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Idaho allows nonreflective film with at least 35% light transmission on the front side windows and the rear window, and at least 20% on the side windows behind the driver, with luminous reflectance of no more than 35%; each figure has a tolerance of plus or minus 3%. Film may not go below the windshield's AS-1 line, or, if none is identifiable, below a line six inches below and parallel to the exposed windshield.
Source: Idaho Code § 49-944; Idaho Code § 49-110(5) (definition of infraction); Idaho Code § 49-236 (penalties under Title 49); Idaho Code § 18-113A (punishment for infraction). Summary last checked against these sources on September 28, 2026.
| Window | Rule |
|---|---|
| Windshield | Nonreflective film may not be applied to the windshield below the AS-1 line. If no AS-1 line is identifiable, it may not be applied below a line extending six inches below and parallel to the exposed windshield (subsection (1)(a)). The section states no light transmission percentage for the area above that line. |
| Front side windows | Nonreflective film with a light transmission of not less than 35%, with a tolerance limit of plus or minus 3%, and a luminous reflectance of no more than 35%, plus or minus 3%, may be applied to the front side vents and the front side windows to the immediate right and left of the driver (subsection (1)(b)). Light transmission is defined as the share of light allowed to pass through the product or material (subsection (1)(e)). The section names no vehicle classes, so the same figures apply to every motor vehicle. |
| Rear side windows | Nonreflective film with a light transmission of not less than 20%, with a tolerance limit of plus or minus 3%, and a luminous reflectance of no more than 35%, plus or minus 3%, may be applied to the side windows to the rear of the driver (subsection (1)(c)). The section does not set a different figure for SUVs, pickups or vans. |
| Rear window | The rear window is grouped with the front side windows: nonreflective film with a light transmission of not less than 35% and a luminous reflectance of no more than 35%, each with a tolerance limit of plus or minus 3% (subsection (1)(b)). The section does not set a darker figure for the rear window of any vehicle class. |
| Reflectance | Film on the front side vents, side windows and rear window must be nonreflective and have a luminous reflectance of no more than 35%, with a tolerance limit of plus or minus 3% (subsections (1)(b)-(c)). Luminous reflectance is the share of light reflected outward by the product or material (subsection (1)(f)). The section does not define nonreflective and names no colors. |
| Installers and sellers | It is unlawful for any person to place, install, affix or apply window tinting film to the windows of any motor vehicle except as the section allows (subsection (1)). No person may operate on the public highways, sell, or offer to sell a motor vehicle whose windshield or windows do not comply (subsection (2)). The section contains no installer label or sticker requirement. The Idaho State Police may adopt rules to implement it (subsection (3)). |
VLT (visible light transmission) is the percentage of visible light that passes through a window or film; a higher number means lighter tint. Most state limits are measured on the finished window (glass and film together). Where a rule is stated for the film itself, the table says so. Some states also limit reflectance, the share of light bounced back off the surface (a mirror-like look).
Idaho Code 49-944 applies to any person who places, installs, affixes or applies window tinting film or sunscreening devices to the windows of any motor vehicle (subsection (1)). It also applies to anyone who operates on the public highways, sells or offers to sell a motor vehicle whose windshield or windows do not comply (subsection (2)). It sets the same figures for every motor vehicle and does not separate cars from SUVs, pickups or vans. It does not make illegal the operation or sale of a vehicle whose windshield or windows are composed of, covered by, or treated with any material the vehicle was sold with when new. The same holds for material it could have been equipped with when new as standard or optional equipment from the manufacturer or authorized dealer under a United States government statute or regulation in force at the time of manufacture (subsection (5)).
Nonreflective film with a light transmission of not less than 70% on the front windshield and not less than 20% on the windows, each plus or minus 3%, with a luminous reflectance of no more than 35% plus or minus 3%, is permitted for a vehicle operated by, or carrying as a passenger, a person with written verification from a licensed physician that the person must be protected from sunlight or heat for medical reasons associated with past or current treatment. The written verification must be carried in the vehicle (subsection (4)). The section describes no application or permit process.
A person convicted of violating the section is guilty of an infraction (Idaho Code 49-944(6)). An infraction is a civil public offense, not a crime, punishable only by a penalty not exceeding $300 and no imprisonment (49-110(5); 18-113A), and Title 49 punishments follow 18-113A unless otherwise provided (49-236(4)). Under 18-113A the penalty is the amount set by statute. Otherwise it is the fixed penalty for that infraction under Idaho Supreme Court Infraction Rule 9 as of January 1, 2014 (excluding rule 9's 'other infractions' subsection (38)), then a city or county ordinance amount, and if none of those applies, $15.50. The rule 9 schedule was not read for this page.
Front side windows, front side vents and the rear window may have nonreflective film with a light transmission of not less than 35% and a luminous reflectance of no more than 35%, each with a tolerance limit of plus or minus 3% (Idaho Code 49-944(1)(b)). Side windows to the rear of the driver may go to 20%, plus or minus 3%, with the same reflectance limit (subsection (1)(c)). Film may not be applied to the windshield below the AS-1 line or, if no AS-1 line is identifiable, below a line six inches below and parallel to the exposed windshield (subsection (1)(a)).
Only on the side windows to the rear of the driver, where the minimum is 20% light transmission with a tolerance limit of plus or minus 3% (subsection (1)(c)). On the front side windows and the rear window the minimum is 35%, plus or minus 3% (subsection (1)(b)), so 20% film is not allowed there without the medical verification in subsection (4).
The statute sets the same figures for every motor vehicle: 20% on the side windows to the rear of the driver and 35% on the rear window, each plus or minus 3% (subsection (1)(b)-(c)). The section does not make illegal a vehicle whose windows carry material it was sold with when new, or could have been equipped with as standard or optional manufacturer or dealer equipment under federal law (subsection (5)). So factory-tinted glass falls under that provision rather than the film limits.
Only above the AS-1 line. Nonreflective film may not be applied below the AS-1 line or, if no AS-1 line is identifiable, below a line six inches below and parallel to the exposed windshield (subsection (1)(a)). A person with a licensed physician's written verification may use film of at least 70%, plus or minus 3%, on the front windshield (subsection (4)).
The section allows only nonreflective film. That film must also have a luminous reflectance of no more than 35%, with a tolerance limit of plus or minus 3% (subsection (1)(b)-(c)). Luminous reflectance is the share of light reflected outward by the product or material (subsection (1)(f)). The section does not define nonreflective.
Yes. A vehicle operated by, or carrying as a passenger, a person with written verification from a licensed physician may use film of at least 70% on the front windshield and at least 20% on the windows, each plus or minus 3%, with reflectance of no more than 35%. The verification must say the person needs protection from sunlight or heat for medical reasons associated with past or current treatment, and it must be carried in the vehicle (subsection (4)).
A violation of the section is an infraction (subsection (6)). An infraction is punishable only by a penalty not exceeding $300 and no imprisonment (Idaho Code 18-113A). Operating on the public highways, selling, or offering to sell a vehicle with noncompliant windows is also barred (subsection (2)).
Running a tint shop in Idaho? See shop software for Idaho.
This page summarizes Idaho statute and regulation text for general information and is not legal advice. It covers passenger vehicles with aftermarket film (film added after the vehicle left the factory) and includes SUV, van and truck rules where the state sets different ones. Some vehicle types, such as limousines, buses, commercial and law-enforcement vehicles, and factory glass are treated differently in some states, and whether a vehicle registered in another state is covered depends on the state; see “Who this covers” above. Federal glazing rules (FMVSS 205, 49 CFR 571.205) apply separately from state law, and 49 U.S.C. 30122 bars manufacturers, distributors, dealers, rental companies and motor vehicle repair businesses from knowingly making inoperative any part of a device or element of design installed to comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard, so installers should check both. Laws change and enforcement varies; confirm current requirements with the state before tinting. Before tinting, ask the installer to measure your glass and confirm the finished window will meet the limit; afterward, ask for a reading on a light-transmission meter and keep it.