TintLaws
Fundamentals

State window tint compliance checklist

A printable pre-install checklist covering everything to verify before tinting a vehicle in the U.S. Use this to catch compliance issues before you pay the shop.

4 min read Verified for 2026 Reviewed January 15, 2026

Pre-install checklist

  • ☐ Identified your state. Bookmarked your state page.
  • ☐ Checked the sedan VLT minimum for front side windows.
  • ☐ Checked the SUV / MPV VLT minimum if your vehicle is an MPV (door-jamb label).
  • ☐ Checked the reflectivity cap (usually 20–25%).
  • ☐ Confirmed windshield rule: AS-1 line or fixed-inches top strip.
  • ☐ Confirmed sticker / compliance label requirement (some states require).
  • ☐ Confirmed certificate / film-manufacturer label requirement.
  • ☐ Identified restricted colors for your state (red, amber, blue typically).
  • ☐ Checked medical exemption eligibility if applicable.
  • ☐ Confirmed no aftermarket film over ADAS cameras.

Shop selection checklist

  • ☐ Shop is manufacturer-certified (3M, LLumar, SunTek, Solar Gard).
  • ☐ Climate-controlled install bay, not open parking lot.
  • ☐ Computerized cutting plotter with vehicle-specific template.
  • ☐ Written warranty paperwork (installer + manufacturer).
  • ☐ Will meter after installation and provide printed VLT reading.
  • ☐ Google reviews 4.7+ stars with 100+ reviews.

Post-install checklist

  • ☐ Printed VLT reading for every window.
  • ☐ Manufacturer warranty paperwork in hand.
  • ☐ Installer warranty paperwork in hand.
  • ☐ No visible dust specks or creases.
  • ☐ No film over ADAS camera zone.
  • ☐ Film does not interfere with rear defroster grid.
  • ☐ Cure-time instructions understood (3–14 days depending on climate).
  • ☐ Window-cleaning instructions (ammonia-free only).
  • ☐ Receipts stored with vehicle registration for future reference.
State-by-state snapshot

Quick lookup for every U.S. state

Use the table below to jump straight to any state’s tint law page. Front side VLT is the most-cited number and is shown for sedans. Deep-link into any state for the full rule, SUV differences, windshield rule, medical exemption, and the statute citation.

Sedan front side VLT minimum · every U.S. state & D.C. (2026)
State Front side VLT Back side VLT Rear VLT Medical
Alabama 32% VLT or higher 32% VLT or higher 32% VLT or higher Yes
Alaska 70% VLT or higher 40% VLT or higher 40% VLT or higher Yes
Arizona 33% VLT or higher Any VLT allowed Any VLT allowed Yes
Arkansas 25% VLT or higher 25% VLT or higher 10% VLT or higher Yes
California 70% VLT or higher Any VLT allowed Any VLT allowed Yes
Colorado 27% VLT or higher 27% VLT or higher 27% VLT or higher Yes
Connecticut 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher Any VLT allowed Yes
Delaware 70% VLT or higher 70% VLT or higher 70% VLT or higher Yes
Florida 28% VLT or higher 15% VLT or higher 15% VLT or higher Yes
Georgia 32% VLT or higher 32% VLT or higher 32% VLT or higher Yes
Hawaii 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher Yes
Idaho 35% VLT or higher 20% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher Yes
Illinois 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher Yes
Indiana 30% VLT or higher 30% VLT or higher 30% VLT or higher Yes
Iowa 70% VLT or higher Any VLT allowed Any VLT allowed Yes
Kansas 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher Yes
Kentucky 35% VLT or higher 18% VLT or higher 18% VLT or higher Yes
Louisiana 40% VLT or higher 25% VLT or higher 12% VLT or higher Yes
Maine 35% VLT or higher Any VLT allowed Any VLT allowed Yes
Maryland 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher Yes
Massachusetts 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher Yes
Michigan Any VLT allowed Any VLT allowed Any VLT allowed Yes
Minnesota 50% VLT or higher 50% VLT or higher 50% VLT or higher Yes
Mississippi 28% VLT or higher 28% VLT or higher 28% VLT or higher Yes
Missouri 35% VLT or higher Any VLT allowed Any VLT allowed Yes
Montana 24% VLT or higher 14% VLT or higher 14% VLT or higher Yes
Nebraska 35% VLT or higher 20% VLT or higher 20% VLT or higher Yes
Nevada 35% VLT or higher Any VLT allowed Any VLT allowed Yes
New Hampshire 70% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher Yes
New Jersey Not allowed Any VLT allowed Any VLT allowed Yes
New Mexico 20% VLT or higher 20% VLT or higher 20% VLT or higher Yes
New York 70% VLT or higher 70% VLT or higher 70% VLT or higher Yes
North Carolina 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher Yes
North Dakota 50% VLT or higher Any VLT allowed Any VLT allowed Yes
Ohio 50% VLT or higher Any VLT allowed Any VLT allowed Unclear
Oklahoma 25% VLT or higher 25% VLT or higher 25% VLT or higher Yes
Oregon 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher Yes
Pennsylvania 70% VLT or higher 70% VLT or higher 70% VLT or higher Yes
Rhode Island 70% VLT or higher 70% VLT or higher 70% VLT or higher Yes
South Carolina 27% VLT or higher 27% VLT or higher 27% VLT or higher Yes
South Dakota 35% VLT or higher 20% VLT or higher 20% VLT or higher Yes
Tennessee 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher Yes
Texas 25% VLT or higher Any VLT allowed Any VLT allowed Yes
Utah 43% VLT or higher Any VLT allowed Any VLT allowed Yes
Vermont Not allowed Any VLT allowed Any VLT allowed Yes
Virginia 50% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher Yes
Washington 24% VLT or higher 24% VLT or higher 24% VLT or higher Yes
Washington, D.C. 70% VLT or higher 50% VLT or higher 50% VLT or higher Yes
West Virginia 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher Yes
Wisconsin 50% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher 35% VLT or higher Yes
Wyoming 28% VLT or higher 28% VLT or higher 28% VLT or higher Yes

This snapshot summarises sedan rules only. SUV, van, and pickup (MPV) rules differ in most states — see each state’s dedicated page for the full picture. All values are re-verified against primary sources for 2026 (see sources & methodology).

State window tint compliance checklist — FAQ

Can I print this checklist?

Yes. Use your browser's print function. The page is optimized for black-and-white letter-size print.

What if my state has unique rules not on this list?

Check the specific state page linked above for any local variations (e.g., sticker requirements, medical exemption form link).

Editorial standards

How we verified this guide

  • Primary sources only. VLT limits, windshield rules, and medical exemption procedures cited in this guide are verified against each state’s statute, administrative code, or DMV publication. See our sources & methodology.
  • Annual re-review. Every guide is re-read against current state law at least once a year. This page was last reviewed on January 15, 2026.
  • No affiliate influence. Our rankings, recommendations, and ticket-fighting advice are never paid. See our editorial policy.
  • Not legal or medical advice. Enforcement is fact-specific; always verify with your local DMV, your state statute, or a licensed attorney before acting. See the legal disclaimer and medical disclaimer.
  • Report an error. Spot something wrong or outdated? Contact our editors — we publish corrections quickly and note them in our next review cycle.

Related guides

Look up your state tint law → Medical exemptions → All guides →