Skip to content

California Window Tinting Laws

California Window Tinting Law Enacted: 1999

We have made every effort to provide you with accurate and up to date information regarding California window tinting laws. Please refer to your local authority for current California window tint law enforcement policies, including rules and regulations, as the final authority on California window tint law in your area.

CALIFORNIA WINDOW TINT LAW ALLOWS
THE FOLLOWING DARKNESS FOR CAR
WINDOW TINTING

The darkness of tint is measured by (VLT%) Visible Light Transmission
percentage. In California window tint law, this percentage refers to
percentage of visible light allowed to pass through the combination
of film and the factory tint of the window.

Window Tint Laws

We Have The Films You Need For Your Car,
Truck Or SUV
Click For Kits or Rolls

Auto films by the kitAuto films by the roll

Here is what is allowed in California window tint law:

Cars, Trucks and MPVs *Note: MPV means Multi Passenger Vehicles
which are Vans and SUVs
Windshield Non-reflective tint is allowed on the
top 4 inches of the windshield.
Front Side Windows Must allow more than a total of 70% light in.
Back Side Windows Any VLT can be applied legally on this window.
*(MPVs allow any light transmission)
Rear Window Any VLT can be applied legally on this window.
*(MPVs allow any light transmission)

HOW REFLECTIVE CAN THE TINT BE ON
AUTO WINDOWS ACCORDING TO CALIFORNIA
WINDOW TINT LAW?

Tinting film can contain metallic elements (silver mirror look) that help to
reflect incoming light and reject the glare and heat generated by visible light.
Front Side Windows Must not increase reflectivity.
Back Side Windows Must not increase reflectivity.

OTHER CALIFORNIA RULES AND REGULATIONS
Restricted Colors The tint colors of Red, Amber, and Blue
are not allowed by state law.
Side Mirrors Dual side mirrors are required if back
window is tinted.
Certificate Requirements Manufacturers of film do need to certify
the film they sell in the state and the
driver is required to have the certificate
in his/her possession.
Sticker Requirements State law does require a certificate or a
sticker from the installing company and
the manufacturer's name and address.
Medical Exemption California law does NOT allow any
medical exemptions that would allow
you use special tint.

These are the current California Window Tint Laws.
Find Window Tint Laws for other states by ( clicking here )