| 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 |
Quick summary: New Mexico tint laws allow front windshield tint only on AS-1 line or top 5 inches. Front side windows can have 20% VLT. All windows behind driver can have 20% VLT on passenger cars, or any darkness on multipurpose vehicles such as SUVs or vans.
Last updated on: . Confirmed accurate for 2026. Attorney verified
New Mexico 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 Mexico
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 Mexico?
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 (MPV):
- 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, 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 New Mexico Tinting Rules & Regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in New Mexico include the following:
No reflective or mirrored appearance allowed.
Dual side mirrors are required if any window behind driver has tint.
Red, yellow and amber are not permitted on windshield's AS-1 line.
Manufacturers of film must certify the product they sell in the state. Ask your dealer and confirm that they are using certified film.
The sticker to identify legal tinting is required on every tinted window.
Medical Exemptions
Exemptions are typically for individuals with medical conditions that require protection from sunlight (such as severe photosensitivity, lupus, or albinism). You must obtain a signed document, affidavit, or medical certificate from a licensed physician or optometrist in New Mexico stating that you have a medical condition requiring darker sun-screening material.
The signed medical document or exemption paper must be kept inside the vehicle at all times to present to law enforcement during traffic stops. Detailed information about the process or a medical exemption form are not available online, so patients with applicable medical conditions should contact local law enforcement or DMV for exact steps.
While New Mexico law recognizes medical exemptions from standard penalties, the statute itself does not explicitly outline specific VLT levels under medical waivers. Keep in mind that New Mexico already allows very dark window tint by default, and most states never allow front windshield tint below AS-1 line (even with waivers).
Quick FAQs
Violating New Mexico tint laws is a misdemeanor, punishable with a fine no more than $75. Some local jurisdictions or municipal tickets range from about $75 to $92 per violation.
A citation can sometimes be dismissed or reduced if you remove the illegal tint or bring the vehicle into compliance before your court date, though this depends on the officer and local court.
The last meaningful legislative change to New Mexico tint laws was made in 2018.
Our website is updated continuously. The latest major change is detailed below:
- October 31, 2026: Added more detailed information about medical exemptions and penalties.
- [LAW] July 1, 2018: Laws amended with penalties.
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 Mexico window tinting laws, rules and regulations.
Our article about New Mexico tint laws is up to date as of 2026. Last change was made on November 3rd, 2026 (approximately 9 days 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:
New Mexico Statutes section 66-3-846.1: Sun screening material on windshields and windows.
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