California tint law guide

California Window Tint Laws

A practical overview of California automotive window tint requirements, including visible light transmission (VLT), reflectivity, color restrictions, and key compliance considerations.

California tint at a glance

NET measurement

Windshield

Top 4 inches only

Tint permitted only on the top 4 inches. The remaining windshield must be clear.

Front Side Windows

70% NET VLT minimum

The combined glass-and-film system must allow at least 70% of visible light through.

Rear Side / Rear Window

Any darkness permitted

Any darkness is permitted. Outside mirrors on both sides are required if the rear window is tinted.

88% minimum film VLT for clear front-side film (§26708(d))70% minimum combined glass-and-film VLTInstaller certificate required — carry in vehicleNo red, amber, or blue tint

See Legal, High-Performance Tint Options

Understanding NET VLT

California’s 70% front side-window requirement applies to NET VLT: the visible light transmitted through the factory glass and installed film together. Because factory glass already reduces some light, the final measured VLT can be lower than the film’s labeled percentage. The installed film must be light enough for the combined system to transmit at least 70% of visible light.

California requirements

VLT Requirements by Window

WindshieldTint permitted only on the top 4 inches. The remaining windshield must be clear.

Front Side WindowsMinimum 70% NET VLT. The combined glass-and-film system must allow at least 70% of visible light through.

Rear Side Windows — Passenger CarAny darkness permitted.

Rear Side Windows — MPV / SUV / VanAny darkness permitted.

Rear Window — Passenger CarAny darkness permitted.

Rear Window — MPV / SUV / VanAny darkness permitted.

Reflectivity & Color Restrictions

Front Side ReflectivityFilm must not increase the reflectivity of the glass beyond its factory level.

Rear Side ReflectivityFilm must not increase the reflectivity of the glass beyond its factory level.

Restricted ColorsRed, Amber, and Blue tint colors are not permitted.

Additional Requirements

Side Mirrors RequiredYes — if the rear window is tinted, the vehicle must have outside mirrors on both the driver and passenger sides.

Film Certification RequiredInstaller certificate required for qualifying clear front-side-window film under California Vehicle Code §26708(d). The certificate must contain applicable installer and manufacturer information and be carried in the vehicle. A compliance sticker is not a substitute for the required certificate.

Compliance Sticker RequiredA compliance sticker alone does not satisfy the installer-certificate requirement under CVC §26708(d). Verify current requirements with the California Highway Patrol.

Medical Exemption AvailableCalifornia medical exceptions are specific and documentation-dependent. Permanent window film and removable sun-screening devices are treated differently under CVC §26708.2. Customers seeking a medical exception must contact sunxero® before booking and independently verify their eligibility with the appropriate California authority.

Enforcement ToleranceNot specified in source data. Verify with the California Highway Patrol.

Choosing Window Tint in Orange County

California's requirements can limit how dark certain windows may be, but drivers can still choose advanced window films designed for heat rejection, ultraviolet protection, clarity, glare reduction, and comfort. sunxero® installs professional-grade ceramic automotive films in Orange County and can help customers compare the available technologies and shades.

Legal Tint Can Still Deliver Serious Performance

A lighter or more transparent window film can still provide substantial ultraviolet protection, infrared heat rejection, glare reduction, and improved comfort. Darkness alone does not determine a film's overall performance. sunxero® offers professional-grade ceramic film technologies so customers can compare appearance, clarity, heat rejection, protection, and comfort.

Full Legal Disclaimer

This page is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and must not be relied upon as a definitive or current statement of any law.

Automotive window-tint laws, regulations, interpretations, testing methods, enforcement practices, exemptions, and vehicle classifications may change at any time and may vary by jurisdiction. The information displayed may be incomplete, outdated, incorrectly interpreted, or contain errors.

sunxero® does not represent, warrant, or guarantee that any information on this page is accurate, complete, current, or applicable to a particular vehicle, installation, location, or situation. sunxero® assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, omissions, changes in law, citations, warnings, fines, failed inspections, required film removal, vehicle-related expenses, enforcement actions, damages, losses, or other consequences arising from the use of or reliance upon this information, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The vehicle owner and operator are solely responsible for confirming and complying with all applicable laws and regulations. Before selecting, purchasing, or installing automotive window film, independently verify current requirements with the applicable state DMV, state police, highway patrol, inspection authority, or another official government source. Applicable law and official government authorities control over all information displayed on this page.

Original publication date: August 31, 2026. The publication or review date does not represent that sunxero® continuously monitors, maintains, or updates this information. Information may have changed after the stated date.