| Alabama Tint Laws | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | SUV | |
| Front Windshield | Top 6 inches | Top 6 inches |
| Front Side Windows | 32% | 32% |
| Back Side Windows | 32% | No restrictions |
| Rear Windshield | 32% | No restrictions |
Quick summary: Alabama tint laws permit front windshield tint only on top 6 inches. Front side windows can have 32% VLT. All windows behind driver can have 32% VLT on passenger vehicles, while SUVs have no darkness restrictions on windows behind driver.
Last updated on: . Confirmed accurate for 2026. Attorney verified
Alabama tint laws primarily regulate the darkness, but also specify other rules and regulations you need to know about such as reflectiveness or color restrictions. All laws are explained further below.
Window Tint Darkness in Alabama
Window tint darkness is measured in VLT (Visible Light Transmission) percent. VLT indicates how much light passes through both the film and the glass.
Drag the blue slider above to preview tint darkness. In most real world cases, applied tint will appear 10-20% darker compared to our tool.
See: VLT explained with chart and darkness examples
How dark can your window tint be in Alabama?
Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in Alabama (AL), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.
Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front side windows: Must allow more than 32% of light in.
- Back side windows: Must allow more than 32% of light in.
- Rear window: Must allow more than 32% of light in.
Passenger vehicles include: sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.
Tint darkness for multi-purpose vehicles (MPV):
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front side windows: Must allow more than 32% of light in.
- Back side windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear window: Any darkness can be used.
Multi-purpose vehicles include: SUV, pickup, van, truck, RV, and minibus.
AS-1 line typically extends between 4 and 6 inches parallel to the top of your windshield. AS-1 designation line is typically marked by glass manufacturer on the top edge of your windshield.
Depending on vehicle, your AS-1 strip may already be tinted. In most states windshield tint must not have any reflectiveness, and illegal colors typically include blue and red.
Some state tint laws specify exact number of inches you are allowed to tint on front windshields. Other states define this windscreen area simply as an AS-1 line. Learn more about AS-1 Line.
Federal vehicle ID label found on driver's front door frame will tell you whether your vehicle is classified as passenger or multi purpose vehicle.
- Passenger vehicles include: sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.
- Multi-purpose vehicles include: SUV, pickup, van, truck, RV, trailer, bus and minibus.
In most states vehicles fall under these two categories.
Other Alabama Tinting Rules & Regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in Alabama include the following:
Any tint installed must not be more than 20% reflective.
Outside rearview mirrors on each side of the vehicle are required when the darker tint is installed.
Red and amber and not allowed in front windshield.
Film manufacturers need to certify the film they sell in the state. Ask your dealer if they are using certified film.
Visible sticker/label of compliance installed by tinting dealer is required between the film & glass on each tinted window.
Medical Exemptions
Medical exemptions are issued by ALEA (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency), and require a written certification made by an Alabama licensed physician. Exemptions can be issued for vehicle owners, or persons who are habitual passengers.
Upon receiving an exemption certificate, a decal must be placed on windshield of each motor vehicle operated by the exempt person. Law doesn’t specify minimum tint darkness under medical exemption.
Medical application form or other detailed information is not available on any official sources online. Contact ALEA for more information and step-by-step application process.
Quick FAQs
- First conviction is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 or up to 10 days in jail.
- Second conviction within a year increases penalty to $200 and/or 30 days in jail.
- Third conviction within a year increases penalty to $500 or 3 months jail.
(Alabama Code Section 32-5C-7)
Alabama tinting regulations do not apply to the following:
- Vehicles registered in other states.
- Personal vehicles of active or retired law enforcement officers.
Laws typically do not apply to vehicles registered in other states, but to avoid fines during out of state travels you can considering carrying proof that the tint you have is legal in your home state.
Tint laws only regulate aftermarket tinting, so vehicles manufactured with darker windows are excluded.
Visible light transmission (VLT) measures how much visible light passes through a vehicle window. Law enforcement often uses a tint meter device to measure VLT. However, tint meters are not always perfectly accurate, and readings can vary slightly due to the equipment or measurement conditions.
To account for these small differences, Alabama allows a variance of 3% when measuring window tint. As tint meters are not 100% accurate, the tolerance should never be used to apply darker than legally permitted tint.
The last meaningful legislative change to Alabama tint laws was made in 2021.
Our website is updated continuously. The latest major change is detailed below:
- [SITE] November 2, 2026: Added information on penalties, medical exemptions, and exempt vehicles.
- [LAW] 2021: 32-5C-2 amended to allow tint exception for law enforcement personnel.
Our tint laws strictly reference official sources. You are welcome to verify data in official state laws linked below, or get in touch with your local DMV or police department to make sure you are not breaking Alabama window tinting laws, rules and regulations.
Our article about Alabama tint laws is up to date as of 2026. Last change was made on November 2nd, 2026 (approximately 1 day ago).
You can rest assured our legal experts are immediately notified of changes, and will always update this article with latest legislation when required.
Official law sources:
Alabama Code Title 32, Chapter 5C: Window tinting and medical exceptions
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – Tinting Regulations (also medical exemption contacts in bottom)
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