← California driving laws›Window Tint

California Window Tint Laws (2026)

Info: Front side windows must let at least 70% of light through, so only clear, colorless film is legal — the film itself passes 88% of light, and 70% once combined with the glass, under the federal glass standard (FMVSS 205).

InfoVerified Jul 2, 2026
Vehicle rules change at the state line.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app and get an alert when you cross into a state where they differ. No account.Get the app

Front side windows must let at least 70% of light through, so only clear, colorless film is legal — the film itself passes 88% of light, and 70% once combined with the glass, under the federal glass standard (FMVSS 205). On the windshield, tint is allowed only across the very top, with its bottom edge at least 29 inches above the driver's seat measured with the seat empty; it can't be red or amber, and it can't add glare. (Cal. Veh. Code 26708)

Official source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app
Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind California vehicle rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.

LawLert is an independent app, not affiliated with any government — informational only, not legal advice. Verify with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.