Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in New Mexico, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the New Mexico 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.
1996 when the car tinting law in New Mexico was proposed. It talks about how 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 some extra information on rules and regulations, which you should obey if you don’t want to get fined.
New Mexico Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico- NM window tint law 2023
The New Mexico 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 NM tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal Tint in NM- Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
If you are using a non-reflective tint, you can install it on the top Five-inch of your vehicle’s window. - Front side windows
Allow more than 20% of light must in according to nm tint laws. - Backside windows
Allow more than 20% of light in - Rear window
Allow more than 20% of light in
Legal Tint in NM- Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
Non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches is allowed. - Front side windows
Allow more than 20% of light must in according to nm tint laws. - Backside windows
Any darkness can be used. - Rear window
Any darkness can be used.
Window Tint Reflection in New Mexico
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 New Mexico 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
No reflection is permitted. - Backside window
No reflection is permitted.
Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
No reflection is permitted. - Backside window
No reflection is permitted.
Other New Mexico Window Tint Rules and Regulations You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, New Mexico 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 New Mexico
Dual side mirrors are required if any side or back windows are tinted.
Restricted Colors
Red, amber, and yellow colors are not permitted.
Certificates
Manufacturers of film need to certify the film they sell in the state. Ask your dealer if they are using certified film.
Stickers
A sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on every tinted window.
Penalties
up to a $75 fine.
New Mexico Window Tint Medical Exemption
In New Mexico, 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 New Mexico?
The process for getting this New Mexico 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.
New Mexico Medical Exemption Requirements
| State | New Mexico |
| Statute, regulation, or other sources | N. M. S. A. 1978, § 66-3- 846 |
| For whom the exemption may apply | the vehicle owner or vehicle owner’s dependent |
| Reason(s) | physical condition that makes it necessary to equip the a vehicle with sun screening material |
| Which windows | |
| Limits on the amount of tint | |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | physician or optometrist licensed to practice in the state |
| Application to state department | |
| Document required in vehicle | affidavit signed by physician or optometrist in possession of the a person with the condition or the legal guardian, in the vehicle |
Benefits of Window Tinting in New Mexico
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 New Mexico
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.
New Mexico, NM Tint Laws FAQ
Is 5 Tint Legal in New Mexico?
For passenger vehicles, 5% tint is illegal in New Mexico. But there are some restrictions for multi-purpose vehicles, you can use 5% tint on your multi-purpose vehicles’ back and rear windows.
What is The Darkest Legal Tint in New Mexico?
20% is the legal darkest tint for passenger vehicles. For multi-purpose vehicles, the driver-side window of 20% is also the darkest legal tint. You can use any tint darkness on the back & rear windows of your multi-purpose vehicles.
Can You Tint Your Front Windshield in New Mexico?
Yes, you can tint your front windshield in New Mexico. But the rule is a Non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches.
How much does a New Mexico window tint ticket cost?
A New Mexico window tint ticket can cost $75.
New Mexico Tint law references
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the New Mexico tint laws so you can confidently drive your car through the state. The article you read just now was last updated in 2023. 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico’s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified installer, visit the website of the New Mexico Criminal Justice Information Center.
