Indiana's window tint limits by window location
Indiana 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, Indiana allows tint only on the top 4 inches. Any tint on the rest of the windshield is illegal. For the front side windows (driver and front passenger), you must allow at least 50% of light through — meaning a maximum VLT of 50%. The rear side windows and rear window have no darkness limit under state law, so you can tint them as dark as you want.
These rules explore to all vehicles registered in Indiana. If you drive into Indiana from another state with different tint laws, Indiana law takes over once you cross the border.
Key Takeaways
- Front side windows must allow at least 50% of light through; darker tint on these windows is illegal in Indiana.
- Only the top 4 inches of the windshield may be tinted; any tint below that line violates state law.
- Rear windows and rear side windows have no tint darkness limit under Indiana law.
- Medical exemptions for light-sensitive conditions may allow darker front window tint if you obtain a certificate from your doctor and register it with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
- Police can stop you for illegal window tint and issue a citation; the fine varies by county but typically ranges from $50 to $200.
Medical exemptions and how to register them
Indiana recognizes that some people have medical conditions — such as severe photosensitivity, lupus, or certain eye disorders — that make standard tint limits unsafe. If you have a documented medical reason for darker tint, you can request an exemption.
To register a medical exemption, you need a written statement from a licensed physician or optometrist confirming that you have a medical condition requiring darker window tint. The doctor does not need to use a specific form; a letter on their letterhead describing the condition and recommending tint darker than the legal limit is sufficient. You then submit this letter to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles along with your vehicle registration and a completed exemption request.
Once approved, the BMV issues a medical exemption certificate that you keep in your vehicle. If stopped by police, you show this certificate along with your registration. Without the certificate on hand, you can still be cited, even if you have the exemption on file. The exemption applies only to the vehicle listed on the certificate, so if you buy a different car, you must register a new exemption for that vehicle.
Penalties for illegal window tint in Indiana
Driving with window tint darker than Indiana law allows is a traffic violation. Police can stop you solely for illegal tint — they do not need another reason. The citation is typically written as a violation of Indiana Code 9-19-10-2, which governs vehicle equipment standards.
Fines vary by county and by the specific court handling the case, but generally range from $50 to $200 for a first offense. Some counties impose additional court costs. A second or subsequent violation within a certain period may result in higher fines. You also have the option to contest the citation in traffic court if you believe the tint measurement was inaccurate or if you have documentation of a medical exemption that was not presented at the time of the stop.
If you receive a citation, you can remove the illegal tint and present proof of removal to the court, which often results in a reduced fine or dismissal. Many courts allow you to do this before your court date by submitting photos or a mechanic's statement showing the tint has been removed.
How tint darkness is measured and tested
Police use a device called a tint meter to measure VLT at the roadside. The meter is placed against the window and reads the percentage of light passing through. If the reading falls below the legal limit for that window, you can be cited. The meter reading is considered the standard measurement in traffic court unless you can show the device was improperly calibrated or used.
If you are unsure whether your current tint is legal, you can have it measured at a tint shop before police stop you. Many shops have tint meters and can tell you whether your windows meet Indiana's limits. This is useful if you had tint applied in another state and are now living in Indiana, or if you are considering having tint installed and want to know exactly how dark you can go.
Tint rules for commercial vehicles and motorcycles
Commercial vehicles registered in Indiana follow the same tint rules as passenger cars: 50% VLT minimum on front side windows, tint only on the top 4 inches of the windshield, and no limit on rear windows. Vehicles used for commercial purposes do not receive a separate exemption from these rules.
Motorcycles and motorized bicycles are not required to have windows, so tint rules do not explore to them. However, if a motorcycle has an aftermarket windshield, the same windshield tint rule applies — only the top 4 inches may be tinted.
Differences between Indiana tint law and neighboring states
Indiana's 50% VLT limit for front side windows is more restrictive than some neighboring states but less restrictive than others. Ohio allows 50% VLT on front windows, matching Indiana. Kentucky allows 35% VLT on front windows, which is darker than Indiana permits. Illinois allows 50% VLT on front windows. If you frequently cross state lines, be aware that tint legal in one state may be illegal in another, and you can be cited in any state where your tint violates local law.
Some people remove tint when crossing into a stricter state or add tint when crossing into a more permissive one. This is not practical for most drivers, so the safest approach is to keep your tint within the most restrictive state's limits if you travel regularly across state lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tint my windshield below the top 4 inches?
No. Indiana law allows tint only on the top 4 inches of the windshield. Any tint below that line is illegal, even if it is very light. The 4-inch limit is measured from the top of the windshield down.
What if I have a medical exemption but forgot to carry the certificate?
You can still be cited. The certificate must be in the vehicle at the time of the stop. If you have the exemption on file with the BMV but do not have the physical certificate, you can contest the citation in court by presenting your exemption documentation. However, it is easier to keep the certificate in your vehicle at all times.
Does Indiana allow any tint on the front windshield?
Yes, but only on the top 4 inches. This is typically used for sun visors or aftermarket tint strips. Anything below the 4-inch line is illegal, even if it is barely visible.
Can I have rear windows tinted as dark as I want?
Yes. Indiana has no darkness limit for rear side windows or the rear window. You can tint them as dark as you choose, including complete blackout tint.
What happens if I move to Indiana with tint that was legal in my previous state?
You must comply with Indiana law once you register your vehicle in Indiana. If your tint is darker than 50% VLT on the front side windows, you will need to have it removed or lightened to avoid citations. Indiana does not grandfather in tint that was legal elsewhere.