Arizona Window Tint Laws
Arizona allows 33% VLT on front side windows and any darkness behind the driver, with a 35% reflectance cap and side mirrors required for a tinted rear window.
Arizona Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Arizona Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Arizona vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Top 29" abv seat | Top 29" abv seat |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 33% | 33% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | Any darkness | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | Any darkness | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Arizona
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
Arizona Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Required on both sides to tint the rear window without restriction.
Prohibited Tint Colors
Red and amber are banned in the windshield strip.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
No label is required. The film manufacturer must certify to ADOT that its film meets the reflectance and transmission limits.
Medical Tint Exemptions
ADOT may grant an exemption to a person who needs sun protection for medical reasons, with a written statement from an Arizona-licensed physician. It covers the applicant's vehicle or the vehicle in which the person usually rides.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Arizona? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Arizona, front side windows must allow at least 33% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow Any darkness, and the rear window requires Any darkness. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in Arizona? +
Under Arizona law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Top 29" abv seat (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Arizona? +
While law enforcement in Arizona enforces the state vehicle code (A.R.S. §28-959.01), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in Arizona? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Arizona because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 33% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in Arizona, and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. Arizona statutes recognize a ±3% on both light transmission and reflectance. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Arizona allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Arizona permits medical tint waivers for individuals with certified photosensitivity or UV-reactive conditions (such as lupus or porphyria). An official affidavit signed by a licensed physician must be approved and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Arizona? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Arizona, but the vehicle must be capable of passing an optical light meter test during routine traffic stops or state inspections.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Arizona? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
Top-Rated Window Tint Shops in Arizona
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