Window Tinting Laws in North Carolina

Car window tinting laws were implemented in North Carolina in 2001.

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 North Carolina? 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 North Carolina

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 North Carolina 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 5 inches or above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line of your windshield.
Front Side: The windows on the front side should permit more than 35% of light to pass through them.
Back Side: The back side windows should permit more than 35% of light to pass through them.
Rear Window: According to the guidelines, more than 35% of light must be allowed.

Window Tint darkness for SUVs and vans

Windshield: it is permissible to have non-reflective tint on the top 5 inches or of your windshield.
Front Side: The windows on the front side should permit more than 35% of light to pass through them.
Back Side: You can use tint with any darkness.
Rear Window: You can use tint with any darkness.

Window Tint Reflection in North Carolina

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 North Carolina, 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 front side windows should have a maximum reflectivity of 20%.
Back Side: The windows on the back side of a vehicle are not allowed to have more than 20% reflectivity.

Tint reflection for SUVs and vans

Front Side: When it comes to the reflectivity of these windows, it is important to keep it at a maximum of 20%.
Back Side: Back side windows should not have a reflective tint that exceeds 20%.

Other North Carolina window tint rules and regulations

In North Carolina, 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 North Carolina, you cann't use red, yellow and amber tint colors.
Tint Variance: You're allowed to have a slight variation of up to 3% in the darkness of your window tint up to 32% VLT.
Certificates: Film manufacturers are not obligated to certify the film they distribute within this jurisdiction.
Stickers of Compliance: Any tinting does not mandatorily need a sticker for legal identification. If applicable, a medical exemption sticker must be obtained.
Medical Exceptions: There are certain circumstances in which you can get a medical exemption for special tint on your vehicle. If you're interested in learning more about the specific conditions and requirements for this exemption, I suggest referring to the laws outlined by the state of North Carolina.

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

Restrictions and Exceptions

Did you know that the regulations for window tinting in North Carolina do not extend to certain windows?

Exclusion passenger vehicles, as stated in G.S. 20-4.01 (27)a, are vehicles used to transport individuals on sightseeing or travel excursions.
In G.S. 20‐4.01 (27)d2, motor homes are defined as units that are designed to offer temporary living space and are either built into or permanently attached to a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or van. To qualify as a motor home, the vehicle must have a minimum of four essential facilities, which include cooking amenities, refrigeration or an icebox, a self-contained toilet, heating or air conditioning, a portable water supply system with a faucet and sink, a separate 110-125 volt electrical power supply, or an LP gas supply.
Ambulances, as defined in G.S. 20‐4.01 (27)f, are vehicles specifically designed and equipped to transport individuals who are wounded, injured, or ill.
Property-hauling vehicles, specifically the ones with rear windows, are categorized as vehicles that are primarily utilized for transporting various kinds of goods and possessions.
Limousines.
When it comes to vehicles that can handle a variety of tasks, such as mini-vans, pickup trucks, and SUVs, they fall under the category of multipurpose vehicles. These vehicles are built on a truck chassis or have unique features that make them suitable for occasional off-road use. They typically have a window located behind the driver and can accommodate up to 10 passengers.
Law enforcement vehicles
Vehicles that have received a medical exception from NCDMV.

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

What is the maximum allowable darkness for window tinting under North Carolina law?

In North Carolina, tinted windows must not measure darker than 32 percent using an approved window tint meter.

The tint applied to a car's windshield should not go beyond 5 inches from the top or below the AS1 line. The AS1 line refers to the point where the windshield wipers rest when not in use. So, in simpler terms, the tinting on the windshield has a limit that should be observed.

How can you obtain a tint exemption in North Carolina?

Did you know that in North Carolina, you can have a tint on your windshield as long as it allows 70% of visible light to pass through? This is permitted under medical waivers.

Do you want to know how to obtain a permit? Well, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles Medical Review Program (NCDMV) can issue a permit that is valid for a period of 2 to 5 years.

If you have a medical condition that exempts you from certain regulations, you need to display a sticker indicating this in the lower left-hand corner of your car's rear window.

How expensive is a citation for a window tint violation in NC?

If you end up with a tint ticket, you might have to pay a $50 fine along with additional court costs. In total, it could add up to a hefty sum of $238.

Will getting a traffic ticket in NC impact your insurance rates?

Getting a ticket for window tint violation can actually impact the rate of your car insurance. It's similar to other violations that end up on your driving record.

Can you legally use smoked headlights in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, it is against the law to have tinted taillights or reflectors that cover or obscure the original red end lenses or clear lens covers if they were not manufactured with tint. This applies according to NCDOT and NC G.S. 20-129(d).

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

Tinting regulations were put into effect in North Carolina back in 2001.

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!

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General Info about North Carolina State

North Carolina, situated in the southeastern region of the United States, is a state worth noting.

Georgia and South Carolina lie to the south of the state, Tennessee is to the west, Virginia to the north, and the eastern coast is touched by the Atlantic Ocean.

North Carolina ranks 28th in terms of land area and 10th in terms of population among the 50 states in the United States.

Capital: Raleigh

Population: 10,551,162 peoples

The area spans across 53,819 square miles or 139,390 square kilometers.

Cities in North Carolina

Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville, Greensboro, Wilmington, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Greenville, New Bern, High Point, Boone, Mooresville, Jacksonville, Concord, Apex, Gastonia, Lizard Lick, Carolina Beach, Hickory, Southport, Hendersonville, Rocky Mount, Huntersville, Kitty Hawk, Goldsboro, Blowing Rock, Emerald Isle, Wake Forest, Burlington, Kill Devil Hills, Morrisville, Wrightsville Beach, Cherokee, Morehead City, Hot Springs, Thomasville, Mount Airy, Salisbury, Oak Island, Statesville, Elizabeth City, Holly Springs, Wilson, Waynesville, Nags Head, Fuquay-Varina, Beaufort

Counties in North Carolina

Alamance, Cumberland, Johnston, Randolph, Alexander, Currituck, Jones, Richmond, Alleghany, Dare, Lee, Robeson, Anson, Davidson, Lenoir, Rockingham, Ashe, Davie, Lincoln, Rowan, Avery, Duplin, Macon, Rutherford, Beaufort, Durham, Madison, Sampson, Bertie, Edgecombe, Martin, Scotland, Bladen, Forsyth, Mcdowell, Stanly, Brunswick, Franklin, Mecklenburg, Stokes, Buncombe, Gaston, Mitchell, Surry, Burke, Gates, Montgomery, Swain, Cabarrus, Graham, Moore, Transylvania, Caldwell, Granville, Nash, Tyrrell, Camden, Greene, New Hanover, Union, Carteret, Guilford, Northampton, Vance, Caswell, Halifax, Onslow, Wake, Catawba, Harnett, Orange, Warren, Chatham, Haywood, Pamlico, Washington, Cherokee, Henderson, Pasquotank, Watauga, Chowan, Hertford, Pender, Wayne, Clay, Hoke, Perquimans, Wilkes, Cleveland, Hyde, Person, Wilson, Columbus, Iredell, Pitt, Yadkin, Craven, Jackson, Polk, Yancey

Where to look more info about North Carolina

Tint Law References

Info About Medical Exemption

NC Department of Transportation: Tinted window waiver application form