New Hampshire 2026 Window Tint Laws

New Hampshire Tint Laws
Sedan SUV
Front Windshield 35% on top 6 inches 35% on top 6 inches
Front Side Windows 70% 70%
Back Side Windows 35% Any darkness
Rear Windshield 35% Any darkness
VLT = Visible Light Transmission percent
5% (limo) 85% (factory) 35% 70%

Quick summary: New Hampshire tint laws allow front windshield tint of 35% VLT but only on top 6 inches. Front side windows can have 70% VLT. All windows behind driver can have 35% VLT on passenger cars, and any darkness on multipurpose vehicles like SUVs and vans.

New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire

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 New Hampshire?

Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in New Hampshire (NH), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.

Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint no darker than 35% VLT is allowed on the top 6 inches.
  • Front side windows: Must allow more than 70% 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 (MPV):

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint no darker than 35% VLT is allowed on the top 6 inches.
  • 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, pickup, van, truck, RV, and minibus.

What is AS-1 line?

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.

Tinted AS-1 line on 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.

Vehicle Classification: Passenger or MPV?

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 New Hampshire Tinting Rules & Regulations:

Other laws, rules and regulations in New Hampshire include the following:

Tint Reflectiveness
Reflective or metallic tinting is not mentioned in laws.
Side Mirrors
Dual side mirrors are required when any window behind driver is tinted.
Restricted Colors
No restrictions on tint colors.
Film Certification & Approval
Manufacturers of film do not need to certify the film they sell in New Hampshire.
Stickers & Labels
State law does not require stickers to identify legal tinting.

Medical Exemptions

New Hampshire allows darker tinting with medical exemptions. Persons who require additional tinting on front windshield or side windows can submit an application to the DMV. Once approved, the waiver is granted for two years, and must then be renewed.

Under medical exemptions, entire front windshield and side windows can be tinted to 35% VLT. Additional information along with a fillable form is linked in our resources below.

Quick FAQs

What are illegal tint penalties and fines in New Hampshire?

Violating tint laws in New Hampshire is considered a violation, not a misdemeanor.

Under New Hampshire law (RSA 262:41 and the New Hampshire DMV’s Uniform Fine Schedule), window tint violations are treated as non-moving traffic infractions subject to general penalty fines:

  • First Offense: $62.00 fine (plus any local surcharges or fees depending on the specific municipal enforcement).
  • Subsequent Offense (within a calendar year): $124.00 fine.

Additional penalties & consequences:

  • Inspection Failures: Driving a vehicle with illegal aftermarket tint will cause the car to fail its annual New Hampshire state safety inspection.
  • Local Enforcement: Local police departments (such as in towns like Londonderry or Merrimack) may issue specific citations or escalate tickets depending on the darkness of the tint (e.g., very dark 5% or 20% tints).
When were the tint laws last updated?

The last meaningful legislative change to New Hampshire tint laws was made in 2024.

Our website is updated continuously. The latest major change is detailed below:

  • October 30, 2026: Added more detailed information about medical exemptions.
  • [LAW] June 20, 2024: House Bill 370 signed into law, allowing medical exemption tint to front side windows.

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 New Hampshire window tinting laws, rules and regulations.