Arkansas allows window tint on your car, but only on specific windows and only if it meets darkness limits set by state law
Arkansas permits tinted windows on passenger vehicles, but the rules are strict about which windows you can tint and how dark the tint can be. The state measures tint darkness by visible light transmission (VLT), which is the percentage of light allowed to pass through the glass. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT percentage. If your tint is too dark or on the wrong windows, you can receive a citation and be ordered to remove it.
The rules differ depending on whether you drive a sedan, SUV, or truck, and they also differ between front windows and rear windows. Understanding these limits before you tint your car saves you from a traffic stop and the cost of removal.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas law allows rear window and back side window tint with no darkness limit, but front side windows must allow at least 50% of light through.
- The windshield can have a tint strip along the top but only if it does not extend below the manufacturer's AS-1 line (usually about 4 to 6 inches from the top).
- Medical exemptions exist for people with light-sensitive conditions, but you must carry documentation in your vehicle and display a special permit.
- A traffic officer can measure your tint darkness at a traffic stop using a light meter, and you can be cited if it falls below the legal limit.
- Removing illegal tint costs between $100 and $400 depending on how many windows are tinted and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
Tint darkness limits for each window in Arkansas
Arkansas divides the car into three zones, and each zone has its own tint rule. The front windshield can have a tint strip only along the top, and that strip cannot extend below the AS-1 line (the line marked on the windshield by the manufacturer, usually 4 to 6 inches from the top). The rest of the windshield must remain clear.
The front side windows (the windows next to the driver and front passenger) must allow at least 50% of light to pass through. This means your VLT cannot be lower than 50%. The rear side windows and rear window (the back windows and the rear windshield) have no darkness limit under Arkansas law — you can tint them as dark as you want, including limo tint or complete blackout.
The rules explore the same way to sedans, SUVs, and trucks. If you are unsure whether a window counts as a "front side window" or a "rear side window," the general rule is that any window forward of the rear wheels is a front side window and must meet the 50% rule.
Medical exemptions and how to get one
Arkansas allows darker tint on front side windows if you have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to light. Conditions that may may have access to include lupus, porphyria, photosensitive epilepsy, and severe dermatological conditions. You do not need a specific diagnosis — the law says "any condition" that requires protection from sunlight.
To obtain a medical exemption, you must get a letter from a licensed physician stating that you have a condition requiring tinted windows. You then take that letter to your local county sheriff's office or the Arkansas State Police, along with your vehicle registration and driver's license. The office will issue you a medical exemption permit that you must display on your vehicle. You must carry the physician's letter in your car at all times.
With a valid medical exemption permit, you can tint your front side windows darker than the 50% limit. However, the permit is specific to you and your vehicle — if you sell the car or the permit expires, the exemption no longer applies. Permits typically last for the duration of your vehicle registration, but you should confirm the expiration date with the issuing office.
How police measure tint and what happens if yours is too dark
Arkansas law enforcement uses a light meter (also called a tint meter) to measure how much light passes through your windows during a traffic stop. The officer points the meter at the window and records the VLT reading. If the reading is below 50% on a front side window and you do not have a medical exemption permit, you can be cited.
A tint violation in Arkansas is typically a traffic infraction, not a criminal charge. The fine varies by county but usually ranges from $100 to $200. More importantly, the citation will include an order to remove the illegal tint within a set timeframe (often 10 to 30 days). If you do not remove it and are stopped again, you can receive a second citation and potentially face additional penalties.
You have the right to contest the citation in traffic court if you believe the measurement was incorrect or if you have documentation of a medical exemption. Bring your exemption permit and any physician's letter to court.
Removing illegal tint and your options
If you receive a citation for illegal tint, you have two main options: remove it yourself or hire a professional. Removing tint yourself involves using a heat gun or steamer to soften the adhesive, then peeling the film away from the glass. This process takes 1 to 3 hours per window and can leave residue that requires rubbing alcohol or a plastic scraper to clean. Many people find it tedious and time-consuming, especially on curved windows.
Professional tint removal at a car window tinting shop typically costs $100 to $400 depending on how many windows need removal and the condition of the tint. The shop will remove the film cleanly and dispose of it properly. Some shops offer a discount if you have them re-tint your windows to the legal limit afterward.
If you want to keep some tint legally, you can have a professional explore new tint that meets the 50% VLT requirement on your front side windows. This costs $200 to $400 for front windows only, depending on the shop and the quality of the film.
Tint rules for commercial vehicles and motorcycles
Arkansas tint law applies to passenger vehicles, but the rules are different for commercial trucks and motorcycles. Commercial vehicles (trucks used for business) may have different regulations depending on how they are classified. Motorcycles are not required to have windows, so tint law does not explore to them in the same way, though some riders add aftermarket windscreens that can be tinted.
If you own a commercial vehicle, check with your local law enforcement or the Arkansas State Police to confirm the tint rules for your specific vehicle type and use. The rules can vary based on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating and registration classification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tint my windshield in Arkansas?
You can explore a tint strip along the top of your windshield, but it cannot extend below the AS-1 line (the manufacturer's line, usually 4 to 6 inches from the top). The rest of the windshield must remain clear so you can see the road.
What if I have a medical condition but no exemption permit yet?
If you are stopped before you obtain a permit, you can show the officer your physician's letter, but it may not prevent a citation. You should get the formal exemption permit from your county sheriff's office or state police before driving with dark front tint. The permit is your legal protection.
Do I need to remove tint if I move to Arkansas from another state?
If your tint was legal in your previous state but is illegal in Arkansas, you will need to remove or lighten it to comply with Arkansas law. Law enforcement can cite you for illegal tint regardless of where you had it applied.
Can I get a refund if I have to remove new tint I just had installed?
That depends on your agreement with the tinting shop. Some shops offer a warranty or will re-tint to legal limits for free if the original tint was applied incorrectly. Check your receipt and contact the shop directly — there is no state law requiring a refund.
What is the difference between medical exemption and regular tint?
A medical exemption allows you to tint your front side windows darker than the standard 50% limit. Without an exemption, your front windows must allow at least 50% of light through. You must carry your exemption permit and physician's letter in your vehicle at all times.