State tint law

California window tint law

Law enacted 1999 · VLT measured on: film and glass combined · Last checked September 26, 2026

Laws change and enforcement varies by area. Confirm with the California DMV before you install.

How dark can window tint be in California?

Darkness is measured as visible light transmission (VLT): the percentage of light that gets through. A lower number means darker tint.

Tolerance: None is written into the law.

Email me when California changes its tint law

One email per change, with what changed and the source. No spam; unsubscribe any time.

Email Email me

Picked a legal shade? You can tint it yourself with a precut car tint kit from SnapTint, our DIY kit partner.

How reflective can tint be?

Front side windows

Must not be more reflective than a standard window.

Back side windows

Must not be more reflective than a standard window.

Other California tint rules

Restricted colors

Only clear, colorless film is allowed on the front side windows, and the strip at the top of the windshield can't be red or amber. The law doesn't name blue, or any color for the windows behind the driver.

Side mirrors

Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.

Film certification

Film manufacturers don't need to certify the film they sell in the state.

Sticker

No sticker identifying legal tint is required.

Medical exemption

Vehicle Code 26708(b)(10) allows sun-screening devices on the front side windows if the driver or a front-seat passenger carries a letter from a licensed physician or optometrist saying they must be shaded from the sun. The devices can't be used in darkness, and there's no DMV form or permit. Sources disagree on whether this covers tinted film: the law refers to devices meeting Section 26708.2, which many read as removable screens rather than film. Official form or instructions (opens in a new tab)

Enforcement and penalties in California

Enforcement

Police can stop you for tint alone. Installing film that breaks the limits is also against the law (Vehicle Code 26708.5).

Penalties

An infraction. Tint tickets are usually written as correctable "fix-it" violations: remove the film, get the correction signed off and pay a small fee. Sources give different totals when it isn't dismissed, from a $25 base fine to about $200 once court fees are added.

How the California tint law has changed

The changes we could document, newest first, each with its source. Where we only know that our older records differ from today's law, we say so rather than guess a date.

1. Sep 1, 2017

   Law change Clear UV-blocking film allowed with a dermatologist's certificate

   Assembly Bill 1303 (Chapter 210) lets drivers who must avoid UV exposure for a medical reason apply clear, colorless film to the windshield, side and rear windows if it lets in at least 88% of visible light, meets FMVSS 205 and blocks UVA, with a certificate signed by a dermatologist.

   Source: California Legislature, AB 1303 (2017)

Films of 70% VLT or lighter: legal on every window of a car in California. Darker films for the rear windows are in the full collection. All car window film.

Where to find the California tint law

These are the laws, rules and other sources we found for California. We list all of them rather than picking one, so you can read them yourself and decide. Laws change, so check the current text before you install.

• Statute California Vehicle Code § 26708 (opens in a new tab) California Legislative Information

TintCenter is independent: no maker pays to appear or be ranked here. We also sell film by the roll, and store links are marked "Shop". How we research and make money.