Our Iowa window tint laws are valid for 2023. 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:
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.
See: VLT Chart for 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.
Federal vehicle ID label on driver's front door frame will tell you whether your vehicle is 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.
Other Iowa tinting rules and regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in Iowa include the following:
- Side Mirrors: No restrictions on side mirrors in Iowa.
- Restricted Colors: No colors of tint are explicitly prohibited from use.
- Certificate Requirements: Manufacturers of film are not required to certify the film they sell in the state.
- Sticker Requirements: No sticker to identify legal tinting is required.
- Medical Exemption: 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 2023. Last update was on August 27th, 2022 (approximately 9 months ago). We are always notified of changes and update 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
More Iowa 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 »
