Vehicle Law · Window Tint
Window Tint Laws in California
The exact legal darkness allowed on every window of your vehicle in California, plus reflection limits, the medical exemption, and what a ticket costs.
How dark you can legally go
Visible-light transmission (VLT) allowed for each window.
Common tint shades, and whether they're legal here
What the shop sells, mapped to the California limit.
| Film shade | Front side | Back side | Rear window |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70% (light) | Too dark | Legal | Conditional |
| 50% | Too dark | Legal | Conditional |
| 35% (factory look) | Too dark | Legal | Conditional |
| 20% | Too dark | Legal | Conditional |
| 5% (limo) | Too dark | Legal | Conditional |
California permits no darkening film on front side windows, only clear, colorless film of at least 88% VLT (§26708(d)).
Film is sold by its own VLT, but police measure the installed darkness: the film combined with your factory glass. Ask the shop for the net, as-installed VLT before you buy.
The full rules, with the statute
Every limit and where it comes from in the code.
| Rule / window | Legal limit in California | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Material allowed only above a line 29 inches above the undepressed driver’s seat (not a fixed "top N inches" strip); must not be red or amber | §26708(c)(1)–(2) |
| Front side | No aftermarket darkening film. | §26708(d)(1)–(2) |
| Back side | Any darkness (no VLT restriction) | §26708 |
| Rear window | Any darkness, rear-window obstruction allowed with dual outside mirrors | §26708(b)(8) |
| SUV / van rear | No separate SUV/van provision, rear windows are already unrestricted for all vehicle classes | §26708 |
| Reflection | Not specified in statute for film. | §§26708, 26708.5 |
| Banned colors | ProhibitedRed and amber prohibited for the windshield/uppermost material | §26708(c)(2) |
| Medical exemption | AllowedAvailable (details in the medical exemption section below). | §26708(b)(10) |
| Meter tolerance | Not specified in statute | §§26708, 26708.5 |
Penalties & how it's enforced
What happens if your tint is too dark.
SB 506, Stats. 2025, Ch. 417 (effective 2026-01-01): SB 506 (Stats. 2025, Ch. 417), technical amendment only: replaced the (b)(14) "video event recorder" exception with a broader "vehicle safety technology" exception and made gender-neutral edits. No change to VLT, windshield, color, or medical rules.
The medical exemption: how to qualify
For drivers with a documented light-sensitivity condition.
What California drivers get wrong
California is stricter than almost everyone on the front doors: no darkening film at all is allowed there, only clear, colorless film of at least 88% VLT, which keeps the glass at the federal 70% standard. Everything behind the driver is unrestricted. The windshield rule is also unusual: it is measured 29 inches above the driver’s seat, not as a "top X inches" strip.
Common questions
Is 35% tint legal on front windows in California?
No. Despite viral claims about a "2026 change," California Vehicle Code §26708 allows no darkening film on front side windows, only clear, colorless film of at least 88% VLT. The 35% figure applies only to removable medical sun-screening devices under §26708.2.
Can I get a medical exemption for dark tint in California?
California’s medical paths do not authorize dark film: a physician-and-surgeon or optometrist letter allows removable sun-screening devices (35%+ transmittance) on front-seat side windows, and a dermatologist certificate allows clear, colorless UV film. Neither permits limo tint.
What does a tint ticket cost in California?
It is a correctable "fix-it" equipment infraction: correct the tint, get it signed off, and pay a $25 statutory fee (§40611). If prosecuted as a full infraction, the total is set by county bail schedules, the statute itself sets no fine amount.
How dark can the back windows be in California?
Any darkness. §26708 places no light-transmittance limit on windows behind the driver; the rear window may be obstructed only if the car has outside mirrors on both sides.
Not legal advicePlainStatute provides plain-language summaries of public law for general information only. This is not legal advice. Statutes change; always confirm current requirements with the official source linked above before acting.