Fundamentals

Windshield "eyebrow" tint — the visor strip

The "eyebrow" or "visor strip" at the top of the windshield is regulated differently than the rest of the glass. Learn what depth is legal, why it must be non-reflective, and how it differs by state.

4 min read Verified for 2026 Reviewed January 15, 2026

What the eyebrow is

The windshield eyebrow (or "visor strip") is a narrow band of aftermarket tint applied across the top of the windshield above the AS-1 line or the state’s fixed-inches boundary. It is the only aftermarket tint permitted on the windshield in the majority of U.S. states.

Legal depth by state

The eyebrow has to fit entirely above the AS-1 line or the state’s fixed-inches measurement. Typical fixed measurements:

Why "non-reflective" matters

Every state that allows an eyebrow requires it to be non-reflective, meaning exterior reflectance typically below 10–20%. Modern carbon and ceramic films comfortably meet the requirement; older metallic eyebrow films often do not.

Design and practical tips

  • Typical eyebrow is 4–6 inches deep, ending cleanly above the AS-1 etch.
  • Install so the bottom edge is straight and parallel to the roof line — a curved lower edge looks homemade.
  • Color must match the state rules — typically black, gray, or subtle smoke. Red, amber, and blue eyebrows are almost universally illegal. See our color rules explainer for why.
  • Always verify your specific windshield has the AS-1 line etched before installing. If it does not, fall back to the state's fixed-inches measurement.
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).

Windshield "eyebrow" tint — the visor strip — FAQ

Can I make my own eyebrow with auto-store film?

Technically yes, but the film must be labeled non-reflective and you must cut it to stay above the AS-1 line or the state's fixed-inches measurement. DIY eyebrows that dip below the line are the most common windshield-tint ticket source.

Can the eyebrow be any color?

No. Most states require non-reflective films, and all states effectively ban red, amber, and blue on any visible part of the vehicle's glass. Black, gray, and neutral smoke are the safe choices.

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.