Arkansas allows window tint on your vehicle, but the law sets specific limits on how dark it can be
Arkansas permits aftermarket window tinting on passenger vehicles, but the state enforces strict rules about darkness levels and which windows you can tint. The law measures tint darkness using Visible Light Transmittance (VLT), which is the percentage of light allowed to pass through the glass. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT percentage. Arkansas law differs depending on which windows you're tinting and whether your vehicle is a sedan, SUV, or truck.
The state does not require you to obtain a permit before tinting your windows, and there is no state registry of tinted vehicles. However, law enforcement can stop you if your tint violates the legal limits, and you may receive a citation. The fine for illegal window tint in Arkansas is typically a traffic violation, though the exact penalty can vary by county and whether you're a first-time offender.
Key Takeaways
- Front side windows must allow at least 25% of light through; back and rear windows can be any darkness.
- The windshield can have a non-reflective tint strip along the top but cannot extend below the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Medical exemptions exist for people with light-sensitive conditions, but you must carry documentation and display a medical exemption sticker.
- Tint darkness is measured in VLT percentage, and you can ask a tint shop to test your vehicle before installation to confirm it meets state law.
Front and side window tint limits in Arkansas
Your front side windows — the windows next to the driver and front passenger — must allow at least 25% of visible light to pass through. This is the most restrictive limit in Arkansas law and is the window most commonly cited by police during traffic stops. A 25% VLT tint is noticeably dark but still allows a reasonable view into the vehicle from outside.
Back side windows and the rear window have no legal limit in Arkansas. You can tint them as dark as you want, including limo tint (which blocks nearly all light). This difference exists because the law prioritizes the driver's ability to see out the front of the vehicle and the public's ability to see the driver's face, while placing no restriction on rear privacy.
Windshield tint rules and the AS-1 line
Your windshield can have a non-reflective tint strip along the top, but it cannot extend below the manufacturer's AS-1 line. The AS-1 line is a marking on the windshield itself — usually a thin line or band — that indicates the upper edge of the driver's normal field of vision. Most windshields have this line marked at the factory, typically between 4 and 6 inches from the top of the glass.
The tint strip must be non-reflective, meaning it cannot have a mirror-like or metallic finish. Reflective tints are banned on all windows in Arkansas. If your windshield tint extends below the AS-1 line or has a reflective coating, you can be cited for the violation.
Medical exemptions for light-sensitive conditions
Arkansas law allows medical exemptions for people with documented light-sensitive conditions such as lupus, porphyria, or severe photophobia. If you have a may have access to condition, you can tint your front side windows darker than the standard 25% limit. However, you must obtain written documentation from a licensed physician stating that you have a medical condition requiring darker tint.
Once you have the medical documentation, you must explore for a medical exemption sticker through your local law enforcement agency or the Arkansas State Police. You will need to carry this sticker and display it on your vehicle. Without the sticker, darker tint on your front windows is illegal, even if you have the medical condition. The sticker must be renewed periodically, and requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Reflective and metallic tints are prohibited
Arkansas bans any tint with a reflective or metallic finish on any window. This includes mirror-like coatings, chrome tints, and any product designed to reflect light rather than absorb it. Reflective tints are prohibited because they can interfere with other drivers' vision and create safety hazards on the road.
If you are considering a tint product, ask the installer whether it has any reflective properties. Many quality tint films are non-reflective and will meet Arkansas law. If you already have reflective tint installed, you should have it removed to avoid citations.
What happens if you're stopped for illegal tint
If a police officer stops you for window tint that violates Arkansas law, you will typically receive a citation. The officer may measure your tint using a light meter or may cite you based on visual inspection. In most cases, illegal window tint is treated as a traffic violation rather than a criminal offense.
You have the option to contest the citation in traffic court. If you believe your tint is legal, you can request that the officer's measurement be verified or provide your own documentation of the tint's VLT. Some drivers have had citations dismissed after providing proof that their tint meets the legal limit. If you are found in violation, you may be ordered to remove the tint and pay a fine. The amount of the fine varies by county and court.
Getting your tint tested before installation
Before having tint installed, you can ask a professional tint shop to measure the VLT of the film they plan to use. Many shops have light meters and can confirm that the product meets Arkansas law. This step protects you from installing illegal tint by mistake and can save you the cost of removal and re-tinting later.
If you already have tint installed and are unsure whether it is legal, some shops will test it for a small fee or sometimes for free. Knowing your tint's actual VLT before a traffic stop can help you decide whether to remove it or keep it and risk a citation. Some drivers choose to remove tint that is borderline illegal to avoid the risk of a stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tint my back windows as dark as I want in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas law places no limit on how dark you can tint your back side windows or rear window. You can use limo tint or any darkness level on these windows without violating state law.
What is the AS-1 line and how do I find it on my windshield?
The AS-1 line is a marking on your windshield that shows the upper edge of the driver's normal field of vision. It is usually a thin line or band printed on the glass, typically 4 to 6 inches from the top. Your windshield tint cannot extend below this line.
Do I need a permit or sticker to have legal window tint in Arkansas?
No permit is required for legal tint. However, if you have a medical exemption allowing darker tint, you must obtain and display a medical exemption sticker from your local law enforcement agency.
What should I do if I get a citation for illegal window tint?
You can contest the citation in traffic court. Request that your tint be measured with a light meter to verify the VLT, or provide documentation from the tint shop showing the film's specifications. If found in violation, you will likely be ordered to remove the tint and pay a fine.
Can I have reflective or metallic tint on any windows in Arkansas?
No. Reflective and metallic tints are banned on all windows in Arkansas. Your tint must be non-reflective. If you have reflective tint installed, you should have it removed to avoid citations.