CA

California Window Tint Laws (2026)

In California, front side windows must let in at least 70% of light; back side windows any darkness and the rear window any darkness. Windshield: top strip only (bottom edge at least 29 inches above the seat, roughly the top 4 inches), not red or amber.

Reviewed September 14, 2026 against the sources listed below.

Sedans

WindshieldTop strip only (bottom edge at least 29 inches above the seat, roughly the top 4 inches), not red or amber
Front side windows70% vlt or lighter
Back side windowsAny darkness
Rear windowAny darkness

SUVs, trucks and vans

WindshieldTop strip only (bottom edge at least 29 inches above the seat, roughly the top 4 inches), not red or amber
Front side windows70% vlt or lighter
Back side windowsAny darkness
Rear windowAny darkness

Other rules

Reflectivity, front side
Not specified
Reflectivity, back side
Not specified
Banned colors
Red and Amber
Medical exemption
Yes. A letter from a licensed physician or optometrist allows sun-screening devices on the front side windows (daytime only); a dermatologist's certificate allows clear UV-blocking film on any window.
Certification sticker
Required
Side mirrors if the rear is tinted
Both required
Penalty
Infraction, normally written as a correctable (fix-it) ticket; the fine applies if the tint is not removed and the citation signed off.
Notes
Front side windows: the film itself must pass 88% of light and the glass plus film together at least 70%. The installer's certificate must be kept in the car. Reflectivity is not given as a number: the film may not reflect more glare than the plain window.

Window tint shops in California

Los Angeles 6 shops San Jose 4 shops Hayward 3 shops San Diego 3 shops San Francisco 3 shops Concord 2 shops Irvine 2 shops Orange 2 shops Sacramento 2 shops Santa Ana 2 shops Burbank 1 shop Carlsbad 1 shop Escondido 1 shop Fremont 1 shop Fresno 1 shop Hughson 1 shop Lawndale 1 shop Long Beach 1 shop Martinez 1 shop Oakland 1 shop Poway 1 shop San Leandro 1 shop San Martin 1 shop Santa Clara 1 shop South San Francisco 1 shop Sunnyvale 1 shop Torrance 1 shop

Questions

What is the darkest legal tint in California?

70% on front side windows, Any on back side windows and Any on the rear window, for sedans.

Is 20% tint legal in California?

Only on back side windows and the rear window. Front side windows need 70% or lighter.

Is 35% tint legal in California?

Only on back side windows and the rear window. Front side windows need 70% or lighter.

Does California allow a medical exemption for window tint?

Yes. A letter from a licensed physician or optometrist allows sun-screening devices on the front side windows (daytime only); a dermatologist's certificate allows clear UV-blocking film on any window.

Sources