New Mexico Window Tint Laws
New Mexico allows 20% VLT on all side and rear windows of cars (with side mirrors) and 70% on the whole windshield; SUVs, motor homes and buses have no limit behind the driver.
New Mexico Window Tint Laws Chart
Official New Mexico Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under New Mexico vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | 70% | 70% |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 20% | No limit |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 20% | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 20% | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in New Mexico
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).
New Mexico Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Required on both sides to tint any side window or the rear window.
Prohibited Tint Colors
Windshield material may not be red, yellow or amber (NMSA §66-3-846.1(B)(1)).
Compliance Certificate Sticker
Permanent label (max. 1.5 square inches) between film and glass in the lower left corner of each window as seen from outside, with the manufacturer, manufacture date and transmission percentage. The manufacturer certifies the film to the MVD.
Medical Tint Exemptions
Sworn statement from a New Mexico-licensed physician or optometrist, which the affected person (or their guardian) must carry while riding in the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in New Mexico? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in New Mexico, front side windows must allow at least 20% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 20%, and the rear window requires 20%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in New Mexico? +
Under New Mexico law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: 70% (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through New Mexico? +
While law enforcement in New Mexico enforces the state vehicle code (NMSA 1978 §66-3-846.1 (as amended by HB 286, 2023)), 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 New Mexico? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in New Mexico because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 20% 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 New Mexico, 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. New Mexico statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does New Mexico allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, New Mexico 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 New Mexico? +
Yes. New Mexico statutes mandate that an identifying certification sticker must be affixed between the tint film and glass (typically on the lower driver-side window) to certify compliance with state regulations.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in New Mexico? +
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 New Mexico
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