Our Iowa 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.
| Iowa Tint Laws | |
|---|---|
| Front Windshield | 70% |
| Front Side Windows | 70% |
| Back Side Windows | No restrictions |
| Rear Windshield | No restrictions |
Last updated on: . Confirmed accurate for 2025.
How dark can your window tint be in Iowa?
Window tint darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%). In Iowa 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 Iowa (IA), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.
Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:
- Windshield: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- 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:
- Windshield: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- 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, 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 Iowa?
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 Iowa.
Tint reflection for sedans:
- Front Side windows: Not excessive reflectiveness, law is not specific.
- Back Side windows: Not excessive reflectiveness, law is not specific.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
- Front Side windows: Not excessive reflectiveness, law is not specific.
- Back Side windows: Not excessive reflectiveness, law is not specific.
Learn about Reflective window tint.
Other Iowa tinting rules and regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in Iowa include the following:
No restrictions on side mirrors in Iowa.
No colors of tint are explicitly prohibited from use.
Manufacturers of film are not required to certify the film they sell in the state.
No sticker to identify legal tinting is required.
Iowa doesn't permit darker window tinting due to medical exemptions since July 2012.
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 Iowa window tinting laws, rules and regulations.
Our article about Iowa tint laws is up to date as of 2025. Last change was made on August 27th, 2022 (approximately 3 years 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:
Iowa Code Title VIII, Subtitle II, Section 321.438: Windshields and windows. (.PDF)
Iowa Department of Transportation - Window Tinting Standards
Iowa Administrative Code - IAC Rule 761.450.7 - Front windshields, windows or sidewings
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