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State limits checked against statute text · 2026-10-13

35% window tint

35% window tint lets 35% of visible light through the film. By the statute numbers it meets the front side window limit in 35 of the 50 states and DC and is darker than allowed in 16; on a sedan's back side windows it is legal in 45. One catch: the limit is metered through film and glass together, and on the car a 35% film usually reads about 25 to 28%, so a film that only matches the number can meter under it.

What 35% tint looks like

35% VLT
Selected
35% VLT

The most common pick. 35% of visible light passes through; 65% is blocked.

  • Heat rejection depends on the film, not the shade: a 70% ceramic film can reject more heat than a 20% dyed film.
  • Legal minimums differ by state and by window. Check yours before you pick.
Check your state's tint law →Price tint for my car →

Where 35% tint is legal, state by state

Verdicts compare 35% with each state's statute number for passenger cars (sedans). "Legal" means it clears the limit even metered on darker factory glass (72%). *"Legal, at the limit" means it matches or just clears the number but can meter under it on darker glass, so have the installer meter your windows. Many states exempt SUVs and vans behind the driver, and most states with no limit behind the driver require outside mirrors on both sides; open a state for the statute, exemptions and tolerances.

35% window tint legality by state and window
StateFront sidesBack sides (sedans)Rear window (sedans)
AlabamaLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
AlaskaDarker than allowedDarker than allowedDarker than allowed
ArizonaLegal, at the limit*No numeric limitNo numeric limit
ArkansasLegalLegalLegal
CaliforniaDarker than allowedNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
ColoradoLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
ConnecticutLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*No numeric limit
DelawareDarker than allowedNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
District of ColumbiaDarker than allowedDarker than allowedDarker than allowed
FloridaLegal, at the limit*LegalLegal
GeorgiaLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
HawaiiLegal, at the limit*No numeric limitNo numeric limit
IdahoLegal, at the limit*LegalLegal, at the limit*
IllinoisLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
IndianaLegal, at the limit*No numeric limitLegal, at the limit*
IowaDarker than allowedNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
KansasLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
KentuckyLegal, at the limit*LegalLegal
LouisianaLegalLegalLegal
MaineLegal, at the limit*No numeric limitNo numeric limit
MarylandLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
MassachusettsLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
MichiganNo film allowedNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
MinnesotaDarker than allowedDarker than allowedDarker than allowed
MississippiLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
MissouriLegal, at the limit*No numeric limitNo numeric limit
MontanaLegalLegalLegal
NebraskaLegal, at the limit*LegalLegal
NevadaLegal, at the limit*No numeric limitNo numeric limit
New HampshireDarker than allowedLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
New JerseyNo film allowedNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
New MexicoLegalLegalLegal
New YorkDarker than allowedDarker than allowedNo numeric limit
North CarolinaLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
North DakotaLegal, at the limit*No numeric limitNo numeric limit
OhioDarker than allowedNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
OklahomaLegalLegalLegal
OregonLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
PennsylvaniaDarker than allowedDarker than allowedDarker than allowed
Rhode IslandDarker than allowedDarker than allowedDarker than allowed
South CarolinaLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
South DakotaLegal, at the limit*LegalLegal
TennesseeLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
TexasLegalNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
UtahLegal, at the limit*No numeric limitNo numeric limit
VermontNo film allowedNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
VirginiaDarker than allowedLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
WashingtonLegalLegalLegal
West VirginiaLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
WisconsinDarker than allowedLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
WyomingLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*

Darkness is not heat rejection

The percentage only describes visible light. Most of the heat that warms a cabin is infrared, which a good ceramic film blocks at any shade. If the goal is a cooler car rather than privacy, a lighter ceramic film can beat a darker dyed one; see ceramic tint and compare published heat figures in the tint film comparer.

Frequently asked questions

Is 35% tint legal?

It depends on the state and the window. By the statute numbers, 35% meets the front side window limit in 35 of the 50 states and DC and is darker than allowed in 16. On back side windows of a sedan it is legal in 45; many states also exempt SUVs and vans behind the driver. The table on this page lists every state.

What does 35% tint mean?

The film lets 35% of visible light through on its own. Officers meter the film and the glass together, and factory side glass already blocks 20 to 28%, so a 35% film usually meters about 25 to 28% on the car.

How dark is 35% tint?

The classic tinted look: privacy without a cave feel, clear visibility at night. The most requested front-side shade; it matches the limit in the many 35% states.

Does 35% tint block more heat than a lighter shade?

Only a little. Darkness is visible light; most of the heat you feel is infrared. A light ceramic film can reject more heat than a dark dyed one, so compare the film's total solar energy rejected (TSER), not the percentage.

Other shades

5% window tint15% window tint20% window tint25% window tint30% window tint50% window tint70% window tint

Window tint laws by state · VLT legality checker · Window tint cost by vehicle · Window tint prices & studios

Reference only, not legal advice. Statutes change and some states allow tolerances or vehicle-type exceptions; confirm on the state page before you install.