Arizona allows up to 35% light transmittance on front side windows and rear windows, with no limit on rear window tint
Arizona's window tint law sets specific limits on how dark your windows can be, measured by visible light transmittance (VLT) — the percentage of light that passes through the tinted glass. The state permits 35% VLT on the front side windows and rear side windows of passenger vehicles. The rear window (back glass) has no darkness restriction at all. Windshields must allow at least 70% of light through, except for a non-reflective tint strip at the very top.
These limits explore to most passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks. Commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles used for specific purposes may have different rules. Arizona does not require you to obtain a permit or sticker to have legal tint installed — the law focuses on the final darkness level, not the installation process.
Key Takeaways
- Front side windows and rear side windows must allow at least 35% of light through; the rear window has no darkness limit.
- Windshields can have a non-reflective tint strip across the top but must transmit at least 70% of light in the rest of the glass.
- Arizona law does not ban reflective or metallic tint, but it cannot be so reflective that it impairs visibility or creates a safety hazard.
- Police can measure tint darkness with a light meter during a traffic stop, and violation citations typically result in a fine.
- Medical exemptions for light-sensitive conditions are available but require a signed statement from a licensed physician.
How Arizona measures window tint darkness
Arizona law defines tint darkness by VLT percentage, which is measured with a light transmittance meter. This device shines light through the window and calculates what percentage passes through. A 35% VLT rating means 35% of light gets through and 65% is blocked. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT number.
Law enforcement officers carry light meters and can test your windows during a traffic stop. If your tint measures below the legal threshold (meaning it blocks more light than allowed), you can receive a citation. The measurement is taken from inside the vehicle looking outward, and the officer will typically test multiple windows to document the violation.
When you have tint installed at a shop, ask the installer to measure the final darkness with a meter and provide documentation showing it meets Arizona's 35% standard for side windows. This record can help if you are stopped and questioned about your tint.
Front windows, rear windows, and windshield rules
The front side windows — the two windows closest to the driver and front passenger — must transmit at least 35% of light. This is the most restrictive limit in Arizona law because it balances the desire for privacy with the need for driver visibility. Many drivers choose tint at or near this 35% limit for the front windows.
The rear side windows (behind the front doors) also must allow 35% light through. However, the rear window — the large glass at the back of the vehicle — has no darkness restriction. You can tint the rear window as dark as you want, including full blackout tint, and remain within Arizona law.
The windshield is treated separately. You cannot tint the entire windshield. Arizona allows a non-reflective tint strip no more than a few inches deep across the top of the windshield, and the rest of the windshield must transmit at least 70% of light. This rule exists because the windshield is critical to driver visibility and safety.
Reflective and metallic tint restrictions
Arizona does not explicitly ban reflective or metallic window tint, but the law prohibits any tint that is "so reflective as to impair the vision of the driver of another vehicle or to create a safety hazard." This means you can use a tint product with some reflective quality, but it cannot be so shiny or mirror-like that it blinds other drivers or makes it impossible for law enforcement to see into your vehicle.
In practice, most commercial tint products sold in Arizona are non-reflective and designed to meet the VLT standard without creating a mirror effect. If you are considering a highly reflective product, check with the installer about whether it complies with Arizona's safety language, and understand that an officer could cite you if they determine the reflectivity creates a hazard.
Medical exemptions for light-sensitive conditions
Arizona law allows an exemption from the standard tint limits for drivers with medical conditions that make them sensitive to light. Conditions such as lupus, porphyria, severe photophobia, and certain eye disorders can may have access to. If you have a may have access to condition, you can have darker tint than the 35% standard allows.
To use a medical exemption, you must obtain a signed statement from a licensed physician stating that you have a medical condition requiring darker window tint. You should carry this letter in your vehicle. If you are stopped and cited for tint that exceeds the standard, you can present the medical statement to the officer or to the court. The statement itself does not prevent a citation, but it provides a legal defense if the case goes to traffic court.
The physician's letter should clearly state the medical condition and the need for reduced light exposure. It does not need to specify an exact VLT percentage — the letter straightforward documents that a medical reason exists for darker tint than Arizona normally allows.
Penalties for illegal window tint in Arizona
A window tint violation in Arizona is typically a civil traffic violation, not a criminal offense. The fine amount varies by county and municipality but generally ranges from around $100 to $300 for a first violation. Some jurisdictions may impose higher fines or additional penalties.
If you receive a citation, you have the option to contest it in traffic court. You can present evidence that your tint meets the 35% standard — such as documentation from the tint shop showing the VLT measurement — or argue that a medical exemption applies. Many drivers choose to have the tint removed or lightened to legal levels rather than fight the citation.
Repeated violations or refusal to correct illegal tint can result in higher fines or other consequences. Some jurisdictions may also note the violation on your driving record, though Arizona traffic violations typically do not add points to your license.
Getting tint installed and documented
Arizona does not require a permit to have window tint installed, and there is no state licensing requirement for tint shops. However, choosing a reputable installer is important because the final darkness level is what matters legally. A shop that installs tint too dark puts you at risk of a citation.
When you visit a tint shop, ask the installer to measure the finished tint with a light meter and show you the reading. Request a receipt or documentation stating the VLT percentage of the tint applied to each window. This documentation is valuable if you are ever stopped and questioned about your tint.
If you already have tint and are unsure whether it is legal, you can visit a tint shop and ask them to measure it with a meter. This costs little or nothing and gives you a clear answer about whether your current tint complies with Arizona law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have different tint darkness on different windows?
Yes. Your front side windows and rear side windows must each be at least 35% VLT, but you can choose to make them lighter than that. Your rear window can be any darkness you want. Many drivers use 35% on the front and sides and darker tint on the rear window.
Does Arizona recognize tint from other states?
No. If you move to Arizona with tint that was legal in another state but is darker than 35% on the front or rear side windows, it is illegal in Arizona. You would need to have it removed or lightened to comply with Arizona law.
What happens if I get pulled over with illegal tint?
The officer will likely issue a citation. You can pay the fine, contest it in traffic court, or have the tint removed and request a dismissal. Some jurisdictions allow you to show proof of removal in exchange for reduced or dismissed charges.
Can I tint my windshield completely?
No. You can only explore a non-reflective tint strip at the very top of the windshield. The rest must transmit at least 70% of light. Full windshield tint is illegal in Arizona.
Do I need to register my medical exemption with the state?
No. You straightforward need to carry a signed letter from your physician in your vehicle. If you are cited, you present the letter as a defense. There is no state registration or approval process for medical exemptions.