Thread: California Tint Laws

From what I know, you cannot tint the windshield and the front side windows (drivers/passengers) period. However, the back windows can be tinted to whatever darkness.

Just to make sure of my understanding, this is what it says on the CHP website FAQ:
Can I put after-market tinting on the windows of my vehicle?

The main requirements for legal window tinting in California are:
1. The windshield and front driver's side and passenger's side windows cannot receive any aftermarket tinting.
2. If the rear window of a vehicle is tinted, the vehicle must have outside rearview mirrors on both sides.
...

It is illegal of course to do the front side windows...but many people in Cali do it anyways. If you do enjoy living life on bit of the edge, get it done all around, I personally think it's well worth the risk. :D

That is good to know thanks for the info. Erin

actually slight correction on that...I currently live in the Bay Area of California and from my travels the cops here seem to be the biggest sticklers...but as far as the actually LAW behind tinting you can tint the rears as much as you want as the aforementioned post states, you cannot tint the front windshield, BUT you can tint the front windows so long as there is 70% visibility, so basically they have to be able to see the outline of your body while windows are rolled up.

But in my travels I've noticed that they won't just pull you over for that, cops seem to want bigger fish than just fix-it tickets so unless you are doing something to aggravate them they won't bother wasting their time...after all every menial ticket is like an extra 30 minutes of paperwork they have to do.

California Vehicle Code 26708 - The material has a minimum visible light transmittance of 88 percent.

Which by the way is the grade of OEM tinted windows. So tinting could be illegal.

That's really a bummer. I couldn't live without my tinted windows. The darker the better for the most part. Too dark though makes it a bit hard to see out at night lol

Just tint them anyway. Most people do. If it’s not too dark than Highway patrol usually do not pay attention. Unless the patrolman is having a bad day.

Now…..about 25 years ago, before factory tinting, California Highway patrol pulled me over within 5 miles of a new install (self install) and ordered me to pull off the tint. That was a wasted $20.

Thanks guys for all the info I am at a minimum get some tint on the front probably just light tint with lots of heat and UV blocking that is the biggest thing for me those leather seats get hot.

No. Don't waste the effort. Go darker.

Originally Posted by Erisisin86

Thanks guys for all the info I am at a minimum get some tint on the front probably just light tint with lots of heat and UV blocking that is the biggest thing for me those leather seats get hot.

I LOVE my ceramic coated!! It keeps the heat WAY down!! not the darkest stuff around but in my opinion it is better than previous jobs that i had on other cars that were much darker.