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

70% window tint

70% window tint lets 70% of visible light through the film. By the statute numbers it meets the front side window limit in 48 of the 50 states and DC and is darker than allowed in 3; on a sedan's back side windows it is legal in 51. One catch: the limit is metered through film and glass together, and on the car a 70% film usually reads about 50 to 56%, so a film that only matches the number can meter under it.

What 70% tint looks like

70% VLT
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70% VLT

Factory-like, barely visible. 70% of visible light passes through; 30% 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 70% tint is legal, state by state

Verdicts compare 70% 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.

70% window tint legality by state and window
StateFront sidesBack sides (sedans)Rear window (sedans)
AlabamaLegalLegalLegal
AlaskaLegal, at the limit*LegalLegal
ArizonaLegalNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
ArkansasLegalLegalLegal
CaliforniaLegal, at the limit*No numeric limitNo numeric limit
ColoradoLegalLegalLegal
ConnecticutLegalLegalNo numeric limit
DelawareLegalNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
District of ColumbiaLegal, at the limit*LegalLegal
FloridaLegalLegalLegal
GeorgiaLegalLegalLegal
HawaiiLegalNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
IdahoLegalLegalLegal
IllinoisLegalLegalLegal
IndianaLegalNo numeric limitLegal
IowaLegal, at the limit*No numeric limitNo numeric limit
KansasLegalLegalLegal
KentuckyLegalLegalLegal
LouisianaLegalLegalLegal
MaineLegalNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
MarylandLegalLegalLegal
MassachusettsLegalLegalLegal
MichiganNo film allowedNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
MinnesotaLegalLegalLegal
MississippiLegalLegalLegal
MissouriLegalNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
MontanaLegalLegalLegal
NebraskaLegalLegalLegal
NevadaLegalNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
New HampshireLegal, at the limit*LegalLegal
New JerseyNo film allowedNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
New MexicoLegalLegalLegal
New YorkLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*No numeric limit
North CarolinaLegalLegalLegal
North DakotaLegalNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
OhioLegalNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
OklahomaLegalLegalLegal
OregonLegalLegalLegal
PennsylvaniaLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
Rhode IslandLegal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*Legal, at the limit*
South CarolinaLegalLegalLegal
South DakotaLegalLegalLegal
TennesseeLegalLegalLegal
TexasLegalNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
UtahLegalNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
VermontNo film allowedNo numeric limitNo numeric limit
VirginiaLegalLegalLegal
WashingtonLegalLegalLegal
West VirginiaLegalLegalLegal
WisconsinLegalLegalLegal
WyomingLegalLegalLegal

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 70% tint legal?

It depends on the state and the window. By the statute numbers, 70% meets the front side window limit in 48 of the 50 states and DC and is darker than allowed in 3. On back side windows of a sedan it is legal in 51; many states also exempt SUVs and vans behind the driver. The table on this page lists every state.

What does 70% tint mean?

The film lets 70% 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 70% film usually meters about 50 to 56% on the car.

How dark is 70% tint?

Nearly clear: most people will not notice it. Strict states, usually as a clear ceramic film for heat rejection.

Does 70% 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 tint35% window tint50% 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.