Keeping your car cool and comfortable with window tinting is a no-brainer in California’s sunny climate. But before you get your windows tinted, it’s crucial to understand the California tint laws.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of California’s window tint regulations, ensuring you stay legal and avoid any violation of vehicle tint laws.
California tint laws were enacted in 1999. California’s darkest legal tint limit is 70% VLT for front-side windows.
How tint percentage is measured by the California Tint Laws?
The legal tint of darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which indicates the percentage of light that passes through the film.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the California tinted windows law for different types of vehicles.
Legal tint darkness for sedans:
- Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches.
- Front side windows: Aftermarket tint should be a minimum of 88% and at least 70% of visible light transmission with combined factory-tinted windows.
- Backside windows: Any darkness level is permitted.
- Rear window: Any darkness level is permitted.
Legal tint darkness for SUV and Van:
- Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches.
- Front side windows: Aftermarket tint should be a minimum of 88% and at least 70% of visible light transmission with combined factory-tinted windows.
- Backside windows: Any darkness level is permitted.
- Rear window: Any darkness level is permitted.
Important Note: It’s crucial to remember that these are the minimum VLT requirements. You can have a lighter tint (higher VLT percentage) as long as it meets the legal limit. However, anything darker than the specified VLT is considered illegal.
Window Tint Reflection in California:
California tint laws allow a certain percentage of tint reflection for all types of vehicles.
Tint reflection for Sedans:
- Front side windows: They should not be more reflective than standard windows.
- Back Side windows: They should not be more reflective than standard windows.
Tint reflection for SUV and Van:
- Front side windows: They should not be more reflective than standard windows.
- Back Side windows: They should not be more reflective than standard windows.
California Window Tinting Rules and Regulations:
- Side mirrors: Both side mirrors are required in case of a tinted rear window.
- Restricted Colors: Red, amber, and blue colors are illegal. Any other color can be used for tinting purposes by California tint law.
- Certificates: A certificate showing the tint’s specifications must be provided by the installer upon request from law enforcement.
- Stickers: A tint certification sticker must be placed in the lower left corner of the driver’s side window.
- Medical tint exemptions: A doctor’s written statement may allow exceptions to the tint darkness requirements for medical reasons.
California tint laws reference: Assembly Bill no. 1303 (September 2017) – amended medical exemptions.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
- Citations: A citation for violating the tint law can lead to fines ranging from $25 to $200.
- Correction Orders: You may be issued a correction order, requiring you to remove the illegal tint or to have it adjusted to meet the legal VLT specifications.
- Registration Denial: In extreme cases, your vehicle’s registration renewal may be denied until the tint violation is corrected.
Important Tips:
- Choose a Reputable Tinting Shop: Opt for a licensed and experienced window tinting professional who uses high-quality film and adheres to tinting laws in California regulations.
- Verify VLT Percentage: Before installation, ensure the chosen tint film meets the legal VLT requirements for your specific vehicle windows.
- Keep the Certificate Handy: Always keep the Certificate of Compliance in your vehicle as proof of legal tint.
- Consult a Professional: If you have any questions or uncertainties regarding the regulations, consult a qualified window tinting professional or the California DMV.
Tint Laws Reference: California Vehicle Code, Division 12 Equipment of Vehicles, Chapter 4 Windshields and Mirrors – Section 26708
Information about California State
California, nicknamed the Golden State, sits on the Western coast of the United States. It borders the states of Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon. Additionally, it extends southward to Mexico and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west.
California’s booming economy, the largest of any state, is driven by technological, entertainment, and agriculture innovation. Despite its prosperity, the state faces challenges like managing water resources, housing affordability, and mitigating natural disasters like wildfires.
Capital
Sacramento
Population
39.11 million (2023)
Area
163,696 mi² (423,967 km2).
Major cities in California:
Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Stockton, Riverside, Irvine, Santa Ana, Chula Vista, Fremont, Santa Clarita, San Bernardino, Modesto, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Oxnard, Huntington Beach, Glendale, Ontario, Elk Grove, Santa Rosa, Rancho Cucamonga, Oceanside, Garden Grove, Lancaster, Palmdale, Salinas, Corona, Hayward, Roseville, Sunnyvale, Escondido, Pomona, Visalia, Torrance, Fullerton, Victorville, Orange, Pasadena.
Santa Clara, Clovis, Simi Valley, Santa Clarita, Vallejo, Concord, Fairfield, Berkeley, Antioch, Richmond, Carlsbad, Murrieta, Temecula, Santa Maria, Downey, Ventura, Costa Mesa, Menifee, Jurupa Valley, El Monte, West Covina, El Cajon, Burbank, Inglewood, Rialto, Vacaville, Chico, San Mateo, Hesperia, Daly City, Norwalk, Vista, Tracy, San Marcos, Chino, Redding, Carson, Compton, Indio, Mission Viejo, Merced, South Gate, Hemet, Santa Monica, Westminster, Santa Barbara, Manteca, San Leandro, Citrus Heights, San Ramon
Counties in California:
Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Santa Clara County, San Francisco County, Fresno County, Sacramento County, Alameda County, Kern County, Orange County, San Joaquin County, Riverside County, Ventura County, Stanislaus County, San Bernardino County, Monterey County, Placer County, Santa Barbara County, Butte County, San Mateo County, Shasta County, Solano County, Contra Costa County, Tulare County, Sonoma County, Santa Cruz County, Merced County, Marin County, San Luis Obispo County, Yolo County, El Dorado County, Madera County, Nevada County, Humboldt County.
Imperial County, Kings County, Napa County, Sutter County, Santa Clara County, Monterey County, Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz County, Mendocino County, San Benito County, Tuolumne County, Amador County, Colusa County, Lake County, Glenn County, Del Norte County, Calaveras County, Trinity County, Siskiyou County, Lassen County, Plumas County, Mariposa County, Inyo County, Mono County, Sierra County, Modoc County.