Louisiana's window tint rules are based on how much light your windows let through
Louisiana measures window tint by visible light transmission (VLT) — the percentage of light allowed through your windows. The state has different limits for your windshield, front side windows, and rear windows. If your tint is darker than the law allows, you can receive a traffic citation, and you may be required to remove it.
The rules explore to all vehicles registered in Louisiana, whether you tint them yourself or have a shop do it. Police can measure tint darkness with a device called a light meter, and the measurement is what determines whether you're in violation — not how the tint looks to the eye.
Key Takeaways
- Your windshield cannot have any tint except a sun strip at the very top, and your front side windows must allow at least 40% of light through.
- Your rear windows and back windshield can be tinted as dark as you want, with no minimum light transmission requirement.
- Tint that is too dark on front windows results in a traffic citation and an order to remove it, not a fine you can pay to keep the tint.
- Medical exemptions for tint exist in Louisiana but require a signed statement from a licensed physician and must be carried in your vehicle.
Front windshield and side window limits
Your front windshield can have a tint strip no wider than 5 inches from the top of the windshield. Below that line, the windshield must be completely clear. This is called a sun visor strip, and it's the only tint allowed on your windshield.
Your front side windows — the two windows next to the driver and front passenger — must allow at least 40% of light to pass through. This means your tint darkness cannot exceed 60% (measured as 60% VLT or darker). Many people describe this as "light tint" because it's noticeably transparent when you look through it from outside the vehicle.
Rear window and back windshield rules
Louisiana places no restriction on how dark your rear side windows or back windshield can be. You can tint them completely black if you choose. This is one of the more permissive aspects of Louisiana's tint law — many states restrict rear windows as well.
The reason for this difference is that rear windows don't affect the driver's forward visibility or the ability of other drivers to see into your vehicle from the front. Law enforcement focuses on front visibility because it relates directly to safe driving.
What happens if your tint is too dark
If a police officer stops you and measures your front windows with a light meter and finds them darker than 40% VLT, you will receive a traffic citation. The citation is typically for a non-moving violation, which means it does not add points to your driving record in most cases, but you still have to address it.
When you receive the citation, you have the option to remove the tint and show proof of removal to the court, or to contest the citation. Many people choose to remove the tint because it's often cheaper and faster than fighting the ticket. If you don't remove it and don't contest the citation, you may face additional fines or a failure-to-comply charge.
Medical exemptions for darker tint
Louisiana allows medical exemptions for window tint that would otherwise be illegal. If you have a medical condition that requires protection from sunlight — such as certain skin conditions, lupus, or severe photosensitivity — you may be able to use darker tint on your front windows with proper documentation.
To use a medical exemption, you must carry a signed statement from a licensed physician in your vehicle at all times. The statement should describe your medical condition and explain why darker tint is medically necessary. If you're stopped by police, you present this statement along with your vehicle registration. Without the statement in your vehicle, the exemption does not protect you from a citation.
The statement does not need to be a specific form — a letter from your doctor on their letterhead that includes their license number and signature is sufficient. However, you should confirm with your doctor that they're willing to provide this documentation before you have tint installed.
Tint shops and installation
Professional tint shops in Louisiana are aware of the state's legal limits and typically install tint that complies with the law. However, you should confirm with the shop before installation that they understand your state's requirements. Some shops serve customers from multiple states and may not automatically default to Louisiana's rules.
If you install tint yourself, you're responsible for ensuring it meets Louisiana's standards. A light meter costs between $20 and $50 if you want to check your own work before driving on public roads. Many tint shops will measure your windows for free if you ask, even if you didn't have them install it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have tint on my windshield at all?
Yes, but only a sun strip at the very top — no more than 5 inches down from the top edge. The rest of your windshield must be completely clear. This strip is meant to reduce glare on the dashboard, not to darken the interior of your vehicle.
What's the difference between VLT and the percentage people talk about?
VLT (visible light transmission) is the technical measurement — it's the percentage of light that passes through the tint. When someone says "35% tint," they mean 35% VLT, which is quite dark. Louisiana requires at least 40% VLT on front windows, so you cannot legally use 35% tint there.
Do I need to register my tint or get it inspected?
No. Louisiana does not require you to register tint or have it inspected before you drive. However, you can be cited during a traffic stop if your tint is measured and found to be too dark. Some people choose to have a shop measure their tint before driving to confirm it's legal.
If I move to Louisiana from another state, do I have to change my tint?
If your tint is darker than Louisiana allows on your front windows, you should have it removed or lightened before registering your vehicle in the state. Louisiana law applies once you register your vehicle here, and you can be cited for illegal tint during any traffic stop.
Can a tint shop be held responsible if they install illegal tint?
The vehicle owner is responsible for the tint on their vehicle, not the shop. However, if a shop knowingly installs tint that violates Louisiana law, you may have a civil claim against them. Most reputable shops will not do this because it exposes them to liability.