What is the most common legal tint limit?

A limit of 35% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) on front side windows is the most common state standard in the US, used by states like Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, and Tennessee.

How is tint darkness measured?

Tint darkness is measured using Visible Light Transmission (VLT) meters. These devices slide over or magnetize to a window and measure the percentage of ambient light that passes through. Officers use these meters during traffic stops to verify if aftermarket film is legal.

Compliance Directory

Window Tint Laws Directory

Window tint regulations are governed at the state level. Each jurisdiction has unique requirements regarding light transmission (VLT), reflectivity, colors, and exemptions. Use the interactive directory below to find your state's vehicle code limits.

Search Directory

AlabamaFront: 32% VLT

AlaskaFront: 70% VLT

ArizonaFront: 33% VLT

ArkansasFront: 25% VLT

CaliforniaFront: 70% VLT

ColoradoFront: 27% VLT

ConnecticutFront: 35% VLT

DelawareFront: 70% VLT

FloridaFront: 28% VLT

GeorgiaFront: 32% VLT

HawaiiFront: 35% VLT

IdahoFront: 35% VLT

IllinoisFront: 35% VLT

IndianaFront: 30% VLT

IowaFront: 70% VLT

KansasFront: 38% VLT

KentuckyFront: 35% VLT

LouisianaFront: 40% VLT

MaineFront: 35% VLT

MarylandFront: 35% VLT

MassachusettsFront: 35% VLT

MichiganFront: Clear

MinnesotaFront: 50% VLT

MississippiFront: 28% VLT

MissouriFront: 35% VLT

MontanaFront: 35% VLT

NebraskaFront: 35% VLT

NevadaFront: 35% VLT

New HampshireFront: Clear

New JerseyFront: Clear

New MexicoFront: 20% VLT

New YorkFront: 70% VLT

North CarolinaFront: 35% VLT

North DakotaFront: 50% VLT

OhioFront: 50% VLT

OklahomaFront: 25% VLT

OregonFront: 35% VLT

PennsylvaniaFront: 70% VLT

Rhode IslandFront: 70% VLT

South CarolinaFront: 27% VLT

South DakotaFront: 35% VLT

TennesseeFront: 35% VLT

TexasFront: 25% VLT

UtahFront: 43% VLT

VermontFront: Clear

VirginiaFront: 50% VLT

WashingtonFront: 24% VLT

West VirginiaFront: 35% VLT

WisconsinFront: 50% VLT

WyomingFront: 28% VLT

Visible Light Transmission

VLT measures the light percentage entering a vehicle. Lower VLT ratings indicate darker shades (like 5% limo tint). Higher VLT values indicate lighter shades (70% or clear).

The Factory Layering Rule

Standard clear windows possess a slight built-in tint (typically 75% VLT). Layering a 35% film multiplies transmission, resulting in a net VLT of 26%, which is illegal in 35% limit states.

Primary vs Secondary Stops

Officers in primary-stop states can pull you over solely for window tint. Secondary-stop states require another infraction (like speeding) to issue a tint citation.