New Jersey 2026 Window Tint Laws

New Jersey Tint Laws
Front Windshield 70% on AS-1-line
Front Side Windows No tint allowed
Back Side Windows No restrictions
Rear Windshield No restrictions
VLT = Visible Light Transmission percent
5% (limo) 85% (factory) 50% 70%

Quick summary: New Jersey tint laws allow front windshield tint of 70% VLT but only on AS-1 line. Front side windows must not be tinted. All windows behind driver can have any darkness.

New Jersey 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 Jersey

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 Jersey?

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

Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:

  • Windshield: 70% VLT tint is allowed on the windshield's AS-1 line (top ~5 inches).
  • Front side windows: No tint is allowed on front side windows.
  • 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 (MPV):

  • Windshield: 70% VLT tint is allowed on the windshield's AS-1 line (top ~5 inches).
  • Front side windows: No tint is allowed on front side windows.
  • 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 Jersey Tinting Rules & Regulations:

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

Tint Reflectiveness
Maximum 8% reflectance allowed.
Side Mirrors
Dual side mirrors are required if back window is tinted.
Restricted Colors
There are no tint colors specifically banned by New Jersey law. Under medical waivers, front windshield and front side windows must be clear film with no color.
Film Certification & Approval
Film manufacturers don't need to certify the film they sell in this state.
Stickers & Labels
Sticker to identify material, manufacturer and tint installation facility is required on each windshield and window with tint (NJ Rev Stat § 39:3-75.2; N.J.A.C. § 13:20-1.8)

Medical Exemptions

To apply for a medical window tint exemption in New Jersey, complete the MVC Sunscreening 1 application form and have your physician fill out the medical certification section. Your doctor must identify your qualifying condition and provide a prescription for vehicle sunscreening. Email or snail mail both documents to addresses indicated in the form.

The NJMVC will review your documents and notify you of its decision. If approved, you will receive temporary authorization (MVC Sunscreening 2) and an installation confirmation form (MVC Sunscreening 3). You must take both forms to an NJMVC-approved tinting facility (see list). Do not install the tint before receiving approval, and always use a licensed facility.

After installation, the facility must sign the confirmation form. Send it to the NJMVC by email or mail to receive permanent authorization (MVC Sunscreening 4). Keep this document in your vehicle at all times. The exemption is valid for 48 months and must be renewed with a new application and physician’s prescription.

Initial application costs $150, and renewals are $100, payable to the Motor Vehicle Commission. With medical waivers, front windshield tint can have 70% VLT, and front side windows 60%.

Quick FAQs

What are illegal tint penalties and fines in New Jersey?

Violating window tint laws in New Jersey is punishable with fines up to $1,000 under general motorized vehicle material provisions, though standard roadside tickets written under N.J.S.A. 39:3-74 often carry a base fine around $55 to $100 depending on the local municipal/state schedule.

Fines for second and subsequent offenses can rise to $5,000.

Retailers or shops that violate tint rules (such as failing to post warning signs, register with the Motor Vehicle Commission, verify medical cards or law enforcement status, or properly affix identification labels) face fines up to $5,000.


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 Jersey window tinting laws, rules and regulations.