New Mexico Window Tint Laws 2024

Cruising down the open road in New Mexico with the sun beating down? Window tinting can be a tempting option for added comfort and privacy. But before you get your windows tinted, it’s important to understand the New Mexico tint laws and state regulations.

In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about NM tint laws.

Window tint laws in New Mexico were enacted in 1997 and the darkest legal tint in New Mexico is 20% VLT for all windows except the front windshield according to the car window tinting laws.

Understanding New Mexico Tint Laws:

Window tint darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which indicates the percentage of light allowed through the tinted window. Here’s a breakdown of legal tint darkness for different vehicle types.

Legal tint darkness for Cars:

• Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches.
• Front side windows: It should be allowed more than 20% of VLT.
• Back side windows: It should be allowed more than 20% of VLT.
• Rear window: It should be allowed more than 20% of VLT.

Legal tint darkness for Trucks:

• Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches.
• Front side windows: It should be allowed more than 20% of VLT light in.
• Back Side 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 New Mexico:

New Mexico tint laws restrict the level of reflection for car window tinting.

Tint Reflection for Cars:

• Front Side windows:  Only non-reflective tint film is allowed to be used.
• Back Side windows:  Only non-reflective tint film is allowed to be used.

Tint Reflection for Trucks:

• Front Side windows:  Only non-reflective tint film is allowed to be used.
• Back Side windows:  Only non-reflective tint film is allowed to be used.

New Mexico Window Tinting Rules and Regulations:

• Side mirrors: Both side mirrors are required in case of a tinted rear window below 60% of VLT.
• Restricted Colors: It is illegal to use Red, Yellow, and Amber colors. Any other color can be used for tinting purposes.
• Certificates: Window tint laws require films to be certified by the manufacturer. Confirm with your dealer if they use certified window films.
• Stickers: A sticker (1.5 sq inch) must be placed between the tint film and glass of each window for legal identification.
• Penalties: A violation of New Mexico car tint laws can cost you a $75 fine per infraction.
• Medical exemptions: Car tinting laws allow medical exceptions. Drivers with medical conditions requiring protection from direct sunlight are eligible for a window tint exemption from the New Mexico tint laws restrictions.

Tint law reference: New Mexico Statutes section 66-3-846.1 – Sun screening material on windshields and windows

Information about New Mexico State

Cities in New Mexico State

Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Roswell, Farmington, Hobbs, Clovis, Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Gallup, Deming, Los Lunas, Silver City, Aztec, Truth or Consequences, Ruidoso, Española, Grants, Hobbs, Los Alamos, Portales, Sunland Park, Moriarty, Capitan, Cimarron, Cloudcroft, Eunice, Hatch, Lovington, Melrose, Raton, Taos, T or C, Tucumcari, Wagon Mound and Moriarty.

Counties in New Mexico State

The State of New Mexico is divided into 33 counties.
Bernalillo, Catron, Chaves, Cibola, Colfax, Curry, De Baca, Dona Ana, Eddy, Grant, Guadalupe, Harding, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Los Alamos, Luna, McKinley, Mora, Otero, Quay, Rio Arriba, Roosevelt, San Juan, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Sierra, Socorro, Taos, Torrance, Union, and Valencia.