California Window Tint Laws and Tint Percentages
A straight answer to the two questions every customer asks: what is legal in California, and what do 35%, 20%, 15% and 5% actually look like on a car. Written by a Van Nuys shop that tints Valley cars every day.
4.9 stars across 270+ Google reviews, 7007 Mammoth Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91405.
What California allows
Front side windows
California requires the two front side windows to let in at least 70% of visible light. In practice that means a light ceramic film on the front doors, which is why we often pair a legal front with a darker rear.
Rear side windows and rear windshield
Rear side windows and the back glass have no darkness limit, so this is where most people go dark. If the back window is tinted, the car needs both side mirrors.
Windshield
The windshield itself cannot be darkened, but a clear or near clear ceramic windshield film is allowed and is the single biggest heat upgrade for Valley driving. A tinted strip is only permitted across the very top of the windshield.
Reflectivity and color
Film cannot be mirrored or more reflective than plain glass, and red and amber tints are not allowed. Our ceramic films are non reflective and non metallic.
Medical exemptions
California allows a documented medical exemption for darker front windows. Bring your paperwork and we will install the shade it covers.
This page is a plain language summary for drivers, not legal advice. Enforcement is up to law enforcement and the current vehicle code.
What each tint percentage looks like
70% VLT
Barely looks tinted. This is the front side window shade that keeps you compliant while still adding real ceramic heat and UV rejection.
50% VLT
A light, clean look. Cuts glare noticeably without changing the character of the car.
35% VLT
The classic factory look. You can still see occupants in daylight. Very popular on rear windows of lighter colored cars.
20% VLT
Clearly dark from outside, still easy to see out of at night. A common all around choice for the rear of the car.
15% VLT
Limo adjacent. Strong privacy, and the most requested rear shade in the Valley.
5% VLT
True limo. Almost no visibility in and a real adjustment when reversing at night, so we only recommend it on rear glass.
Common questions
What is the darkest legal tint in California?
The front two side windows must let in at least 70% of visible light. Rear side windows and the rear windshield can be any darkness, including 5% limo, as long as the car has both side mirrors.
What does VLT mean?
VLT stands for visible light transmission, the percentage of visible light that passes through the glass and film together. A lower number means darker film, so 5% is much darker than 70%.
Does darker tint mean cooler?
Not by itself. Heat you feel is mostly infrared, not visible light. A quality ceramic film at 70% can reject more heat than cheap dark dyed film, which is why we talk about film quality first and shade second.
Can I tint my windshield in California?
You cannot darken the windshield, but clear ceramic windshield film is allowed and blocks a large share of infrared heat and UV. A tinted band is only allowed along the top edge.
Will you tell me what is legal for my car?
Yes. Tell us your car and how dark you want it and we will lay out a combination that keeps the front compliant and gets the look you want in the back.
Keep reading
Serving Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, Encino, Tarzana and the rest of the San Fernando Valley.
Free estimate
Not sure which shade to pick?
Tell us your car and the look you want and we'll recommend a legal front and the right rear shade, usually the same day.