Front Windshield Tint Laws in California: What's Legal in 2025

California Front Windshield Tint Laws Explained

Let's clear up the confusion about California's windshield tinting rules once and for all.

The Basic Rule

California Vehicle Code Section 26708 governs windshield tinting. Here's the deal:

• Top 4 inches only: You can tint the top AS-1 line (approximately 4 inches) on your front windshield
• Back and side windows: Must allow 70%+ light transmission
• Rear window: Any darkness allowed if you have side mirrors

Why So Strict?

Safety. The front windshield is critical for:

1. Visibility - Seeing pedestrians, cyclists, obstacles
2. Officer safety - Law enforcement needs to see drivers
3. Accident prevention - Clear sightlines in all conditions

Medical Exemptions Available

California does allow darker tinting for medical reasons:

Qualifying conditions:

• Lupus
• Melanoma or skin cancer history
• Photosensitivity conditions
• Albinism
• Other documented UV sensitivity

Process:

1. Get written documentation from your physician
2. Keep the exemption certificate in your vehicle
3. Exemption allows up to 35% VLT on driver/passenger windows

Note: Medical exemptions do NOT allow full windshield tinting—only side windows.

Penalties for Violations

If you're caught with illegal windshield tint:

What You CAN Do Legally

Legal windshield options:

• Clear UV-rejection film (allows 70%+ VLT)
• Top 4-inch strip tint (any darkness)
• Ceramic heat-rejection film (maintains visibility)

Benefits of legal options:

• Block 99% UV rays without visibility reduction
• Reduce heat by up to 60%
• No legal issues

Our Recommendation

We install ceramic heat-rejection films on windshields that:

• Are 100% legal in California
• Block significant heat
• Maintain full visibility
• Pass any inspection

Don't risk tickets for illegal tint when legal solutions work just as well for heat and UV protection.

📞 Questions? Contact us for California-legal windshield options.