Vermont Window Tint Laws (2026): Legal VLT Limits
Vermont Window Tint Laws (2026): Legal VLT Limits
Vermont flatly prohibits aftermarket tint on front side windows, meaning no darkening film is legal on those windows regardless of darkness level. The rear side windows and rear window may use any level of tint, provided the vehicle has dual outside mirrors.
What is the legal tint limit in Vermont?
Vermont's window tint law is found at 23 V.S.A. 1125. The most important fact for Vermont drivers: aftermarket tint on the front side windows is completely prohibited. This is not a VLT percentage minimum but a flat ban. No darkening film, regardless of how light, may be applied to the front side windows of any standard vehicle.
Before going further, a brief note on how tint is measured: VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission, the percentage of light that passes through the glass. A higher VLT percentage is lighter; a lower VLT percentage is darker. Vermont simply does not allow any VLT reduction film on the front side windows at all.
For windows behind the driver, Vermont is permissive. Both back side windows and the rear window may use any level of tint darkness, with no VLT minimum. If the rear window is tinted, the vehicle must have dual outside mirrors to maintain a clear view of traffic behind.
| Window | Rule |
|---|---|
| Front side windows | No aftermarket tint permitted (flat prohibition) |
| Back side windows | Any darkness; dual outside mirrors required |
| Rear window | Any darkness; dual outside mirrors required if obstructed |
| Windshield | No tint below the AS-1 line |
Windshield tint rules in Vermont
Vermont law prohibits any tint film on the windshield below the AS-1 line, which is the manufacturer's line marked on the glass near the top. A small non-tinted strip at the very top of the windshield is the only area where aftermarket film is not expressly prohibited, but no significant darkening of the driving view area is allowed.
Metallic or mirrored tint is prohibited on any window in Vermont. Films that create a mirror finish or a bright metallic appearance violate state law regardless of their VLT reading. This rule protects other drivers and officers from dangerous glare.
Vermont does not specifically list banned tint colors beyond the metallic/mirrored prohibition, but any film that creates a significantly reflective surface would fall under that ban.
Medical exemptions
Vermont does allow a medical exemption for drivers who need darker tint on vent windows and front side windows for a diagnosed health condition. The exemption is granted by the DMV Commissioner on the basis of a written certification from a physician or optometrist. Conditions such as photosensitivity disorders, lupus, or certain skin and eye conditions that require protection from UV and visible light may qualify.
The exemption must be renewed every four years. While the exemption is active, you should carry the documentation in your vehicle at all times. If you are stopped, presenting the DMV-issued exemption authorization explains why your front side windows have tint that would otherwise be prohibited.
If you believe you may qualify, speak with your physician or optometrist before applying any tint to the front windows. Installing the tint first and then pursuing an exemption creates legal exposure in the interim.
How tint is measured and certified
Because Vermont prohibits aftermarket tint on front side windows, enforcement on those windows is visual rather than meter-based. An officer does not need to measure a VLT percentage; if there is any darkening film on the front side windows of a standard vehicle, it is a violation.
For rear windows, where any darkness is allowed, there is no VLT measurement requirement. Vermont does not specify a required compliance sticker or installer certification label in 23 V.S.A. 1125, so the absence of a sticker does not create a separate violation, but keeping documentation of what was installed is good practice.
If you are purchasing a used vehicle with existing tint, check the front windows carefully before assuming the prior owner complied with Vermont law. Tint on front side windows that was legal in another state may be illegal the moment the vehicle is registered and driven in Vermont.
Penalties for illegal tint in Vermont
Vermont statutes do not specify a precise fine amount within 23 V.S.A. 1125 itself. Violations of Vermont motor vehicle equipment laws are generally civil traffic infractions subject to a fine, and an officer may require you to remove the prohibited tint to bring the vehicle into compliance.
Because the front-window prohibition is absolute rather than based on a measurement threshold, there is no "close call" to contest. If tint is present on the front side windows, it is a violation. The practical remedy is to have the film removed promptly.
If you received a citation and believe you had a valid medical exemption, you will need to produce the DMV Commissioner's written authorization. The exemption is not self-certifying; only the Commissioner's formal grant covers the front side windows.
Pending law change: Vermont Act 165 (2024)
Vermont Act 165, enacted in 2024, amended the state's window tint statutes. Some provisions of Act 165 may take effect on or around July 1, 2026. As of the date of this article, the current rule remains the flat prohibition on front side aftermarket tint described above.
If you are making a tinting decision close to or after July 1, 2026, check the Vermont Legislature's website for the current text of 23 V.S.A. 1125 and any new DMV guidance. The specific VLT limits, if any, that Act 165 establishes have not been publicly clarified as definitively in-force rules before that date.
This article will be updated as the effective provisions become confirmed. Consult the Vermont DMV or a Vermont attorney for the most current guidance if you are installing tint near the effective date.
If you want to tint your windows in Vermont
The practical takeaway is straightforward: do not install any darkening film on the front side windows of a standard vehicle unless you have obtained a medical exemption from the DMV Commissioner. Doing so is a violation of Vermont law regardless of how light the tint is.
For rear side windows and the rear window, you may choose any darkness level you prefer. Many drivers opt for a moderate level such as 35% to 50% VLT, which reduces heat and glare while keeping the interior visible. Any darkness is legally permissible on those rear windows, and the only requirement is that you maintain dual outside mirrors if the rear window is tinted.
If you have a medical condition that requires sun protection, contact your physician or optometrist to discuss certification, then apply for the DMV Commissioner exemption before having any film applied to the front side windows. Keep the exemption documentation in your glove box and renew it every four years.
If Act 165 of 2024 introduces new VLT rules after July 1, 2026, installers in Vermont should update their practices to reflect those limits. Ask your installer to verify the current law and provide documentation of the VLT installed on each window.
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
- Vermont Legislature, 23 V.S.A. 1125 (Window Tinting): https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/23/013/01125
- Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles: https://dmv.vermont.gov/
For the full national picture, see our Window Tint Laws by State hub. Vermont drivers should also review Vermont Windshield Mounting Restrictions for related vehicle equipment rules.