Keeping your car cool and your belongings protected with window tint is a popular choice for North Dakota drivers. But before you get your windows tinted, understanding the North Dakota tint laws is crucial to avoid fines and ensure safe driving.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about ND tint laws.
Window tint laws in North Dakota were enacted in 2003. The legal tint in North Dakota is 70% for front windshield and 35% for front side windows according to North Dakota legal tint Laws new bill Passed in March 2025.
Subsection 4 of section 39-21-39 of the North Dakota Century Code
How tint percentage is measured by the North Dakota Tint Laws?
The legal tint darkness level is measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which indicates the percentage of light that passes through the film. Here’s a breakdown of the legal VLT limits for different types of vehicles.
Legal tint darkness for sedans:
- Windshield: More than 70% of VLT should be allowed below the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: More than 35% of VLT should be allowed.
- Back side windows: Any darkness level is permitted.
- Rear window: Any darkness level is permitted.
Legal tint darkness for SUV and Van:
- Windshield: More than 70% of VLT should be allowed below the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: More than 35% of VLT should be allowed.
- 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 North Dakota:
Car tinting laws within North Dakota state do not allow tint reflection for any type of vehicle.
Tint Reflection for sedans:
- Front side windows: No reflectorized materials permitted.
- Back Side windows: No reflectorized materials permitted.
Tint Reflection for SUV and Van:
- Front side windows: No reflectorized materials permitted.
- Back Side windows: No reflectorized materials permitted.
North Dakota Window Tinting Rules and Regulations:
- Side mirrors: Both side mirrors are required in case of a tinted rear window.
- Restricted Colors: There is no restriction about using any tint color by the North Dakota window tint laws.
- Certificates: Film certification is not required by the film manufacturers.
- Medical Exemptions: North Dakota do not allow medical exemptions for auto window tinting.
Tint Laws Reference: North Dakota Laws 39-21-39. Windshield | Subsection 4 of section 39-21-39
Information about North Dakota State
North Dakota, situated in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, shares its borders with Canada to the north and the states of Montana, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Known for its expansive plains and rugged Badlands, North Dakota features a landscape of rolling prairies, winding rivers, and open skies. The state experiences a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, often dry summers, making it a place of striking seasonal contrasts.
North Dakota is the 19th largest U.S. state by land area and the 47th most populous (estimated 2023) state in the United States. The largest city is Fargo, while the capital city is Bismarck.
Capital
Bismarck
Population
796,568(2024)
Area
70,7062 (183,125 km2)
Cities in North Dakota State
Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, West Fargo, Williston, Dickinson, Mandan, Jamestown, Wahpeton, Devils Lake, Valley City, Grafton, Beulah, Rugby, Horace, Watford City, Lincoln, Casselton, Bottineau, Stanley, Lisbon, Harvey, Oakes, Carrington, Langdon, Park River, Mayville, New Town, Bowman, Hazen, Velva, Hillsboro, Killdeer, Cooperstown, Cavalier, Tioga, Mohall, Linton, Lakota, Ellendale, Kenmare, Garrison, Ashley, Hettinger, Enderlin, Northwood, Fessenden, Beach, and Surrey.
Counties in North Dakota State
Adams, Barnes, Benson, Billings, Bottineau, Bowman, Burke, Burleigh, Cass, Cavalier, Dickey, Divide, Dunn, Eddy, Emmons, Foster, Golden Valley, Grand Forks, Grant, Griggs, Hettinger, Kidder, LaMoure, Logan, McHenry, McIntosh, McKenzie, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Mountrail, Nelson, Oliver, Pembina, Pierce, Ramsey, Ransom, Renville, Richland, Rolette, Sargent, Sheridan, Sioux, Slope, Stark, Steele, Stutsman, Towner, Traill, Walsh, Ward, Wells, and Williams.