California Window Tint Laws (2026)

Quick reference

Windshield: Clear or tinted, non-reflective film on the top strip only — no lower than the AS-1 line or the top 4 inches (whichever is used). No red or amber.

Front side windows (driver & front passenger): The window must still let at least 70% of light through (glass + film combined). Because most factory glass is already about 70–88%, the only film allowed is clear film with 80% VLT (or higher). We'll go over legal shade options with you before install.

Rear side windows: Any darkness.

Back (rear) window: Any darkness, as long as the car has outside mirrors on both sides.

Reflective / mirrored film: Not allowed on the windshield or front sides. Elsewhere, film should be no more reflective than standard glass.

Colors: No red or amber film on the windshield or front sides. We also don't put blue on the windshield or front windows.

Paperwork to keep in the car

Front side windows: California has specific rules for any film on the front side windows, so we'll go over legal shade options with you before install.

Keep any medical letter (see below) in the car too.

Tint tickets & fines

Illegal tint is an equipment violation under Vehicle Code §26708. It's often written as a "fix-it" (correctable) ticket: remove or fix the film, get the correction signed off, and pay a small fee (about $25). If it isn't handled as correctable — or you don't fix it — total fines run roughly $190–$200+ with court fees, and repeat tickets can cost more. Amounts vary by county and how the ticket is written.

Medical tint exemptions

In short: if a doctor confirms you need protection from the sun, California lets you add removable sun-screening to the front side windows. It also lets you put clear UV-blocking film on any window. You don't apply to the DMV, and there's no permit card. Your proof is the signed letter, kept in the car. The exemption never allows dark film on the windshield, and the front-window shades can't be used after dark.

Who qualifies

• A driver or front-seat passenger whose licensed physician and surgeon puts in writing that a medical condition means they must be kept out of the sun.

• Or someone whose licensed optometrist puts in writing that a vision condition means they need shade.

Doctors often write these letters for lupus and other autoimmune light sensitivity, melanoma or a history of skin cancer, severe photosensitivity or photodermatitis, and rare UV disorders such as xeroderma pigmentosum. California has no official list of qualifying conditions. Your doctor makes the call.

What it allows, and what it doesn't

Allowed with a valid letter:

• Removable sun-screening on the side windows next to the front seats (VC §26708(b)(10)). That screening must let through at least 35% of light and be no more than 35% reflective (VC §26708.2).

• With a dermatologist's certificate: clear, colorless UV film (80%+ VLT, window still 70%+) on the windshield, side and rear windows (VC §26708(e)).

Still not allowed:

• Dark tint on the windshield below the legal top strip.

• Using the front-window sun-screening after dark.

• Red or amber film, or mirror-like film, on the front glass.

• Treating the letter as permission to black out the whole car.

Good to know: the front-window medical allowance covers a removable device such as a fitted screen or shade. It doesn't cover dark film bonded to the glass. If you want something permanent on the front windows, the legal option is clear UV film.

How to get one

1. Talk to your doctor. Ask your physician (or optometrist, for an eye condition) for a letter on their letterhead, signed and dated. It should state that you need to be shaded from the sun because of your condition. For clear UV film on all windows, ask a dermatologist for the certificate described in §26708(e).

2. No DMV paperwork. There's nothing to file and no sticker.

3. Pick a compliant product. Choose neutral (not red or amber), low-reflectivity sun-screening for the front sides, or clear UV film. We can help you choose the right option.

4. Bring a copy to your appointment so we can plan the install around what your letter covers.

What to keep in the car

• The original signed letter or certificate, every time you drive. Make sure the person it names is the one in the front seat.

• Any paperwork that came with film on your front side windows.

• An officer can still pull you over. Your paperwork is how you show the tint is allowed.

Prefer to do it online? Services such as TintedMD — California medical tint exemption connect you with California-licensed physicians for an online evaluation. We aren't affiliated with them. Rules can change, so check the current law before you rely on an exemption.

Read the law: California Vehicle Code §26708 (official) · §26708.2 · current text as amended by SB 506 (effective Jan 1, 2026)