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California Window Tint Laws (2026)

Info: Front side windows must let at least 70% of light through, so only clear, colorless film is legal — the film itself passes 88% of light, and 70% once combined with the glass, under the federal glass standard (FMVSS 205); on the windshield, tint is allowed only across the very top, with its bottom edge at least 29 inches above the driver's seat measured with the seat empty; it can't be red or amber, and it can't add glare.

InfoVerified Jul 2, 2026

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Front side windows must let at least 70% of light through, so only clear, colorless film is legal — the film itself passes 88% of light, and 70% once combined with the glass, under the federal glass standard (FMVSS 205); on the windshield, tint is allowed only across the very top, with its bottom edge at least 29 inches above the driver's seat measured with the seat empty; it can't be red or amber, and it can't add glare. (Cal. Veh. Code 26708)

Official source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Window Tint in states bordering California

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ArizonaInfo
Front side windows must let 33% of light through, with a 3% margin allowed, and the tint can't reflect more than 35% of light (also a 3% margin); windshield tint is allowed only across the top — above a line 29 inches up from the driver's seat, measured with the seat empty — and it can't be red or amber. (A.R.S. 28-959.01)
Verified Jul 2, 2026 · Source: azleg.gov · Full Arizona rule →
NevadaInfo
Front side windows must let at least 35% of light through, with a 7% margin allowed; windshield tint is allowed only across the very top, with its bottom edge at least 29 inches above the seat. (Nev. Rev. Stat. 484D.440)
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: leg.state.nv.us · Full Nevada rule →
OregonInfo
The total light coming through each front side window must be at least 35%; windshield tint is limited to the top 6 inches. (Or. Rev. Stat. 815.221)
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: oregonlegislature.gov · Full Oregon rule →

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