Arizona Window Tint Laws (2026): Legal VLT Limits
Arizona Window Tint Laws (2026): Legal VLT Limits
Arizona law requires front side windows to allow at least 33% of visible light through. Back side windows and the rear window may be any darkness, provided you have dual outside mirrors giving a 200-foot rear view.
What is the legal tint limit in Arizona?
Arizona window tint law is set out in A.R.S. 28-959.01. The key rule is that front side windows (the two windows next to the driver and front passenger) must allow at least 33% VLT. Understanding VLT helps you pick the right film: a higher VLT percentage means lighter tint, and a lower VLT percentage means darker tint. So 33% is moderately dark, while 70% would appear nearly clear.
Back side windows (any windows behind the driver row) and the rear window have no VLT minimum in Arizona. You may apply any darkness of tint to those windows, as long as your vehicle has dual outside mirrors that give you a clear view at least 200 feet to the rear. There is no sedan-versus-SUV distinction for the rear windows in Arizona: the any-darkness rule applies to all vehicle types equally, provided the mirror requirement is met.
| Window | VLT Minimum |
|---|---|
| Front side windows | 33% |
| Back side windows | Any (dual mirrors required) |
| Rear window | Any (dual mirrors required) |
| Windshield | Transparent strip only (see below) |
Windshield tint rules in Arizona
Arizona permits a transparent tint strip on the topmost portion of the windshield only. The bottom edge of that strip must sit at least 29 inches above the occupant seat reference point. In practice this means a narrow top band, roughly equivalent to the AS-1 line that manufacturers mark on most windshields.
Red and amber tints are expressly banned on the windshield strip. The strip must also remain transparent, not opaque or reflective. Any tint below the permitted top strip violates A.R.S. 28-959.01 and is subject to a civil penalty.
Reflectivity on all windows is capped at 35% luminous reflectance. Highly mirrored or metallic films that bounce back more than 35% of light are not permitted, even if their VLT reading would otherwise pass.
Medical exemptions
Arizona does allow medical exemptions for window tint under A.R.S. 28-959.01. Drivers with a medical condition requiring additional UV or light protection may apply for an exemption through the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD). The exemption requires written attestation from a licensed physician documenting the medical need.
Once approved, you should carry the exemption documentation in your vehicle at all times. If you are stopped and the officer cannot verify your exemption, you may face a citation. Renewing your physician's letter as required by ADOT keeps your records current.
It is best to apply before you tint your windows rather than after. The exemption specifies what tint level is medically justified, and an installer can apply the correct film once you have the paperwork in hand.
How tint is measured and certified
Arizona law enforcement uses a VLT meter (also called a tint meter or photometer) to measure how much visible light passes through the combined glass-and-film stack. The measurement is taken at the window itself and reflects the total VLT of factory glass plus any aftermarket film.
Arizona recognizes a tolerance of plus or minus 3%, which means a window testing at 30% or above will generally be treated as compliant with the 33% minimum. However, you should aim for the stated 33% limit or above rather than relying on tolerance margin.
Arizona does not require a compliance sticker or installer label, unlike some other states. You are not obligated to display any certification on the window, though keeping a receipt from a reputable installer documenting the film's VLT rating is good practice.
Penalties for illegal tint in Arizona
Tint violations in Arizona are civil traffic violations, not criminal offenses. The fine for a first offense typically runs from approximately $164 to $245 when court fees and assessments are added to the base fine. Amounts can vary by court and by whether the ticket is resolved without a hearing.
Arizona tint violations are often correctable. If you remedy the non-compliant tint and get the correction verified, some courts will reduce or dismiss the fine. Check with the issuing court on the specific process in your county.
Officers may also note tint violations during a stop for another reason, so a dark front window that looks questionable can add a second violation to any traffic stop. Keeping your front windows at 33% or above eliminates that risk.
If you want to tint your windows in Arizona
Choosing legal tint in Arizona is straightforward once you know the numbers. For front side windows, select a film rated at 33% VLT or higher. For back side windows and the rear window, any VLT is permissible as long as you retain dual outside mirrors. Common darker choices for rear windows (such as 20%, 15%, or 5%) are fully legal.
Use a reputable installer who can show you independent lab ratings for the film you choose. Ask for documentation of the VLT rating for each film applied, and keep that paperwork with the vehicle. While Arizona does not require a compliance sticker, having a paper trail protects you if your tint is ever questioned.
If you have a medical condition that requires darker front windows than 33%, pursue the ADOT MVD exemption before installation, not after. Present your physician's letter to the installer so the correct film is applied from the start.
Before driving, verify that your dual outside mirrors provide an unobstructed 200-foot rear view if your rear windows are heavily tinted. Arizona's any-darkness rule for rear windows is contingent on that mirror requirement being satisfied.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice. Window tint limits vary by state and change, and enforcement depends on local practice and your specific vehicle. For a definitive answer, check your state DMV or consult a local attorney.
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Sources
Related
For a full overview of tint limits in all 50 states, see the Window Tint Laws hub. Arizona drivers may also want to review Arizona Windshield Mounting Restrictions for rules on objects attached to or near the windshield.
