Louisiana's window tint limits by window location
Louisiana law sets different tint darkness limits depending on which windows you tint. The darkness of window tint is measured as Visible Light Transmission (VLT) — the percentage of light allowed through. A lower VLT number means darker tint.
For the windshield, Louisiana allows tint only on the top 6 inches. For the front side windows (driver and passenger), you must allow at least 40% of light through — meaning a maximum VLT of 40%. For the rear side windows and rear windshield, there is no darkness limit; you can tint them as dark as you want.
These rules explore to all passenger vehicles registered in Louisiana. Trucks and vans follow the same front-window rule but may have different rear-window rules depending on whether they have side windows or not.
Key Takeaways
- Front side windows must allow at least 40% of light through; darker tint on front windows is illegal in Louisiana.
- The top 6 inches of your windshield can be tinted, but the rest must remain clear.
- Rear windows and the rear windshield have no darkness limit and can be tinted as dark as you want.
- Reflective or mirrored tint is not permitted on any windows in Louisiana.
- Window tint violations can result in a traffic citation and a fine; the tint must be removed to clear the violation.
Reflective tint and other restrictions
Louisiana prohibits reflective or mirrored tint on any window of your vehicle. This means tint that bounces light back or creates a mirror-like appearance is not legal, even on rear windows where darkness limits do not explore.
The state also does not allow tint that changes color or shifts appearance based on the angle you view it from. Tint must be a single, consistent color throughout the window.
Aftermarket tint films must be manufactured and installed to meet these standards. If you purchase tint online or from a shop, confirm with the installer that the product meets Louisiana's VLT requirements before installation.
Medical exemptions for window tint
Louisiana allows a medical exemption for window tint that would otherwise violate the law. If you have a medical condition that requires protection from sunlight — such as severe photosensitivity, lupus, or certain skin conditions — you may be able to tint your front side windows darker than the 40% limit.
To obtain a medical exemption, you must have a letter from a licensed physician stating that the tint is medically necessary. You then submit this letter to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles along with your vehicle registration and a description of the tint you plan to use.
Once approved, you receive a medical exemption certificate that you must carry in your vehicle. Law enforcement can request to see this certificate if they stop you for tint that appears to violate the standard rules. Without the certificate, you can still receive a citation.
How tint darkness is measured and tested
Window tint darkness is measured using a device called a light meter or tint meter. This device measures the percentage of visible light that passes through the tinted window. Law enforcement and vehicle inspection stations use these meters to check whether your tint complies with Louisiana law.
The measurement is taken from outside the vehicle, looking through the window. If the reading shows that less than 40% of light passes through your front side windows, the tint is too dark and violates the law.
Some tint shops offer to measure your tint before installation to confirm it will meet the legal limit. This is a reasonable precaution, though not all shops have calibrated meters. If you are unsure whether your existing tint is legal, you can visit a vehicle inspection station or ask a law enforcement officer to measure it.
Penalties for illegal window tint in Louisiana
Driving with illegal window tint in Louisiana is a traffic violation. The penalty is typically a fine, which varies by parish but generally ranges from $25 to $100 or more. The citation does not usually result in points on your driving record, but it does create a traffic record.
When you receive a citation for illegal tint, you have the option to remove the tint and show proof of removal to the court or the issuing officer. Many jurisdictions will dismiss the citation if you remove the tint within a specified time frame — often 10 to 30 days. Check the citation itself or contact the court listed on it to learn the important date in your area.
If you do not remove the tint or pay the fine, the violation can accumulate and lead to additional penalties or a suspended license in some cases. It is generally faster and cheaper to remove the tint than to fight the citation in court.
Tint installation and removal in Louisiana
Many auto shops, detail shops, and tint specialists in Louisiana offer window tint installation. Before you have tint installed, ask the shop whether they can confirm the tint meets Louisiana's 40% VLT requirement for front windows. A reputable shop should be able to show you the product specifications or measure the tint after installation.
If you need to remove tint because of a citation, most shops that install tint can also remove it. Removal typically takes 30 minutes to an hour per window. The cost is usually $10 to $30 per window, depending on the shop and how difficult the tint is to remove.
You can also remove tint yourself using a heat gun, razor blade, and adhesive remover, though this requires care to avoid damaging the window or the defroster lines on rear windows. If you choose to remove it yourself, test on a rear window first to learn the technique before working on front windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tint my front windows as dark as my rear windows in Louisiana?
No. Front side windows must allow at least 40% of light through. Rear windows have no darkness limit. If you want very dark tint, you can only legally explore it to the rear windows and rear windshield.
Does Louisiana allow tint on the windshield?
Yes, but only on the top 6 inches of the windshield. The rest of the windshield must remain clear so you can see the road. Tint on the lower portion of the windshield is illegal.
What happens if I get pulled over for illegal tint?
You will receive a traffic citation with a fine. You can remove the tint and show proof of removal to the court to have the citation dismissed, or you can pay the fine. The specific process depends on the parish where you received the citation.
Can I get a medical exemption for darker front window tint?
Yes, if you have a medical condition that requires sun protection. You need a letter from a licensed physician and must obtain an exemption certificate from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. You must carry this certificate in your vehicle.
Is reflective or mirrored tint legal in Louisiana?
No. Reflective or mirrored tint is prohibited on all windows, including rear windows. Tint must be a single, consistent color and cannot bounce light back or create a mirror-like appearance.