| California Tint Laws | |
|---|---|
| Front Windshield | Top 4 inches |
| Front Side Windows | 70% |
| Back Side Windows | No restrictions |
| Rear Windshield | No restrictions |
California’s laws specifically require aftermarket film to have minimum VLT of 88% on front side windows, for a total of 70% light transmittance when combined with factory glass.
Quick summary: California tint laws permit front windshield tint only on top 4 inches. Front side windows can have at most 88% aftermarket tint, or 70% total VLT. Windows behind driver seat can have any darkness.
Last updated on: . Confirmed accurate for 2026. Attorney verified
California 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 California
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 California?
Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in California (CA), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.
Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:
- Windshield: No window tint is allowed.
- Front side windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- Back side windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear window: Any darkness can be used.
Passenger vehicles include: sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.
Tint darkness for multi-purpose vehicles (MPV):
- Windshield: No window tint is allowed.
- Front side windows: Must allow more than 70% 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 California Tinting Rules & Regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in California include the following:
Installed tint film must not be more reflective than a standard window.
Dual side mirrors are required if the rear window is tinted.
California tint laws do not permit using red, amber or blue tint colors.
Film manufacturers need to certify the film they sell in the state. Driver must have the certificate identifying the installing company and material manufacturer by full name and address in their possession.
State law requires a certificate or a sticker from the installing company and the manufacturer's name and address.
Medical Exemptions
In California, exemptions for certain medical conditions are possible, but not practical. A certificate or other document signed by a licensed dermatologist, optometrist, surgeon or other physician must be carried in vehicle at all times, which states that the driver or passenger needs to be shaded from sun.
Most importantly, using devices installed under medical exemptions is not allowed during night time. As such, installing tinting film with medical waivers is not legally feasible. Any installed devices must be easily removable, green, gray or neutral smoke color, and have minimum 35% VLT.
Relevant law excerpts for medical exemptions can be viewed by expanding sections below:
Quick FAQs
A first-offense window tint violation in California is typically issued as a fix-it ticket with a base fine of $25, though total costs often reach around $197 once court fees and assessments are included.
With a fix-it ticket, you must remove the illegal tint or adjust it to meet California Vehicle Code 2670. Submit the signed proof of correction to the court along with a dismissal fee (typically around $25), which drops the base fine.
Ignoring a fix-it ticket or failing to fix the tint can lead to recurring higher fines (often $200–$350) and may block vehicle registration renewal. Subsequent or severe non-compliance can escalate into larger fines up to $500, additional court assessments, potential registration suspension, or driver’s license/privilege actions.
Vehicles owned or leased by law enforcement (for performing their duties) are exempt from tint laws.
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.
The last meaningful legislative change to California tint laws was made in 2026.
Our website is updated continuously. The latest major change is detailed below:
- November 3, 2026: Added information about penalties.
- October 16, 2026: Added information about medical exemptions, and exempt vehicles.
- [LAW] 2026: SB 506; clear-film rules, no changes to VLT.
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 California window tinting laws, rules and regulations.
Our article about California tint laws is up to date as of 2026. Last change was made on November 2nd, 2026 (approximately 6 days 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:
California Vehicle Code section 26708: Material Obstructing or Reducing Driver’s View
More California traffic law questions?
Our partnered traffic lawyers are always online and ready to answer your questions. Get immediate answers from real attorneys and experts in their field! Ask a question now »
Ask a lawyer »
