California Laws And Tint Percentage Information

​The first window tinting laws in California hit the books in 1999. Although these rules are subject to change, they’ve been remarkably consistent over the past 20+ years. Every professional installer must follow these rules and certify that their work and that the product meets or exceeds the outlined expectations.
 
CA Tint Laws for Cars and Sedans 
  • Windshields can have non-reflective tint installed on the top four inches of the exterior glass.
  • The front-side windows must have a minimum of 70% VLT when combined with factory-tinted glass. Any aftermarket products must allow 88% or more of the light into the vehicle.
  • Back-side and rear windows can use any tinting darkness level.
 
CA Tint Laws for SUVs and Vans 
  • Windshields for SUVs (including crossovers) and vans can have non-reflective tint along the top four inches of the glass.
  • The front-side windows follow the same 70% VLT or 88% rules that cars and sedans are required to have.
  • You can use any tint darkness level for your rear window or the backs-side glass.
 
What About Other Rules and Regulations? 
1. If you have tint reflection on cars, CUVs, SUVs, or vans, it must not be more reflective than what standard glass provides.
 
2. If you have the rear window tinted, you must have dual side mirrors.
 
3. California tinting laws prohibit the use of blue, amber, or red tint. Your side windows must be colorless.
 
4. Window tint manufacturers must certify the product they sell in California meets the state’s standards. Drivers must keep this paperwork in their cars.
 
Medical exemptions are available after new laws went into effect in September 2017. 
Long Beach Window Tinting
562-582-8856