Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in Alaska, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the Louisiana 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 1993 when the car tinting law in Louisiana was proposed. It talks about how much dark or reflective your car window tint should be, depending on the state you live in.
We’ve provided all the information you need in this regard over here. Also, there is also some extra information on rules and regulations, which you should obey if you don’t want to get fined.
So yes, it’s pretty crucial that you read the whole article from top to bottom.
Louisiana Tint Laws in 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the LOUISIANA 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 Louisiana 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 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 Louisiana– LA window tint law 2023
The Louisiana 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 LA window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal Tint Louisiana- Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches. - Front side windows
For front side windows, 40% tint is allowed according to Louisiana window tint law. - Backside windows
You can use 12% tint darkness without getting in trouble according to Louisiana window tint law. - Rear window
You can use 12% tint darkness without getting in trouble according to Louisiana window tint law.
Legal Tint Louisiana- Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches. - Front side windows
The law will let you use 40% tinting if it is about the front side windows. - Backside windows
Any tint darkness can be used according to Louisiana window tint law. - Rear window
Any tint darkness can be used according to Louisiana window tint law.
Window Tint Reflection in Louisiana
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 Louisiana 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.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front side windows
Must not be more than 20% reflective. - Backside windows
Must not be more than 20% reflective.
Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
Must not be more than 20% reflective. - Backside windows
Must not be more than 20% reflective.
Other Louisiana Window Tint Rules and Regulations You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, Alaska 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 Louisiana
For the side mirrors, Louisiana doesn’t have any specific tinting rule whatsoever.
Restricted Colors
When someone hears about the tint laws in Alaska, the next question they ask is which color to use on the glass. Well, the law of Alaska doesn’t allow you to use all the colors on the palette; that’s no secret! So which colors can be used?
Red or amber are not permitted.
You can use gray, green, and bronze car window tint without any issue. Moreover, you have permission to use neutral smoke color too.
Certificates
Manufacturers of the film must certify the film they sell in the state. Ask your dealer if they are using certified film.
Stickers
The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film and glass on the driver’s side window.
Penalties
When the coloring has been done wrongly, you will be given a warning to fix that. And if you don’t handle this issue with caution and get it repaired by the given time, you will be fined $150 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense, and $350 for subsequent offenses.
Louisiana Tint Exemption
In Louisiana, 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 a Tint Exemption in Louisiana?
The process for getting this Louisiana 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.
Louisiana Medical Exemption Requirements
| State | Louisiana |
| Statute, regulation, or other sources | La. Admin Code. tit. 55, pt. III, § 813 LSA-R.S. 32:361.2 |
| For whom the exemption may apply | registered owner, spouse, or immediate family member but not if the person convicted of certain crimes (applicant must submit fingerprints) |
| Reason(s) | medical condition which makes that individual sensitive to sun exposure; affidavit must list specific conditions using ICD-9-CM; if photophobia must document why sunglasses will not be effective and why window tint will not affect ability to drive at night |
| Which windows | not windshield |
| Limits on the amount of tint | Secretary to determine limits, case by case |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | licensed physician or optometrist |
| Application to state department | required |
| Document required in vehicle | affidavit from the Office of State Police |
| Frequency of certification of need | not > 3 years except for the duration of ownership of the vehicle, if the owner is 60 or older |
| Vehicle must be marked | decal |
Benefits of Window Tinting
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 Louisiana
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.
Louisiana, LA Tint Laws FAQ
Is 5% Tint Legal in Louisiana?
only for multi-purpose vehicles Back & rear window 5%, tint darkness is legal.
Is 20 tint legal in Louisiana?
Yes, you can use 20% tint but on the back and rear windows both passenger & multi-purpose vehicles.
Is 35 Tint Legal in Louisiana?
Yes, you can use 35% tint but on the back and rear windows both passenger & multi-purpose vehicles.
How Much is a Tint Ticket in Louisiana?
For a first offense, Tint Ticket cost $150 in Louisiana & $250 for a second offense.
Can You Tint Your Front Windshield in Louisiana?
Yes, you can but the rule is that a Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches.
What is Legal tint in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the legal window tinting law allows a maximum of 25% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) for all windows behind the driver, except the rear window which may be tinted to any degree. The front side windows must allow at least 40% VLT, meaning they can only be tinted to a certain degree. The windshield is allowed to have a non-reflective tint along the top of the windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or the top 5 inches, whichever is longer. It’s important to note that Louisiana has strict laws and regulations regarding window tinting, and any tint that exceeds the legal limits can result in a fine or rejection of the vehicle during inspection. It’s always best to choose a reputable tinting service that is knowledgeable about the state’s laws and regulations to ensure that your vehicle is safe and legal to operate on the roads.
LA. Tint law references
Louisiana Laws – RS 32:361.2 – Medical exemption
Louisiana Window Tint Medical Exemption Affidavit (.pdf file)
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the Louisiana 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.
In conclusion, it is important to be familiar with the Louisiana window tint laws if you are planning to get your car tinted. While there are some restrictions, the benefits of window tinting make it well worth the effort to follow the guidelines. To learn more about Louisiana‘s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified installer, visit the website of the Louisiana Criminal Justice Information Center.
