Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in Arizona, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the Arizona tint laws, you cannot use tint film on the windows whenever you want.
But what do these laws say? Well, that’s what we’ll discuss here today.
It was 1994 when the car tinting law in Arizona was proposed. It talks about how much dark or reflective your car window tint should be, depending on your state.
We’ve provided all the information you need about Arizona Window Tinting Laws. Also, there is also some extra information on rules and regulations, which you should obey if you don’t want to get fined.
Table of Contents
Arizona Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the Arizona window tint laws, you need to learn about the VLT. So before we get into the details, let’s talk about it first!
What does VLT mean according to Arizona state law?
The VLT or Visible Light Transmission indicated the percentage of detectable light that passes through your car’s window.
When the VLT is lower, the window tint will get darker. And higher VLT or Visible Light Transmission means that more light will penetrate the windows without any trouble
For instance, if you install 75% tint on the glasses, 75% light will go through them. And when the tint is 5%, the insides of your car will be way darker!
By the way, We have in-depth content about VLT and window tint percentage for your reference. We recommend checking it out If you want to know the different levels of window tint.
So, What is The Legal Tint in Arizona– AZ Window Tint Law 2023
The Arizona window tint law is different for each type of vehicle. For passenger and multipurpose vehicles, you have to follow dissimilar rules.
So here are the AZ window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal Tint in AZ- Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has clarified that tint above the AS-1 line of a passenger vehicle is legal tinting, provided it is non-reflective. “With the increased enforcement of traffic safety laws, motorists should be aware that darkened windows may not provide adequate protection from the sun’s glare for drivers and passengers,” said ADOT executive director Steve Keirns. “Most states allow a limited amount of window tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, providing improved driver visibility in low light conditions.” A list of states that allow tint above the AS-1 line can be found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. - Front side windows
Arizona window tint laws allow a maximum of 33% light transmittance for the front side windows of passenger vehicles. This means that dark colors like black, blue, and brown can be used as long as they comply with other Arizona window tint requirements such as a minimum reflectivity of 30%. - Backside windows
When it comes to legally tint your car windows, there are many different shades that can be used. However, for the backside windows, any darkness can be used according to The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). - Rear side window
When it comes to legally tint your car windows, there are many different shades that can be used. However, for the Rear side window, any darkness can be used according to The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
Legal Tint in AZ- Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has clarified that tint above the AS-1 line of a Multi-purpose vehicle is legal tinting, provided it is non-reflective. “With the increased enforcement of traffic safety laws, motorists should be aware that darkened windows may not provide adequate protection from the sun’s glare for drivers and passengers,” said ADOT executive director Steve Keirns. “Most states allow a limited amount of window tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, providing improved driver visibility in low light conditions.” A list of states that allow tint above the AS-1 line can be found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. - Front side windows
Arizona window tint laws allow a maximum of 33% light transmittance for the front side windows of Multi-purpose vehicles. This means that dark colors like black, blue, and brown can be used as long as they comply with other Arizona window tint requirements such as a minimum reflectivity of 33%. - Backside windows
When it comes to legally tinting your car windows, there are many different shades that can be used. However, for the backside windows, any darkness can be used according to The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). - Rear side window
When it comes to legally tinting your car windows, there are many different shades that can be used. However, for the backside windows, any darkness can be used according to The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
Window Tint Reflection in Arizona
Using tint on your automobile’s window can reflect the incoming light and reduce the heat. Moreover, the tinted windows also prevent glares.
Well, the window tint Arizona law authorizes some specific window reflection while using a tint. So if you ever think about coloring the glasses, pay attention to this as well.
Legal Tint in AZ- Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front side windows
Front side windows must not be more than 35% reflective in Arizona. This is in accordance with the state’s legal tint limit. The purpose of this law is to protect drivers and passengers from excessive glare while driving or riding in a vehicle. If your windows are more reflective than 35%, you may be breaking the law and could face fines. - Backside windows
Backside windows must not be more than 35% reflective in Arizona. This is in accordance with the state’s legal tint limit. The purpose of this law is to protect drivers and passengers from excessive glare while driving or riding in a vehicle. If your windows are more reflective than 35%, you may be breaking the law and could face fines.
Legal Tint in AZ- Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
Front side windows must not be more than 35% reflective in Arizona. This is in accordance with the state’s legal tint limit. The purpose of this law is to protect drivers and passengers from excessive glare while driving or riding in a vehicle. If your windows are more reflective than 35%, you may be breaking the law and could face fines. - Back Side windows
Backside windows must not be more than 35% reflective in Arizona. This is in accordance with the state’s legal tint limit. The purpose of this law is to protect drivers and passengers from excessive glare while driving or riding in a vehicle. If your windows are more reflective than 35%, you may be breaking the law and could face fines.
Other Arizona Window Tint Laws and Regulations You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, Arizona is pretty serious about that. You will have plenty of rules and regulations to abide by.
Besides maintaining a specific percentage of the glare on each window, here are some other restrictions you need to follow, even if you want to do a subtle darkening.
Side mirrors in Arizona
Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted.
Restricted Colors
When someone hears about the car window tinting laws in Arizona, the next question they ask is which color to use on the glass. Well, the law of Arizona doesn’t allow you to use all the colors on the palette; that’s no secret! So which colors can be used?
Arizona state law prohibits using red and amber tint colors.
You can use gray, green, and bronze car window tint without any issue. Moreover, you have permission to use neutral smoke color too.
Therefore, if you want to use smoke gray window tint, you can do that confidently.
Certificates
The films used by the manufacturers to tint your cars don’t need any certification in Arizona.
Stickers
According to the law, if you have completed the tinting, your car windows don’t need any stickers to prove that. Well, that’s pretty impressive!
Penalties
When the car window tinting has been done wrongly, you will be fined up to $250.
Arizona Window Tint Medical Exemption
In Arizona, the law states that any driver with a medical exemption can tint their car windows to any degree. To get this exemption, you must have a letter from your doctor that specifically states that you need to tint your windows for medical reasons. The letter must include your name, date of birth, and the specific reason why you need to tint your windows. You must also have this letter with you whenever you’re driving, and present it to a police officer if they ask for it.
How to Get Medical Exemption for Window Tint in Arizona
The process for getting this Arizona Window Tint Exemption Form is fairly simple. You just need to go to your doctor and get a note from them stating that you need the dark tint for medical reasons. Once you have the note, take it to your local motor vehicle office and they will issue you an exemption sticker to put on your car.
Arizona Medical Exemption Requirements
| State | Arizona |
| Statute, regulation, or other sources | A.R.S. § 28-959.01 |
| For whom the exemption may apply | the vehicle owner or habitual passenger |
| Reason(s) | person must be shielded from the direct rays of the sun |
| Which windows | side or rear |
| Limits on the amount of tint | |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | attestation from a physician (MD or DO) licensed in the state |
| Application to state department |
required; reviewed by Medical Review Program |
| Document required in vehicle |
For more details about the specific terms of the Arizona window tint medical exemption, consult your state law.
Arizona Medical exemption info
- Arizona Department of Transportation – Window Tinting Exemption
- Arizona Department of Transportation – Medical Review FAQ
Benefits of Car Window Tinting in Arizona
The tint on your car’s window isn’t just a decorative thing; it comes with greater benefits too. So let’s talk about the advantage of coloring your vehicle’s window, shall we?
Prevents the Interior from Fading
While parking our cars, we always look for shades, don’t we? Well, it helps us to maintain the top-notch condition of our car’s exterior.
Likewise, when you use tints on your vehicle’s windows, the interior doesn’t have to face the harshness of the sunlight. Therefore, if you have beautiful leather seats, they are less likely to get damaged!
Blocks UV Rays
You don’t need to get lectured about the harmful effects of UV rays, do you? We all know that applying tons of sunscreen isn’t enough to protect you from damage. And when your car has tinted glasses, you can avert this UV situation pretty gracefully.
Get Better Security
Nothing is worst than people staring at you when you mind your own business in the car. The people in the backseat have to go through this problem more than the drivers. And when you get tinted glasses, you don’t have to go through this annoyance anymore.
Take a Chill Pill
When riding on the hottest summer days, even the AC won’t be enough to cool you down. But if you have tinted windows, you don’t have to worry about sweating anymore!
Cost of Car Window Tint in Arizona
The cost may vary from film to film when it is to tint. For instance, if you want to use a regular classic film for your Sedan, it will cost you up to 150-200 bucks. And when you want something exclusive like ceramic tints, you will need to spend $400 or more!
However, if you don’t have the budget to do the tinting professionally, you can get a DIY tint kit. It will cost you around a hundred bucks, which is a relief!
To know more detail about car tint cost click here.
Arizona, AZ Window Tint Laws FAQ
Is 5% Tint Legal in Arizona?
Yes, a 5 percent tint is allowed in Arizona but without a front-side window and windshield.
Is 15% Tint Legal in Arizona?
Yes, 15% Tint is Legal in Arizona but without a front-side window and windshield.
Is 20% Tint Legal in Arizona?
Yes, 20% Tint is Legal in Arizona but without a front-side window and windshield.
Is 35% Tint Legal in Arizona?
Yes, 35% tint is allowed in Arizona. You can use 35% tint in all of your car windows without the windshield.
Is Reflective Tint Legal in Arizona
Yes, Reflective Tint is Legal in Arizona but Front and back side windows must not be more than 35% reflective.
What is Legal Window Tint in Arizona?
Must allow more than 33% of light in on front side windows.
So, How much does an Arizona window tint ticket cost?
Maximum up to $250.
Secret Tips
How To Pass Inspection With Tinted Windows
AZ Tint law references
Arizona Revised Statutes section 28-959.01: materials on windows or windshield
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, it is important to be familiar with the Arizona window tint laws if you are planning to get your car tinted. While there are some restrictions, the benefits of car window tinting make it well worth the effort to follow the guidelines. To learn more about Arizona’s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified installer, visit the website of the Arizona Criminal Justice Information Center.
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the Arizona tint laws so you can confidently drive your car through the state. The article you’ve read just now was last updated in 2021. If you think we’ve missed any new information, feel free to contact us anytime you want.
