Georgia now allows darker window tint. Since July 1, 2026, front side windows must let in at least 28% of light, down from 32%, and rear side windows on passenger cars at least 15%, down from 32%.
What changed
House Bill 1161 (Act 640), signed May 12, 2026, rewrote Georgia Code section 40-8-73.1:
- Front side windows (the windows directly to the driver's left and right): at least 28% light transmission, plus or minus 3%.
- Rear side windows on passenger cars: at least 15%, plus or minus 3%.
- Reflectance: still no more than 20%.
The rear windshield: two readings
The bill lists the rear windshield twice: once with the front side windows (28%) and once with the rear side windows (15%). Read literally, the stricter 28% applies. The bill's summary and most guides say 15%. Until a court or the Department of Public Safety clarifies it, 28% on the rear windshield is the safe choice. Our Georgia page shows both readings.
When it took effect
The tint changes took effect July 1, 2026 (section 8 of the bill). Some news reports mention July 1, 2027; that date is for a different part of the bill, about school-zone speed camera signs.
What it means for drivers
- With the 3% tolerance, a front side window that meters 25% still counts as 28%, and a rear side window at 12% counts as 15%.
- The limits are for the film and the glass together, so the film itself needs to be lighter than the limit. Ask your installer to meter the windows after installing.
What didn't change
- Only a non-reflective strip is allowed at the top of the windshield.
- Multipurpose vehicles such as SUVs and vans, buses and limousines are still exempt behind the driver.
- Illegal tint is still a misdemeanor, for the driver and for the installer.
- Medical exemptions still go through the Department of Public Safety (form DPS-431, $10, valid 4 years). The current form, from 2022, still lists a 23% floor.
HB 1161 also changed the rules on yielding to emergency vehicles, traffic stops and fleeing police.
See every Georgia rule on our Georgia window tint law page.
