Window Tint Laws in California: What Is Legal on Each Window

Last reviewed: October 17, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice. California's Vehicle Code is amended from time to time (§ 26708 was last changed effective January 1, 2026); check the current text before you buy film.

California is one of the strictest states for the front of the car and one of the most relaxed for the back. If you are shopping for film, the key question is which window it is going on. For other states, see our window tint laws by state chart.

Short answer: Window tint laws in California allow no darkening film on the front side windows. Only clear, colorless film that passes at least 88% of light on its own may go there, and the window must still meet the federal 70% standard. Side windows behind the driver can be any darkness, and so can the rear window if the car has outside mirrors on both sides. Windshield tint is limited to a transparent strip at the top.

California tint limits at a glance

How California's rule is built

Most states set a percentage, such as 35%, and allow any film that meets it. California works the other way round. Section 26708(a) starts from a general ban: you may not drive with any object or material on the windshield or side or rear windows. The rest of the section lists what is allowed anyway.

A companion section, § 26708.5(a), makes it unlawful to "place, install, affix, or apply any transparent material upon the windshield, or side or rear windows, of any motor vehicle if the material alters the color or reduces the light transmittance" of the glass, except as § 26708(b), (c) or (d) allows. That is why the front side windows can only take clear film. Section 26708.5(b) still allows tinted safety glass that meets federal glazing standards, which is how factory-tinted glass is legal.

Front side windows: clear film only

Under § 26708(d), all of these must be true for film on the windows next to the driver and front passenger:

• The film is clear, colorless and transparent, with at least 88% visible light transmittance by itself.
• The window with the film still meets FMVSS 205, including 70% minimum light transmittance.
• The film is designed to help the glass block ultraviolet A rays.
• You carry a certificate from the installing company (or, if you installed it yourself, from the film manufacturer) stating that the windows meet these rules and naming the installer and manufacturer by full name and street address.
• If the film tears or bubbles enough to block clear vision, it must be removed or replaced.

In practice, this means the "35%" or "50%" films sold for front windows in other states are not legal on the front side windows of a car driven in California.

Behind the driver: no darkness limit

Section 26708(b)(4) exempts side windows behind the driver entirely. Section 26708(b)(8) exempts the rear window if the car has outside mirrors on both sides that give a view of at least 200 feet behind. Almost every modern car has both mirrors, but if one is broken or missing, a dark rear window becomes a problem.

The windshield

Section 26708(c) allows a transparent strip at the top of the windshield. Its bottom edge must be at least 29 inches above the undepressed driver's seat, measured from a point five inches in front of the bottom of the backrest with the seat in its rearmost and lowest position, on level ground. The strip cannot be red or amber, cannot carry opaque lettering, and must not reflect sunlight or headlight glare into other drivers' eyes more than the bare windshield would.

Medical exceptions

California has two separate medical routes, and neither allows dark film on the front windows.

1. Removable sun screens (§ 26708(b)(10) and § 26708.2). If the driver or a front-seat passenger carries a letter signed by a licensed physician and surgeon (for a medical condition) or a licensed optometrist (for a visual condition) saying the person must be shaded from the sun, sun-screening devices may be used on the front side windows. Under § 26708.2 they must:

• be removable, such as a frame, rigid panel with temporary fasteners, or roller shade;
• if transparent, be green, gray or neutral smoke with at least 35% luminous transmittance;
• if louvered, be at least 35% open; and
• reflect no more than 35% on either surface.

These devices may not be used during darkness.

2. Clear UV film on any window (§ 26708(e)). Since January 1, 2026, clear, colorless film with at least 88% transmittance that meets FMVSS 205 may be applied to the windshield, side or rear windows if the driver carries a certificate from a licensed dermatologist stating the person should not be exposed to ultraviolet rays because of a medical condition.

Tickets and fix-it notices

Violating § 26708 is an infraction under § 40000.1. For a first infraction, § 42001(a)(1) sets a fine of up to $100; up to $200 for a second within a year, and up to $250 for a third. California adds penalty assessments and fees on top of the base fine, so the total on a ticket is higher and varies by county.

For equipment problems, § 40610 lets an officer issue a notice to correct (often called a fix-it ticket). You sign a promise to fix the problem and deliver proof of correction, usually within a period of up to 30 days. The officer can skip that route if there is evidence of fraud or persistent neglect, an immediate safety hazard, or you will not or cannot fix the problem promptly. The current version of § 40610 is scheduled to be replaced on January 1, 2027, so check the version in force when you are cited.

Common mistakes in California

• Buying "legal tint" from another state. A 35% film that is fine in Arizona is not legal on California front side windows.
• Throwing away the certificate. Clear front film needs the installer's or manufacturer's certificate in the car.
• Treating a doctor's letter as a tint permit. It covers removable sun screens with at least 35% transmittance, not dark film, and not at night.
• Tinting the windshield below the top strip. Only clear UV film with a dermatologist's certificate may cover more of it.

California compared with nearby states

See our guides to window tint laws in Arizona and window tint laws in Texas, and why there are window tint laws at all. Other California road rules are covered in our California booster seat law guide and what states lane splitting is legal in.

Sources

• Cal. Veh. Code § 26708 (California Legislative Information); text read via the Internet Archive copy of 11 August 2026
• Cal. Veh. Code § 26708.2, sun-screening devices (California Legislative Information)
• Cal. Veh. Code § 26708.5, transparent material and tinted safety glass (California Legislative Information)
• Cal. Veh. Code § 40000.1, infractions (FindLaw copy)
• Cal. Veh. Code § 42001, infraction fines (FindLaw copy)
• Cal. Veh. Code § 40610, notice to correct violation (FindLaw copy)