| Pennsylvania Tint Laws | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | SUV | |
| Front Windshield | 70% | 70% |
| Front Side Windows | 70% | 70% |
| Back Side Windows | 70% | No restrictions |
| Rear Windshield | 70% | No restrictions |
Note: Penn tinting laws do not mention specific VLT percentages. Instead, the 70% is clearly allowed by Department of Transportation’s Fact Sheet (linked in our resources section below), which we consider official source.
Quick summary: Pennsylvania tint laws permit 70% VLT on all windows, even on front windshield. Windows behind driver on multipurpose vehicles such as SUVs or vans can have any darkness.
Last updated on: . Confirmed accurate for 2026. Attorney verified
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania?
Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in Pennsylvania (PA), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.
Tint darkness for passenger vehicles:
- Windshield: Windshield must have over 70% VLT. Any VLT allowed only on top 3 inches.
- Front side windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- Back side windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- Rear window: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
Passenger vehicles include: sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.
Tint darkness for multi-purpose vehicles (MPV):
- Windshield: Windshield must have over 70% VLT. Any VLT allowed only on top 3 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.
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 Pennsylvania Tinting Rules & Regulations:
Other laws, rules and regulations in Pennsylvania include the following:
Mirrored or metallic appearance not mentioned in laws.
Laws do not required exterior side mirrors based on window tint.
No colors of tint are explicitly banned.
Film manufacturers are not required to certify the film they sell in Pennsylvania.
Label must be installed on every tinted window containing name of material manufacturer and "Complies with VESC-20” statement.
Medical Exemptions
Medical exemptions are available for the use of colorless window tint products that filter incoming ultra violet light. Specific light transmission levels are not mentioned in laws or other official online resources. A medical exemption application form is also unavailable.
To apply for a medical exemption or for questions regarding the medical exemption process, contact PennDOT’s Medical Unit at (717) 787-9662.
Quick FAQs
An illegal window tint violation in Pennsylvania carries a fine of up to $50 to $110 depending on the specific code enforcement, plus potential court costs. Window tint is a primary offense in Pennsylvania, meaning police officers can pull your vehicle over solely for suspected illegal tint.
Local ordinances (such as in Philadelphia) enforce a flat $100 fine for both moving and parked vehicles (official source). The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) and police can ticket parked cars with illegal tint.
Additionally, law enforcement officers may require you to remove the non-compliant tint or provide proof of correction.
Vehicles exempt from tint laws include:
- Ambulance vehicles
- Government vehicles
- Hearses
- Other vehicles with a valid certificate of exemption
Source: 75 PA Cons Stat § 4524
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 Pennsylvania tint laws was made in 2001.
Our website is updated continuously. The latest major change is detailed below:
- November 1, 2026: Added detailed information about penalties and medical exemptions.
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 Pennsylvania window tinting laws, rules and regulations.
Our article about Pennsylvania tint laws is up to date as of 2026. Last change was made on November 1st, 2026 (approximately 2 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:
Pennsylvania Code Title 75 – VEHICLES, § 4524; alternate link (unofficial)
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Vehicle Window Tint Fact Sheet [PDF file]; alternate mirror link
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