California is one of the strictest states in the country for window film. Vehicle Code 26708(d) allows film on the front side windows only if it is clear, colorless, and transparent with a minimum visible light transmittance of 88%, and the glass with the film applied must still meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205, including its 70% minimum light transmittance. A transparent strip is allowed at the top of the windshield. Side windows behind the driver are exempt from the section, and the rear window is exempt if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides. Section 26708 was amended by SB 506, effective January 1, 2026.
California VLT limits by window
- Front side windows (driver + front passenger): under 26708(d), only clear, colorless film with a minimum 88% visible light transmittance is allowed, the glazing plus film must still meet FMVSS 205 (including its 70% light transmittance), the film must be designed to enhance blocking of UVA, and the driver must carry the installer's certificate (or the manufacturer's certificate for owner-installed film). The statute doesn't set a standalone "70% VLT" limit on film.
- Back side windows and rear window: side windows to the rear of the driver are exempt under 26708(b)(4); the rear window is exempt under 26708(b)(8) if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides that show at least 200 feet of highway to the rear.
- Windshield: under 26708(c), transparent material is allowed on the topmost portion of the windshield if its bottom edge is at least 29 inches above the undepressed driver's seat (measured under the statute's conditions), it isn't red or amber, it has no opaque lettering, and it doesn't reflect sunlight or headlight glare beyond the windshield without it.
- Color and reflectivity: front-side-window film under (d) must be clear and colorless, and the windshield strip can't be red or amber.
Medical exemptions
Under Vehicle Code 26708(b)(10) and 26708.2, sun-screening devices meeting 26708.2 can be installed on the front side windows if the driver or a front-seat passenger has a letter or other document signed by a licensed physician and surgeon (medical condition) or a licensed optometrist (visual condition) certifying that the person must be shaded from the sun. The devices must be removable; transparent ones must be green, gray or neutral smoke with at least 35% luminous transmittance, louvered ones need at least 35% of the area open, and no device may reflect more than 35% on either surface; they can't be used during darkness. The statute doesn't list qualifying conditions in the text this post relies on.
Enforcement and penalties
We haven't verified a specific fine amount for illegal window tint in California, so confirm the current amount with the court or the California DMV.
What this means when you're quoting a job
California's front-window rule means the film itself has to be clear, colorless, and at least 88% VLT, and the glass with film applied still has to meet FMVSS 205's 70% — so a film rated lower than 88% isn't allowed on the front sides regardless of what the glass reads, and the installer's certificate has to go with the customer. A window tint shop software tool that flags a California front-window quote for film under 88% VLT protects both the shop and the customer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the darkest legal tint in California? On the front side windows, only clear, colorless film with at least 88% VLT is allowed, and the glass with film must still meet FMVSS 205's 70% minimum. Side windows behind the driver are exempt, and the rear window is exempt with outside mirrors on both sides.
Is 35% tint legal on front windows in California? No. Front side window film must be clear, colorless, and at least 88% VLT, so 35% film isn't allowed there — much stricter than the 35% common in many other states.
Can I get colored or mirrored tint in California? Not on the front side windows, where film must be clear and colorless, and not on the windshield strip, which can't be red or amber. Vehicle Code 26701(d) also makes it unlawful to sell or operate a vehicle with red, blue or amber translucent aftermarket material in its windows or windshield.
How do I get a medical tint exemption in California? Under 26708(b)(10), a letter or other document signed by a licensed physician and surgeon or licensed optometrist certifying that the person must be shaded from the sun, carried by the driver or front-seat passenger, with a removable sun-screening device meeting 26708.2 (at least 35% transmittance) that isn't used in darkness.
What's the fine for illegal tint in California? We haven't verified a specific fine amount — confirm the current figure with the court or the California DMV.
This is general information based on California's public statutes and reporting on Vehicle Code 26708, not legal advice — enforcement can vary and laws change over time, so confirm specifics with the California DMV or a licensed attorney before you install, buy, or contest a citation.
Related
- State-by-state window tint laws (VLT limits) - California shop market + VLT summary - Window tint percentages: what VLT, 5%, 20%, 35% mean - Ceramic vs carbon vs dyed tint: pricing each tier