Arizona Window Tint Laws | Legal VLT Limits for Tucson, Phoenix & Statewide

Updated June 2026

Searching for “legal tint in Arizona” or “what is the legal tint in Arizona”? You found the right guide. Arizona window tint laws are strict – but easy to understand once you know the rules. This complete guide covers legal VLT limits, penalties for illegal tint, medical exemptions, front windshield tint laws, and answers to common questions like “is 5 percent tint legal in Arizona” and “what is the darkest legal tint in Arizona”.

✓ Arizona Revised Statutes §28-959.01 ✓ Updated for 2026 ✓ Includes Medical Exemption Info ✓ Certificate of Compliance Included

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Arizona Legal Tint Limits by Window (ARS §28-959.01)

Arizona law regulates window tint based on Visible Light Transmission (VLT) – the percentage of light that passes through the window and film combined. Lower VLT = darker tint.

Window Position	Legal VLT Limit	Notes
Front Side Windows	33% or higher	Must allow more than 33% of light in. No metallic or mirrored appearance.
Back Side Windows	Any darkness	SUV, van, and truck rear windows: any VLT allowed. Passenger cars: same as front side (33%).
Rear Window	Any darkness (with dual side mirrors)	If rear window is tinted below 33%, vehicle must have both left and right side mirrors.
Windshield	Top 6 inches only	Non-reflective tint allowed only above the AS-1 line or top 6 inches (whichever is less).

Note: Different rules apply to passenger cars vs multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs, vans, trucks). Passenger cars require 33% VLT on all side windows. SUVs and trucks can have any darkness on rear side and back windows.

Quick Summary by Vehicle Type

• Passenger cars (sedans, coupes, hatchbacks): 33% VLT on ALL side windows (front AND rear).
• SUVs, trucks, vans: 33% VLT on front side windows only. Rear side and back windows can be any darkness.

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What is the Darkest Legal Tint in Arizona?

The darkest legal tint for front side windows in Arizona is 33% VLT. This means the tint must allow more than 33% of light to pass through.

For rear windows on SUVs, trucks, and vans, there is no limit – you can go as dark as you want (even 5% limo tint).

For passenger cars (sedans, coupes), rear windows are also limited to 33% VLT – the same as front windows.

🔑 Key takeaway: If you drive a sedan and want dark rear windows, the law says 33% is the limit. If you drive an SUV or truck, you can go much darker on rear windows.

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Is 5 Percent Tint Legal in Arizona?

No, 5% tint is NOT legal on front side windows in Arizona. Front side windows must allow more than 33% of light through. 5% tint only allows 5% of light through – far below the legal limit.

However, 5% tint IS legal on rear windows of SUVs, trucks, and vans. Passenger cars cannot use 5% tint on any side window.

Driving with 5% tint on front windows can result in:

• Class 3 misdemeanor (up to 30 days in jail, $500 fine)
• Mandatory tint removal
• Failed vehicle inspection

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Is Front Windshield Tint Legal in Arizona?

Yes, but only the top 6 inches. Arizona law allows non-reflective tint on the windshield only above the AS-1 line or the top 6 inches – whichever is less.

You cannot tint the entire windshield – even with clear or ceramic film. The only exception is for medical exemptions (see below), and even then, the tint cannot be darker than what your physician specifies.

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Tint Enforcement & Penalties

How Tint Is Tested

Law enforcement uses a tint meter placed against the window to measure VLT. The meter reads the actual light transmission – not the tint film’s labeled percentage. Aged or low-quality tint may meter darker than originally installed.

Penalties for Illegal Tint in Arizona

Violation	Penalty
Illegal tint (first offense)	Class 3 misdemeanor – up to 30 days in jail, $500 fine, plus court costs.
Illegal tint (subsequent offenses)	Class 2 misdemeanor – increased fines and potential license suspension.
Tint removed after citation	Ticket may be dismissed if tint is removed and proof submitted to court.

Fix-it ticket option: Many Arizona courts allow you to remove illegal tint, have it inspected by law enforcement, and pay a reduced fine or have the ticket dismissed entirely.

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Medical Exemptions for Darker Tint

Arizona allows darker window tint for individuals with medical conditions that require sun sensitivity protection.

Qualifying Conditions

• Lupus
• Albinism
• Photosensitivity disorders
• Skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell, squamous cell)
• Other medical conditions requiring UV protection (physician determination)

How to Get a Medical Exemption

1. Visit a licensed physician (MD or DO)
2. Obtain a signed statement on physician’s letterhead including your name, condition, and need for darker tint
3. Carry the exemption document in your vehicle at all times
4. Keep tint within the limits specified by your physician (usually 20% VLT minimum)

Important reminder: If you have a medical exemption, carry the physician’s letter in your glove box at all times. Without it, darker tint is illegal even if you have a qualifying condition. Law enforcement cannot verify your medical status during a traffic stop – the letter is your proof.

Note: Medical exemptions do not apply to the windshield (top 6 inches only) and do not exempt you from requiring dual side mirrors if rear window is tinted.

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Tint Certificate Requirements

Arizona law requires a certificate of compliance for window tint applied to front side windows.

What the Certificate Must Include

• Installer’s name and business address
• Date of installation
• Tint film VLT percentage
• Film manufacturer and product name
• Installer signature

The certificate must be carried in the vehicle and presented to law enforcement upon request. A sticker between the film and glass on front side windows is also required, identifying the film meets Arizona standards.

We provide a certificate of compliance with every professional installation.

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Out-of-State Vehicles

Vehicles registered in other states must follow Arizona tint laws while driving on Arizona roads, regardless of their home state’s laws. This includes rental cars and temporary visitors.

Out-of-state drivers ticketed for illegal tint must either:

• Pay the fine (may impact driving record)
• Remove the tint and provide proof to the court

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Frequently Asked Questions – Arizona Tint Laws

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Need Legal Window Tint in Arizona?

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Related Resources

• Car Window Tint
• Window Tint vs PPF vs Ceramic Coating
• Car Heat Damage Without Tint & PPF

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tint laws may change. Always verify current regulations with Arizona state statutes or consult legal counsel. We make every effort to keep this information updated, but we are not responsible for enforcement actions based on this guide.