State tint law
Connecticut window tint law
Laws change and enforcement varies by area. Confirm with the Connecticut DMV before you install.
How dark can window tint be in Connecticut?
Darkness is measured as visible light transmission (VLT): the percentage of light that gets through. A lower number means darker tint.
| Window | Cars | SUVs and vans |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line. | |
| Front side windows | Must let in at least 35% of light (plus or minus 3%). | |
| Back side windows | Must let in at least 35% of light (plus or minus 3%). | Any darkness is allowed. |
| Rear window | Any darkness is allowed if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides; otherwise must let in at least 35% of light. | Any darkness is allowed. |
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 than 27% reflective (plus or minus 3%), and not mirror-like.
- Back side windows
- Must not be more than 21% reflective (plus or minus 3%), and not mirror-like.
Other Connecticut tint rules
- Restricted colors
- Red and amber are not allowed on the tint strip at the top of the windshield. The law names no colors for the other windows.
- Side mirrors
- Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.
- Film certification
- Film manufacturers must certify the film they sell in the state. Ask your installer for certified film.
- Sticker
- A sticker identifying legal tint is required between the film and the glass on each tinted window.
- Medical exemption
- Apply in writing to the DMV Commissioner with written documentation from a physician or optometrist licensed in Connecticut. The exemption covers the person's vehicle or a vehicle they usually ride in (14-99g(b)).
Enforcement and penalties in Connecticut
- Enforcement
- Each tinted window must carry a compliance sticker in its lower left corner. After a ticket you must remove the illegal film and show the vehicle to the police department within 60 days; a later ticket without doing so can lead to the vehicle being impounded. Tint shops must post the limits and penalties at their counters.
- Penalties
- An infraction for each offense (14-99g(f)). Selling a vehicle with illegal tint is also prohibited.
How the Connecticut 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.
-
Our records Reflectance limits corrected
TintCenter's 2011 records had the front and back reflectance limits swapped. The statute (14-99g) allows 27% reflectance on the front side windows and 21% behind the driver, each plus or minus 3%.
Films of 35% VLT or lighter: legal on every window of a car in Connecticut. Darker films for the rear windows are in the full collection. All car window film.
Where to find the Connecticut tint law
These are the laws, rules and other sources we found for Connecticut. 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 Connecticut General Statutes § 14-99g (opens in a new tab) Connecticut General Assembly
- Statute Connecticut General Statutes § 14-99g (opens in a new tab) FindLaw
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