| Connecticut Tint Laws | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | SUV | |
| Front Windshield | AS-1 Line | AS-1 Line |
| Front Side Windows | 35% | 35% |
| Back Side Windows | 35% | No restrictions |
| Rear Windshield | No restrictions | No restrictions |
Connecticut special: any vehicle with aftermarket tint must have the vehicle tint inspected and tested at the DMV. The DMV will issue a compliance sticker which must be affixed to the window.
Quick summary: Connecticut tint laws allow non-reflective tint only on top few inches of the front windshield. Front side windows can have 35% VLT. On passenger vehicles, side windows behind driver must have 35% VLT, but no darkness limits on SUVs. Rear windshield can have any darkness as long as vehicle has dual exterior rear view mirrors..
Last updated on: . Confirmed accurate for 2026. Attorney verified
Connecticut 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 Connecticut
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 Connecticut?
Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in Connecticut (CT), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.
Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Back side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- 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: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: Must allow more than 35% 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 Connecticut Tinting Rules & Regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in Connecticut include the following:
Front side windows at most 21% reflective, back side windows must not be more than 27% reflective.
Dual side mirrors are required if the rear window is tinted.
No window tint colors are explicitly prohibited. Red and amber not allowed on front windshield.
Film manufacturers need to certify the film they sell in Connecticut. Only state-approved tinting film is permitted.
Legible sticker to identify legal tinting is required in bottom left corner of each tinted window.
Medical Exemptions
Vehicle driver or “usual passenger” can receive a tinting exemption based on medical conditions that require further shielding from the sun. To apply for a medical waiver, written documentation by a Connecticut-licensed physician or optometrist must be submitted to the DMV’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Division (Form E-220 here).
With a medical exemption, tint down to 20% VLT is permitted. The waiver must be in vehicle at all times.
Quick FAQs
A 60-day notice will be given during which you can remove illegal window tint, potentially with a $150 infraction ticket. Getting caught again with illegal tint without rectifying can lead to vehicle impounding and further fines.
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, Connecticut 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 Connecticut tint laws was made in 2007.
Our website is updated continuously. The latest major change is detailed below:
- October 23, 2026: Added data on penalties, and medical exemptions.
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 Connecticut window tinting laws, rules and regulations.
Our article about Connecticut 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:
General Statutes of Connecticut, Title 13b, Chapter 246, Section 14-99g
Connecticut DMV – Vehicle Inspection – Additional information & fees – Tinted window requirements
Connecticut Application & Special Permit for Exemption from Tinted Window Requirements
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