Thinking about tinting your car windows in California? It’s essential to understand the state’s regulations to avoid fines or the hassle of peeling off illegal film. California’s window tint laws in 2025 balance driver safety with privacy and comfort. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about legal Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages, windshield tint restrictions, medical exemptions, and how tinting shops like Bumper2Bumper in Westlake Village ensure compliance. We’ll also compare California’s laws with neighboring states like Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon to highlight key differences.
California Window Tinting Laws Overview (2025)
California has some of the strictest window tint regulations in the U.S. These are outlined in California Vehicle Code §26708 (California Legislative Info). The law ensures drivers maintain safe visibility while still benefiting from UV protection and privacy.
VLT (Visible Light Transmission) refers to the percentage of light that passes through both the window glass and the applied film. A lower VLT means a darker tint.
Legal Tint Darkness (VLT%) by Window in California
| Window | Legal Tint (Minimum VLT%) |
|---|---|
| Front Windshield | Tint allowed only on the top 4 inches (sunstrip), non-reflective (CA Vehicle Code §26708). |
| Front Side Windows | 70% VLT or higher (California DMV). |
| Rear Side Windows | No minimum VLT limit if dual side mirrors are present (California DMV). |
| Rear Window | No minimum VLT limit if dual side mirrors are present (CA Vehicle Code §26708). |
Key point: The 70% VLT requirement for front windows makes California stricter than most neighboring states (West Coast Trial Lawyers).
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Infographic comparing tint percentages per window.
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Car photo showing lightly tinted front windows vs. dark rear windows.
Windshield Tint Regulations
California only allows a non-reflective tint strip at the top 4 inches of the windshield (California DMV). This strip helps reduce sun glare while maintaining forward visibility.
Full windshield tinting is prohibited unless you have a medical exemption (AB-1303 California Legislature).
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A photo showing a sunstrip tint at the top of the windshield.
Tint Reflectivity and Color Restrictions
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Reflectivity: Tint cannot be more reflective than standard glass
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Colors: Red, amber, and blue tints are illegal
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Certification: Installers must provide a certificate of compliance and apply a small sticker on the driver’s side window or door jamb.
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Tint meter photo checking reflectivity percentage.
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Example of a compliance sticker inside a door jamb.
Medical Exemptions for Tint in California
Drivers with conditions such as lupus, photosensitivity, or melanoma may qualify for an exemption. With a physician’s note, you may:
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Install removable sun-screening devices on front side windows (removed at night).
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Apply a clear, colorless UV-blocking film on the windshield or front windows.
You must carry the medical note in your vehicle at all times to avoid citations.
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Visual of a medical exemption letter from a physician.
California vs. Neighboring States: A Quick Comparison
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Nevada: Allows 35% VLT on front side windows; any darkness on rear (Nevada DMV).
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Arizona: Allows 33% VLT on front side windows; unlimited darkness on rear (Arizona Revised Statutes §28-959.01).
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Oregon: Requires 35% VLT on sedans’ side/rear windows; SUVs can have any rear darkness (Oregon DMV).
Takeaway: California’s 70% front window rule is far stricter than Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon, but its rear window flexibility is more generous than Oregon.
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Comparison chart: CA vs NV vs AZ vs OR tint laws.
How Bumper2Bumper Ensures Legal Compliance
Working with a professional installer is the best way to stay compliant. At Bumper2Bumper in Westlake Village, we ensure your tint meets California’s regulations while giving you the comfort and style you want. Our team uses state-certified films, tint meters to confirm legal VLT, and provides all the required certificates and compliance stickers.
For drivers with medical exemptions, we install specialized films based on your physician’s documentation. And if you want maximum UV and heat protection without breaking the law, we recommend ceramic and spectrally selective films that perform at a high level even with light VLT.
By choosing Bumper2Bumper, you get premium installation, legal compliance, and peace of mind that your tint won’t result in costly tickets.
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Technician at Bumper2Bumper applying ceramic tint film.
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Customer receiving a certificate of compliance.
Tips to Avoid Tickets and Re-tinting Hassles
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Stay at 70% VLT for front windows (California DMV).
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Keep your certificate in the glovebox at all times.
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Inspect your tint regularly – peeling or bubbling film can become illegal.
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Be aware of fix-it tickets – illegal tint usually results in a correctable violation (West Coast Trial Lawyers).
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Example photo of a California fix-it ticket for tint.
Conclusion: Stay Cool, Stay Legal
California’s tinting laws haven’t changed in 2025, but enforcement remains strict. By working with Bumper2Bumper, Westlake Village’s trusted auto care destination, you’ll enjoy the benefits of professional tinting while staying compliant with state law.
Legal tint protects your car’s interior, ensures visibility, and keeps your car compliant across the Conejo Valley.