Our New Mexico 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.
| New Mexico Tint Laws | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | SUV | |
| Front Windshield | Top 5 inches | Top 5 inches |
| Front Side Windows | 20% | 20% |
| Back Side Windows | 20% | No restrictions |
| Rear Windshield | 20% | No restrictions |
Last updated on:
How dark can your window tint be in New Mexico?
Window tint darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%). In New Mexico 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 New Mexico (NM), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.
Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint above the manufacturer's AS-1 line is allowed.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 20% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Must allow more than 20% of light in.
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 20% of light in.
Passenger vehicles include sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.
Tint darkness for multi-purpose vehicles:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint above the manufacturer's AS-1 line is allowed.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 20% 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 New Mexico?
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 New Mexico.
Tint reflection for sedans:
- Front Side windows: No reference to reflectivity in the current law.
- Back Side windows: No reference to reflectivity in the current law.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
- Front Side windows: No reference to reflectivity in the current law.
- Back Side windows: No reference to reflectivity in the current law.
Other New Mexico tinting rules and regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in New Mexico include the following:
- Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if back window is tinted.
- Restricted Colors: No colors of tint are explicitly banned.
- Certificate Requirements: Manufacturers of film need to certify the film they sell in the state. Ask your dealer if they are using certified film.
- Sticker Requirements: The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on the driver’s side window.
- Medical Exemption: New Mexico allows medical exemptions for special tint. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult your state law.
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 New Mexico window tinting laws, rules and regulations.
Our article about New Mexico 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:
New Mexico Statutes section 66-3-846.1: Sun screening material on windshields and windows.
More New Mexico 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 »
