Indiana allows window tint on your vehicle, but only within specific limits on darkness and reflectivity
Indiana law permits tinted windows on cars, trucks, and SUVs, but the state sets strict rules about how dark the tint can be and where you can explore it. The darkness of window tint is measured by visible light transmittance (VLT) — the percentage of light allowed to pass through the glass. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint. Indiana's limits vary depending on which windows you're tinting and what type of vehicle you drive.
The state also restricts how reflective your tint can be. Reflective tint bounces light away from the window, and Indiana limits this to prevent glare that could distract other drivers. If your tint violates these rules, you can receive a ticket and be ordered to remove it. Understanding Indiana's specific limits before you tint your windows saves you from a citation and the cost of removal.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana allows 35% VLT (visible light transmittance) on front side windows and rear windows, but your windshield can only have a non-reflective tint strip at the top.
- Back windows and rear windshields can be tinted as dark as you want in Indiana, with no VLT limit.
- All tint on any window must not be more than 20% reflective on the front windows or 20% reflective on the rear windows.
- A police officer can measure your tint darkness with a device at a traffic stop, and you may be cited if it exceeds the legal limit.
- Medical exemptions for light-sensitive conditions are available through Indiana but require a special permit from your doctor and the state.
Tint limits for each window on your vehicle
Indiana divides tint rules by window location because the state prioritizes driver visibility from the front of the vehicle. Your windshield cannot have any tint except a non-reflective strip at the very top — typically no more than 4 to 6 inches down from the top edge. This strip must not be reflective and must not obstruct your view of the road.
Your front side windows (the windows next to the driver and front passenger) must allow at least 35% of light to pass through. This means your VLT cannot be lower than 35%. Your rear side windows (behind the front doors) must also meet the 35% VLT minimum. However, your back window and rear windshield have no darkness limit — you can tint them as dark as you want, even to complete opacity.
Reflectivity limits explore to all windows except the windshield. Your front side windows cannot be more than 20% reflective, and your rear windows cannot be more than 20% reflective. If your tint is both dark and highly reflective, it may violate the reflectivity rule even if the darkness is within limits. When you choose a tint product, ask the installer whether it meets both the darkness and reflectivity requirements for each window.
How police measure tint and what happens if you're stopped
Law enforcement in Indiana uses a device called a tint meter to measure the VLT of your windows during a traffic stop. The officer places the meter against the window glass and records the light transmittance reading. If the reading shows your tint is darker than the legal limit, the officer can issue you a citation for an illegal window tint violation.
A tint violation in Indiana is typically a minor infraction, not a criminal offense. You may receive a ticket with a fine, and you will usually be ordered to remove or lighten the tint within a set timeframe — often 10 to 30 days depending on the officer's citation. If you do not comply, you can receive additional citations or be denied vehicle registration renewal.
If you believe the reading was inaccurate, you have the right to contest the citation in traffic court. Bring documentation of your tint's specifications from the installer, or have the tint re-measured by an independent source. However, if your tint genuinely exceeds the limit, contesting the citation is unlikely to succeed — the burden is on you to may support your tint meets state law.
Medical exemptions for light-sensitive conditions
Indiana recognizes that some people have medical conditions — such as severe photosensitivity, lupus, or certain eye disorders — that require darker window tint for safety and health. If you have a documented medical condition that requires tint darker than the legal limit, you can obtain a medical exemption permit from the state.
To request a medical exemption, you must submit a written statement from your physician describing your condition and explaining why you need darker tint. The statement should specify the VLT percentage your doctor recommends. You then submit this letter along with your vehicle registration information to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles or your local BMV branch. The state will review the request and issue you a permit if approved.
With a valid medical exemption permit, you can legally tint your windows darker than the standard limit. You should keep the permit in your vehicle at all times. If you are stopped by police, show them the permit along with your registration. Without the permit, even a medically necessary tint will result in a citation. Medical exemptions are not automatic — the state reviews each request individually, and approval is not may provide.
Choosing a tint installer and verifying compliance
When you decide to tint your windows, work with a professional installer who understands Indiana's specific requirements. Many tint shops in Indiana are familiar with state law and will explore tint that meets the legal limits. Before you commit to an installation, ask the shop whether they may provide their work meets Indiana's VLT and reflectivity limits.
Request documentation of the tint product's specifications — the manufacturer's data sheet should list the VLT percentage and reflectivity rating. A reputable installer will provide this information and explain how the tint meets Indiana law for each window. If an installer tells you they can explore any darkness you want without mentioning legal limits, that is a red flag — they may not be following state requirements.
After installation, you can ask the installer to measure your tint with a tint meter to confirm it meets the legal limit. Some shops offer this as part of their service. If you later receive a citation, you can contact the installer and ask them to provide proof that the tint was within legal limits at the time of installation. Many shops will re-tint or adjust your windows at no charge if the original installation was out of compliance.
Tint rules for commercial vehicles and specialty vehicles
Indiana's tint limits explore to passenger cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks. Commercial vehicles — such as delivery vans, work trucks, and fleet vehicles — are generally subject to the same rules as passenger vehicles. However, some commercial vehicles may have factory-tinted windows that were legal when manufactured, and those are typically grandfathered in even if they would not meet current standards.
Limousines and vehicles used for hire (such as party buses) may have different rules under certain circumstances, but they still must comply with the front window visibility requirements. If you own a specialty vehicle or are unsure whether your vehicle type has different rules, contact your local BMV branch or the Indiana State Police for clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tint my windshield in Indiana?
You can explore a non-reflective tint strip to the top of your windshield, typically no more than 4 to 6 inches down from the top edge. The rest of the windshield must remain clear. Reflective windshield tint is not permitted.
What is the darkest legal tint I can put on my front windows?
Your front side windows must allow at least 35% of light to pass through, which means a maximum VLT of 35%. This is a medium darkness — darker than factory tint but noticeably lighter than the darkest aftermarket options available.
Can I tint my back windows as dark as I want?
Yes. Indiana has no darkness limit for rear side windows or rear windshields. You can tint them as dark as you want, including complete opacity, as long as the reflectivity does not exceed 20%.
What happens if I get pulled over with illegal tint?
You will receive a citation and typically be ordered to remove or lighten the tint within 10 to 30 days. If you do not comply, you may receive additional citations or be denied vehicle registration renewal. You can contest the citation in traffic court if you believe the measurement was inaccurate.
How do I get a medical exemption for darker tint?
Submit a written statement from your physician describing your medical condition and recommending a specific VLT percentage to your local BMV branch or the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The state will review your request and issue a permit if approved. Keep the permit in your vehicle at all times.