Our Illinois window tint laws are valid for 2025. These laws regulate how dark and reflective your car tint may be, but also specify other rules and regulations you need to know about.
| Illinois Tint Laws | |
|---|---|
| Front Windshield | Top 6 inches |
| Front Side Windows | 35% |
| Back Side Windows | 35% |
| Rear Windshield | 35% |
Illinois tint laws are more complex than most states. As specified by laws, these are three different cases of permitted VLT levels:
- If all rear windows (behind the driver) let in at least 35% of light, → then you can tint the front side windows with film that lets in at least 35% of light (35% VLT).
- If all rear windows let in at least 30% of light, → then you can tint the front side windows, but only with film that lets in at least 50% of light.
- If the car came from the factory with tinted glass (nonreflective, smoked) on the rear windows with any VLT percentage, → then you can tint the front side windows with film that lets in at least 50% of light.
Because tint meters aren’t 100% accurate, a 5% margin of error is permitted by law. This 5% variance is not included in numbers above.
Important: These laws are valid for all vehicles. Nothing in IL tint laws mentions different tint darkness for sedan vs SUV vehicles. Feel free to read the laws yourself to confirm. Most websites claim multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs, vans, etc.) can have darker tint, which is inaccurate.
The penalty for violating Illinois tint laws is a petty offense with a fine ranging from $50 to $500. Subsequent offenses are treated as a Class C misdemeanor with a fine from $100 to $500. If convicted, you will be required to remove illegal tint.
Last updated on: . Confirmed accurate for 2025.
How dark can your window tint be in Illinois?
Window tint darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%). In Illinois this refers to the percent of visible light allowed in through both the film and the glass.
Drag the slider above to preview tint darkness. In most cases, applied tint will appear 5-15% darker.
See: VLT explained with chart and darkness examples
Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in Illinois (IL), 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 35% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
Passenger vehicles include sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.
Tint darkness for multi-purpose vehicles:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
Multi-purpose vehicles include SUV, pickups, vans, RVs, and minibuses.
AS-1 line typically extends 4-6 inches parallel to the top of your windshield. AS-1 designation line is typically marked in bottom or top edge of your windshield.
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.
How reflective can your window tint be in Illinois?
Tinting film may contain metallic elements which help in reflecting incoming light. This reduces glare and heat generated by visible light. Below you can find out how much reflection is permitted on your car window tint film by law in Illinois.
Tint reflection for sedans:
- Front Side windows: Must be non reflective, state law is not specific about what this means.
- Back Side windows: Must be non reflective, state law is not specific about what this means.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
- Front Side windows: Must be non reflective, state law is not specific about what this means.
- Back Side windows: Must be non reflective, state law is not specific about what this means.
Learn about Reflective window tint.
Other Illinois tinting rules and regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in Illinois include the following:
Dual side mirrors are required if any back window is tinted.
No colors of tint are explicitly banned by Illinois tint laws.
Manufacturers of film do NOT need to certify the film they sell in the state.
No sticker to identify legal tinting is required.
Illinois does allow medical exemptions for darker tint. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult your state law.
Remember that state tint laws may be interpreted differently by your local law authorities. Get in touch with your county DMV or police department to make sure you are not breaking Illinois window tinting laws, rules and regulations.
Our article about Illinois tint laws is up to date as of 2025. Last change was made on July 28th, 2025 (approximately 2 months 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:
Illinois Vehicle Code Chapter 12, Article V - Glass, Windshields, and Mirrors
Illinois Tinted Window Medical Certification form [PDF file]
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