State tint law
Rhode Island window tint law
Laws change and enforcement varies by area. Confirm with the Rhode Island DMV before you install.
How dark can window tint be in Rhode Island?
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 more than 70% of light. | |
| Back side windows | Must let in more than 70% of light. | Any darkness is allowed. |
| Rear window | Must let in more than 70% 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
- The law does not mention reflectivity.
- Back side windows
- The law does not mention reflectivity.
Other Rhode Island tint rules
- Restricted colors
- No tint colors are banned.
- Side mirrors
- No side-mirror requirement.
- 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
- Apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles with an affidavit from a physician or optometrist licensed in Rhode Island. If approved, you get a sticker for the driver's side window (31-23.3-4(7)).
Enforcement and penalties in Rhode Island
- Enforcement
- Installers must put a label with their name and the light transmittance in the lower left corner of the front window.
- Penalties
- Owners: a fine of up to $250. Installers: up to $250 per offense (R.I.G.L. 31-23.3-5).
Films of 70% VLT or lighter: legal on every window of a car in Rhode Island. Darker films for the rear windows are in the full collection. All car window film.
Where to find the Rhode Island tint law
These are the laws, rules and other sources we found for Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island General Laws § 31-23.3-1 and following (opens in a new tab) Rhode Island General Assembly
- Statute Rhode Island General Laws § 31-23.3-1 and following (opens in a new tab) FindLaw
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