Yes, you can tint your vehicle in California – but there are specific restrictions on how dark you can go on certain windows. Here are the California tint laws (for passenger vehicles):

• Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 70% of visible light through (in other words, 70% VLT is the legal limit on front side windows) This basically means only a very light tint is allowed on the driver and passenger front windows.

• Rear Side Windows & Back Glass: No specific VLT limit – you are allowed to have darker tint on rear side windows and the back windshield (rear glass) in California. You can even use limo tint or privacy glass on the back half of the vehicle. (One caveat: if rear windows are tinted, the law requires dual side mirrors on the vehicle.)

• Front Windshield: You cannot tint the entire front windshield in CA. You are only allowed a strip along the top (the visor strip) – specifically, a non-reflective tint on the top 4 inches of the windshield (above the AS-1 factory line). The rest of the windshield must remain untinted, except clear UV-films are permitted in some cases.

It’s important to note that California also prohibits any tint colors of red, amber, or blue, and you cannot use reflective/mirrored tints on any windows. Essentially, the tint should be a neutral color. Medical exemptions are available if you have a doctor’s note, allowing darker tints on front windows for certain medical conditions, but you must carry the paperwork.

Some customers do choose to go darker than legal on the front windows (for added privacy or heat reduction), and while we can do that at your request, you should know it’s technically illegal. Driving with illegal tint (darker than 70% on front windows or a tinted windshield beyond the top strip) can result in being pulled over. Penalties usually start with a “fix-it” ticket – you’d be required to remove the illegal tint and show proof of correction (plus pay a small fee). Repeat offenses or failure to fix it can lead to fines ranging from ~$25 up to $200 or more. We’ll always explain the legal limits and options so you can make an informed choice. If you prefer to stay within the law, we have light tint options that comply with California rules; if you decide to risk a darker front tint, that’s at your discretion.