Window Tint Laws in California

Laws change. Verify current requirements with your local DMV/RMV before choosing or installing film. This is not legal advice.

VLT is visible light transmission: lower percentages mean darker windows. A film's labeled shade is not necessarily the finished glass-plus-film reading. The limits below cover ordinary passenger cars unless stated otherwise.

Front side windows: Qualifying clear/colorless UV-A-enhancing material: film at least 88% VLT AND completed glazing at least 70%, plus all statutory conditions.
Rear side windows: No VLT minimum under section 26708(b)(4); other applicable glazing laws remain.
Back window: No VLT minimum under section 26708(b)(8) with both outside mirrors showing at least 200 feet behind.
Windshield strip: No general four-inch permission. Qualifying transparent topmost material uses statutory 29-inch seat-based measurement; medical clear-film exception is separate.

Vehicle class and conditions

Measurement basis: Both film and finished glazing: minimum 88% film, 70% completed window

SUV, van and multipurpose-vehicle rear sides: No VLT minimum under section 26708(b)(4); other applicable glazing laws remain.

SUV, van and multipurpose-vehicle back window: No VLT minimum under section 26708(b)(8) with both outside mirrors showing at least 200 feet behind.

Front-side exception requires FMVSS 205 including abrasion resistance, installer/manufacturer certificate and removal/replacement when worn enough to obstruct vision. Arbitrary 70% film is not authorized.
Top strip cannot be red/amber and must meet lettering/glare restrictions and full measurement procedure.
Medical section (e) is for qualifying clear material, at least 88% film and 70% completed glazing with dermatologist certification; not dark windshield permission. Current code effective January 1, 2026.

Sources and verification

Official source: State statute/regulation. Reviewed 2026-10-29. Laws and agency guidance can change after this review.

Laws change. Verify current requirements with your local DMV/RMV before choosing or installing film. This is not legal advice.