California Window Tint Laws (2026)

What Are California's Window Tint Laws and VLT Requirements?

Window tint is allowed in California within certain limits. These limits are set based on the material’s visible light transmittance (VLT). VLT defines the amount of light passing through the material. Thus, a higher number means that more light passes through.

Legal Tint Limits for Each Window Type

Tint is not permitted on the windshield without a medical exemption. The windshield can have a sunscreen at its upper margin as long as its lower edge is at least 29 inches above the driver’s seat.

California window tint laws also limit the tint on the front side windows. The films on the front driver’s side and passenger’s side windows must have a VLT of at least 88%, meaning that they can only block up to 12% of the light passing through them. If the window is glazed, the combined VLT of the film and window glazing must be at least 70%.

The window tint on the rear side windows can have any VLT. Moreover, the law does not limit the VLT of the rear window tint if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides.

Additional Tint Regulations and Requirements

Window tint films cannot have bubbles, tears, or other defects that obscure the driver’s vision.

Exemptions for Window Tinting

California traffic laws include a medical exemption for drivers with a certificate from a dermatologist. These drivers can have tint on all windows, including the windshield, of 88% VLT or higher.

Penalties for Illegal Window Tint Violations

If you are found guilty of a traffic infraction for violating California Vehicle Code section 26708, the court can fine you $117 and assess court fees of $75, for a total of $192. You will not be assessed any driver’s license points, and you will not face any jail time since a violation is not a misdemeanor.

What to Do After Receiving a Tint Ticket

California allows officers to issue different types of traffic tickets. For correctable offenses, like illegal tint, officers can issue fix-it tickets that give drivers time to fix the violation. If you receive a fix-it ticket, you should take the following steps:

• Fix the tint
• Have the vehicle inspected by a law enforcement officer
• Obtain the officer’s signature on a certificate of correction
• Take the certificate to court and pay a $25 fee

If you take these steps, you can likely avoid the $192 fine.

Contact ConsumerShield for Help Finding a Lawyer

ConsumerShield can help you understand your rights after a tint violation. Contact us for a free case review and a referral to a lawyer if you need legal assistance.