Tint Guide

What Is the Darkest Legal Tint in California?

Here's exactly how dark you can go on each window in California — and how a medical exemption lets you go even darker.

Quick Answer

Without a medical exemption, the darkest legal tint in California is 70% VLT VLT on front side windows and Any darkness VLT on back side windows for sedans. SUVs, vans, and trucks can have any darkness on rear windows.

With a medical exemption, you can legally have darker tint than these limits on all applicable windows.

Darkest Legal Tint by Window

Front Windshield

Non-reflective tint on top 4 inches only

The windshield has the strictest rules. Only non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line (typically the top 4-5 inches).

Front Side Windows (Driver & Passenger)

70% VLT VLT

This is the most commonly enforced limit. 70% VLT VLT means at least 70 VLT% of outside light must pass through. This is a medium tint — you can still see inside the vehicle.

Back Side Windows

Any darkness VLT (sedan) / Any (SUV/truck)

Sedans must maintain the minimum VLT. Multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs, vans, trucks) can have any darkness on rear side windows.

Rear Window

Any darkness VLT (sedan) / Any (SUV/truck)

Same rules as back side windows. If you have any tint on the rear window, dual side mirrors are required.

What Do Different VLT Levels Look Like?

70%

Factory glass

50%

Light tint

35%

Medium tint

70% VLT

California front limit

20%

Dark tint

Any darkness

California rear limit

Limo tint

Lower VLT percentage = darker tint. The highlighted bars show California's legal limits.

Want to Go Darker? Get a Medical Exemption

If the standard Californiatint limits aren't dark enough for your needs — especially if you have a medical condition requiring UV or light protection — a medical exemption allows you to legally have darker tint.

Common reasons people need darker tint include light sensitivity (photophobia), lupus, migraines, skin cancer, cataracts, and many other conditions. Our licensed physicians review your existing documentation against state requirements.

What Happens If Your Tint Is Too Dark?

Penalties for illegal tint in California

First offense: $25 base fine (~$197 with fees)
Repeat offenses: $197+ fine, fix-it ticket requiring removal
May be required to remove illegal tint and provide proof

A medical exemption costs less than a single tint ticket. It's the smartest way to get the dark tint you want while staying completely legal.

Go Darker — Legally

Get a medical exemption and tint your windows as dark as you need. Starting at $225.