Window Tint Laws in Arizona

January 9, 2026 | Car Accidents

Arizona regulates how dark you can tint your vehicle windows through specific visible light transmission (VLT) requirements. These laws balance driver preferences for privacy and heat reduction against safety concerns for law enforcement and other motorists.

Knowing the legal limits helps Phoenix drivers avoid traffic stops, fines, and questions during car accident claims while still enjoying tinted windows.

Arizona Window Tint Laws for Sedans

Arizona Revised Statute §28-959.01 covers the rules for materials on windows or windshields, including tinting. For sedans, the window tint rules are:

Non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line is allowed on the front windshield
Front side windows must have a minimum of 33% VLT (allows at least 33% of light to pass through the windows)
Back windshield and rear side windows do not have restrictions on darkness
Dual side mirrors are required if the rear window is tinted

The AS-1 line is typically five to six inches below the glass’s top edge. The line indicates the top edge of the glass area that must remain clear for drivers to have an unobstructed view.

Very dark window tinting can make it difficult to see clearly while driving, especially at night and in low-light conditions. Law enforcement officers making traffic stops are at risk because they cannot see inside the vehicle.

Window Tint Rules for SUVs and Vans

The window tint rules for SUVs and vans in Arizona, including multi-purpose vehicles (MLTs), are the same as the rules for sedans:

Non-reflective tint on the front windshield above the AS-1 line
Tint with a minimum of 33% VLT on front side windows
No restrictions on darkness for the back and rear side windows

Front and rear window tint cannot exceed 35% reflectance. As with sedans, if the rear window is tinted, the vehicle must have dual side mirrors.

Medical Exemptions for Darker Tint

Arizona law provides medical exemptions from window-tinting restrictions. If a person needs to be shielded from sunlight for medical reasons, they can file an Application for Window Tint Medical Exemption with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

Exemptions can be granted for all vehicles you own and vehicles you ride in as a regular passenger. Medical exemptions require a certification by an Ophthalmologist, Doctor of Medicine (MD), Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD), or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

The following conditions qualify for a window tint exemption:

Skin conditions: Some forms of skin cancer, xeroderma pigmentosum, photosensitivity, and severe sun allergies
Autoimmune disorders: Dermatomyositis, lupus, and porphyria
Eye conditions: Photophobia, glaucoma, and other light-sensitive eye conditions

The window tint exemption applies only to the driver’s side, passenger’s side, and rear windows. It does not apply to the front windshield below the AS-1 line. You should keep the certificate or letter approving the window tint exemption in the vehicle to provide it to law enforcement if requested.

Tint Reflection and Color Restrictions

Reflective window tints help with heat and glare. However, Arizona law limits the reflectivity of window tint. The tint on the front and rear side windows, and on the rear window, cannot exceed 35% reflectance. Tint on the windshield must be non-reflective.

The law also restricts the colors of window tint. You cannot use amber or red tints on any windows. Most other colors are acceptable, provided the color does not restrict the driver’s visibility.

Penalties for Illegal Window Tint in Arizona

Window tint violations are typically treated as civil traffic offenses. Many first-time offenses are handled as correctable (“fix-it”) violations, allowing the driver to bring the vehicle into compliance. If the violation is corrected and approved by the court, the citation may be dismissed. In some jurisdictions, a dismissal or administrative fee may be assessed.

The correction process for a “fix-it ticket” usually involves:

Correcting the violation by removing and/or replacing the tint to comply with Arizona window tint laws
Provide proof to the court of the correction, such as a receipt from a tint shop and/or photographs of the windows
The court may require an officer to inspect the vehicle to verify that the correction complies with the law

If the violation is not corrected or is not treated as a correctable offense, the court may impose a monetary fine, the amount of which varies by jurisdiction and circumstances. Repeat violations may result in higher fines or additional penalties.

Talk to a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a car accident in the Phoenix, Arizona, area, window tint violations by the other driver could support your claim. KRLG Injury Lawyers help accident victims pursue compensation for their injuries, including economic and non-economic damages.

We serve Scottsdale, Phoenix, Maricopa County, & Arizona’s surrounding areas.

Kurtz Riley Injury Lawyers
7702 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Suite 150, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(623) 303-5754