Window Tinting Laws in California

Did you know that in California, there are regulations on how much tint you can have on your windshield? Specifically, the law prohibits tinting the top 4 inches of the windshield.

When it comes to the front side windows, it is required that they allow a minimum of 70% light transmission. However, there are no restrictions on the tint darkness for the back side windows and rear window.

Car window tinting laws were implemented in California in 1999.

We've given you all the essential details regarding the tint on your car's windows, such as the permissible darkness and reflectiveness levels, specific to your state.

Did you know that there are specific rules and regulations regarding car window tinting in California? It's important to familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure you stay within the law. Let's explore the details below.

Windows Tint darkness in California

VLT, short for Visible Light Transmission, refers to the percentage of visible light that can pass through the windows of your car.

Did you know that the state of California has specific regulations regarding the amount of light that can pass through window films and glass installed on sedan cars, SUVs, and vans? These regulations vary depending on the type of vehicle.

Window tint darkness for sedans

Windshield: it is permissible to have non-reflective tint on the top 4 inches of your windshield.
Front Side: Aftermarket film should permit the passage of over 88% of light or a minimum of 70% visible light transmission (VLT) if used in conjunction with factory-tinted windows.
Back Side: You can use tint with any darkness.
Rear Window: You can use tint with any darkness.

Window Tint darkness for SUVs and vans

Windshield: it is permissible to have non-reflective tint on the top 4 inches of your windshield.
Front Side: Aftermarket film should permit the passage of over 88% of light or a minimum of 70% visible light transmission (VLT) if used in conjunction with factory-tinted windows.
Back Side: You can use tint with any darkness.
Rear Window: You can use tint with any darkness.

Window Tint Reflection in California

Did you know that window tint has the ability to bounce back light that enters and minimize both the glare and heat?

Did you know that in California, there are specific guidelines regarding window tinting? It's essential to be aware of these guidelines to ensure you're within the legal limits of window reflection when using tinted windows.

Tint reflection on sedans

Front Side: The reflective of the tint should not exceed that of a typical window.
Back Side: The reflective of the tint should not exceed that of a typical window.

Tint reflection for SUVs and vans

Front Side: The reflective of the tint should not exceed that of a typical window.
Back Side: The reflective of the tint should not exceed that of a typical window.

Other California window tint rules and regulations

In California, there are various additional laws, rules, and regulations related to window tinting that are worth mentioning. These include the following:

Side Mirrors: If you have tinted your back window, it is necessary to have two side mirrors installed.
Forbidden Colors: In California, you cann't use red, amber or blue colors. Side windows must be colorless.
Certificates: Manufacturers of film are obligated to provide certification for the film they sell within the state. Additionally, drivers are required to carry the certificate with them.
Stickers of Compliance: That stickers are required by state law. When you have a product installed, the installing company should provide you with a certificate or a sticker. This sticker should also include the manufacturer's name and address.
Medical Exceptions: California law permits medical exemptions for reduced tint on all windows.

Just a heads up, the laws and regulations regarding window tinting in California might vary depending on where you live or the specific county you're in.

Make sure to verify the information provided by reaching out to your local DMV or law enforcement authorities.

Our knowledge regarding the regulations on window tint in California was most recently revised in 2024.

Tinting regulations were put into effect in California back in 1999.

If you come across any outdated or inaccurate information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would appreciate the opportunity to rectify it. Thank you!

Looking to learn about window tint laws? Look no further than the reputable industry expert who has built a solid reputation for delivering accurate and reliable information. Feel confident as we shed light on the regulations surrounding window tinting. So, please share weblink to us in social networks.

General Info about California State

California, situated on the West Coast of the United States, is a state that is widely known and recognized.

California, the state with the highest population in the United States, is the residence of one out of every eight Americans. Additionally, it ranks as the third largest state in terms of land area, surpassed only by Alaska and Texas.

The Greater Los Angeles area and the San Francisco Bay Area are both known for being among the largest census statistical areas in the country.

California is home to eight out of the 50 most heavily populated cities in the United States, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, and Oakland. The capital city of California is Sacramento.

Capital: Sacramento

Population: 39,237,836 peoples

The area spans across 163,696 square miles or 423,970 square kilometers.

Cities in California

Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose, Oakland, Santa Barbara, Mountain View, Pasadena, Anaheim, Beverly Hills, Berkeley, Monterey, Long Beach, Palm Springs, Santa Monica, Hollister, Malibu, Fresno, Bakersfield, Palo Alto, Big Sur, Calabasas, Irvine, Newport Beach, Cupertino, Huntington Beach, Napa, Temecula, Modesto, Torrance, Santa Cruz, Laguna Beach, San Luis Obispo, Riverside, Sunnyvale, Stockton, Pleasanton, Ontario, Ventura, Fremont, Menlo Park, Orange, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carlsbad, Burbank, Santa Rosa, Solvang, Eureka

Counties in California

Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura, Yolo, Yuba