| Louisiana Tint Laws | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | SUV | |
| Front Windshield | AS-1 line (5″) | AS-1 line (5″) |
| Front Side Windows | 25% | 25% |
| Back Side Windows | 25% | No restrictions |
| Rear Windshield | 12% | No restrictions |
Note: Louisiana tint laws changed in 2025, and most other websites still display inaccurate data. Since August 1 2025, front side windows can have 25% VLT (old: 40%).
Quick summary: Louisiana tint laws allow front windshield tint on top 5 inches. Front side windows can have 25% VLT on all vehicles. Passenger cars can have 25% VLT on back side windows and 12% on rear window. Multipurpose vehicles like SUVs and vans can have any darkness on windows behind driver.
Last updated on: . Confirmed accurate for 2026. Attorney verified
Louisiana 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 Louisiana
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 Louisiana?
Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in Louisiana (LA), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.
Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on top 5 inches or above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: Must allow more than 25% of light in.
- Back side windows: Must allow more than 25% of light in.
- Rear window: Must allow more than 12% of light in.
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 on top 5 inches or above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: Must allow more than 25% 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 Louisiana Tinting Rules & Regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in Louisiana include the following:
Must not be more than 20% reflective.
No restrictions or requirements.
No tint colors are explicitly banned in Louisiana. Windshield AS-1 tint must not be red or amber.
Film manufacturers must certify all film sold in Louisiana to Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Check with your dealer if they are using certified film.
The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film and glass on lower right corner of the driver's side window. Tint installers must place a max 1.5 square inches label with their name and city on every tinted window.
Medical Exemptions
Window tint exemption form is linked in our resources below. The exemption expires and must be renewed every 3 years, except if granted to person over 60 years of age. Tint exemptions can be granted to vehicle owners, their spouses, or immediate family members.
Exemptions are not detailed in Louisiana statutes, and form does not specify exact VLT percentage. Since Louisiana laws already allow very dark tint of 25% or lower, medical waivers are frequently unnecessary.
Quick FAQs
Up to $150 for first offense, $250 for second offense, and no more than $350 for third and subsequent offenses.
Sellers, installers or manufacturers who sell or install illegal or uncertified tint will be fined $1,000 for first offense, $2,000 for second offense, and will receive a permanent prohibition of conducting tinting business upon 3rd conviction.
- Publicly owned law enforcement vehicles.
- Vehicles used by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for enforcement operations.
- Vehicles tinted before December 31, 1993 (requires a certificate in vehicle proving this).
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 Louisiana tint laws was made in 2025.
Our website is updated continuously. The latest major change is detailed below:
- November 3, 2026: Added information on penalties, medical exemptions, and exempt vehicles.
- August 1, 2025: Front side windows can now have 25% VLT; previously 40%.
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 Louisiana window tinting laws, rules and regulations.
Our article about Louisiana tint laws is up to date as of 2026. Last change was made on November 3rd, 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:
Louisiana State Legislature – §361.1 – View outward or inward through windshield or windows (RS 32:361.1); alternate link
Louisiana Laws – RS 32:361.2 – Medical exemption
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