Window Tinting Laws in California

The percent of visible light allowed through your car windows is called VLT: Visible Light Transmission. The percentage of light allowed through your film and glass in California is very specific and different for sedan cars and SUV cars or vans.

Tint darkness for sedans:

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.

• Front Side windows: Aftermarket film must allow more than 88% of light in, or minimum 70% VLT if combined with factory-tinted windows.

• Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.

• Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Tint darkness for SUV and vans:

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.

• Front Side windows: Aftermarket film must allow more than 88% of light in, or minimum 70% VLT if combined with factory-tinted windows.

• Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.

• Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Window tint can reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat. California window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint so make sure you pay attention to this as well.

Tint reflection for sedans:

• Front Side windows: Must not be more reflective than a standard window.

• Back Side windows: Must not be more reflective than a standard window.

Tint reflection for SUV and vans:

• Front Side windows: Must not be more reflective than a standard window.

• Back Side windows: Must not be more reflective than a standard window.

California does have several other important laws, rules and regulations pertaining to window tinting. They include the following:

• Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if the rear window is tinted.

• Restricted Colors: California tint laws do not permit using red, amber or blue tint colors. Side windows must be colorless.

• Certificates: Manufacturers of film must certify the film they sell in the state and the driver is required to have the certificate in their possession.

• Stickers: State law does require a certificate or a sticker from the installing company and the manufacturer’s name and address.

• Medical Exceptions: California law allows medical exemptions for lower tint on all windows.

In California, the darkest legal tint depends on the window: front side windows must let at least 70% of light through (so they can only be lightly tinted), the windshield can only have a clear, non-reflective strip on the top 4 inches, but rear side windows and the back windshield can be as dark as you want as long as your car has dual side mirrors.

VLT is the percentage of visible light that passes through the glass plus any film applied. When people say “30% tint” they usually mean the film allows 30% of light through (70% light blocked). California enforces limits based on the combined VLT of your glass + film, so factory-tinted windows matter. Law enforcement uses a light-meter to measure VLT at a traffic stop or inspection; results vary by device, angle and temperature, so using certified film and keeping the manufacturer certificate in your vehicle helps prove compliance. If you want the benefits of darker-looking glass without legal risk, ask for films specified to meet California VLTs (or install darker rear-window film where allowed).

Some metalized window films contain microscopic metal particles that can interfere with cellular, GPS, radio and keyless-entry signals. If signal reliability is important, choose non-metallic films such as ceramic, carbon, or Spectra PhotoSync. These deliver high heat and UV rejection without signal disruption. Reeves Window Tinting installs only top-brand, non-metallic options and will advise on the best film for your vehicle, including EV-friendly IR-rejecting tints that reduce cabin heat without affecting electronics.

Keep any film certificates or installer stickers handy, they can sometimes prevent a citation or help at court.

Typical next steps:

1. Check the ticket for instructions (fix-it or court date)

2. Contact your installer, a certified shop can often remove/replace non-compliant film quickly and provide documentation.

3. If required, have the tint professionally removed to satisfy a “fix-it” notice (DIY removal risks damage).

If you want local help in Redding, Reeves can inspect the vehicle, confirm the measured VLT, remove non-compliant film safely, and re-tint with certified, legal film.

Lifespan depends on film quality and exposure: high-grade ceramic or Spectra films typically last many years (often a decade or more) with proper care. Quality manufacturers back films with lifetime-limited warranties against bubbling, peeling, discoloration and delamination; installers usually add a short workmanship warranty (e.g., 30 days). To protect your warranty, follow the recommended cure period, clean with non-ammonia cleaners and avoid abrasive tools. Always get warranty paperwork at installation and keep the manufacturer certificate in your vehicle, it’s required by California law and critical if you need a warranty claim later.