles in California.
What are the Reflectivity Restrictions in California?
Reflectivity is slightly different from visible light transmission percentage.
Where VLT% decides the amount of visible light passing through the glass film, reflectivity is a measure of light dispersed or reflected by a tint film.
A lower reflectivity means that less amount of light is being reflected off the window glass. Similarly, a high reflectivity means that more light is being reflected.
Let’s see if there are any reflectivity restrictions in California.
Passenger Cars
For Front Side Window: There is no specific limit on reflectivity; however, the front windows should not be more reflective than a standard window.
For Rear Side Windows: There is no specific limit on reflectivity; however, the rear windows should not be more reflective than a standard window.
Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
For Front Side Window: There is no specific limit on reflectivity; however, the front windows should not be more reflective than a standard window.
For Rear Side Windows: There is no specific limit on reflectivity; however, the rear windows should not be more reflective than a standard window.
Can You Use a Colored Window Tint in California?
No, California tint law completely prohibits the use of any kind of colored tints on side windows. As far as the windshields are concerned, you can use a colored tint to cover them. But California tint law doesn’t permit the use of red, blue, and amber colors.
Is Anyone Exempt From the California Tint Laws?
Yes, according to the Assembly Bill no. 1303 (September 2017) – amended medical exemptions for the State of California people with medical conditions are exempt from California tint laws.
However, if you’re using a special tint due to a medical condition, you must carry a note from a licensed dermatologist, optometrist, physician or surgeon. Otherwise, when law enforcement pulls over, you might land in trouble.
Are there any Penalties for Not Complying With the Window Tinting Laws of California?
Yes, you may have to face incremental penalties for not complying with the window tinting laws of California. You can be fined a maximum of $25 for the first conviction.
Plus, you would need to remove the illegal window tint. If you become a repeat offender and break the law again within the year, the punishment becomes even steep. Subsequent offenses within a year will result in a fine of up to $197.
Source: California DMV, TintingHub
