Every driver should know that window tint laws vary by state. Each state sets its own limits on how dark you can make your windows. This comprehensive window tint guide explains the legal limits from coast to coast. For example, Florida requires at least 28% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) on front side windows, while New York allows only 70% VLT (meaning you must let 70% of light through). Because tint percentages indicate how much light passes through the glass, a lower number means a darker film. We break down the key rules and even include a handy chart of tint percentages. Whether you live in Miami or Jupiter, we’ll help you understand the rules and keep your ride street legal.
This chart shows common window tint film shades by VLT percentage. Darker films (5%–15%) let in very little light, while lighter films (50%–70%) are nearly clear. Each state’s laws specify a minimum VLT (or maximum tint darkness) for windshield, side, and rear windows. Below are some examples of state laws:
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Florida:
Front side windows must allow at least 28% of light (28% VLT). Rear side and back windows can be darker (15% VLT for sedans, or as low as 6% VLT for SUVs/trucks). Windshields may only be tinted above the AS-1 line (usually the top 5 inches) and must be non-reflective.
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New York:
You must allow 70% of light through front side windows (NY law is one of the most restrictive for front tint, meaning your tint can be very light).
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Texas:
Front side windows must have at least 25% VLT. Rear and back windows have no VLT limit in Texas, but must comply with overall reflectivity rules.
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California:
Front side windows must be at least 70% tint (similar to NY). Rear and back windows have no VLT minimum, but all tint must be non reflective.
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Michigan:
Michigan imposes no darkness limit on side windows beyond the first 4 inches from the top. In other words, you can use almost any tint shade, as long as you leave the top 4 inches of the front side windows untinted.
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Others:
States differ widely. For example, Alabama allows 32% VLT on front windows, while Arizona permits only 33%. Always check your specific state chart resources like TintWiz provide a full state by state table.
Busting the “Trump Window Tint Law” Myth
You may have seen viral social media posts claiming a “Trump Window Tint Law” makes dark tints legal nationwide. This is false. There is no federal law or executive order that changed window tint rules. Tint laws are still regulated by each state. Rumors like these often come from social media “memes” or misunderstandings. Remember to trust official sources and always follow your state’s specific regulations – regardless of any online chatter.
Florida Tint Laws and Our Local Service
In Florida (where our shop is located), the rules are as follows: Windshields may be tinted above the AS-1 line (usually the top 5 inches) with a non-reflective film. Front side windows must allow at least 28% of light through. For sedans and coupes, rear side and back windows must allow 15% of light; for SUVs and trucks, the minimum is 6%. Double-layer tint (two films) is illegal if it brings VLT below these limits.
These laws are in place for safety, they prevent you from completely blocking visibility into your car (important for traffic stops and night driving). High-quality window film can still look great and protect your vehicle. In fact, tinting helps reduce interior heat and block UV rays. Window film can keep your car cooler on hot Florida days and can block up to 99% of UV light, protecting the interior. At The Tint Team (our shop at 3204 N Powerline Rd, Pompano Beach), we stay up-to-date on these laws. We’ll make sure your tint complies with all Florida rules while delivering the style and cooling performance you want.
Directions to Our Pompano Beach Shop
We serve South Florida from Miami up to Jupiter. No matter which area you’re coming from, below are quick driving directions to The Tint Team at 3204 N Powerline Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33069:
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Miami, FL:
Take I-95 North from Miami. Continue for about 28 miles through Fort Lauderdale. Use the Copans Road exit (Exit 45 or 46), then turn left onto Powerline Rd (NW 41st Ave) heading north. We are just a few blocks north of Copans.
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North Miami Beach, FL:
Use FL-826 (the Expressway) northbound or local roads to merge onto I-95 N. Stay on I-95 for ~30 miles. Exit at Copans Road, turn left onto Powerline Rd, then proceed to 3204 N Powerline Rd.
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Miramar / Pembroke Pines, FL:
Drive north on I-75, then merge onto I-95 N near Fort Lauderdale. After ~10 miles on I-95 N, take the Copans Rd exit. Turn left onto Powerline Rd, then go north to reach our address.
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Plantation / Davie, FL:
Take I-595 East to I-95 N. Continue on I-95 for about 10-15 miles, then exit at Copans Rd and turn left on Powerline Rd N. Our shop is a short drive north on Powerline.
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Fort Lauderdale, FL:
Hop onto I-95 N from downtown. After about 5 miles, take the Copans Rd exit. Turn left on Powerline Rd, then right into our parking lot at 3204 N Powerline.
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Margate / Coral Springs / Parkland, FL:
Take I-95 S a short distance (or use FL-7 South/US-441 South) toward Pompano Beach. Exit at Copans Road and turn right on Powerline Rd, then left into our lot.
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Coconut Creek / Lighthouse Point / Hillsboro Beach, FL:
Head south on I-95. Use the Copans Rd exit and turn left on Powerline Rd. Continue north to our location.
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Oakland Park, FL:
Take I-95 N from Oakland Park. After a few miles, exit at Copans Road, left on Powerline Rd, and proceed north to 3204 N Powerline.
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Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton (Palm Beach County):
Drive north on I-95 to Pompano Beach (about 20–30 miles depending on starting point). Exit at Copans Rd, turn right on Powerline Rd, and head north to reach our shop.
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West Palm Beach / Palm Beach:
Take I-95 S toward Fort Lauderdale. In West Palm Beach, exit onto Copans Rd (Exit 49), then merge onto Copans Road West. Turn right on Powerline Rd northbound and follow it to 3204 N Powerline. (If you start on Palm Beach Island, cross the bridge into West Palm first.)
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Jupiter, FL:
Take I-95 S nearly 50 miles to Pompano Beach. Exit at Copans Road (Exit 44 or 45), then turn right on Powerline Rd and go north to our address.
Each route will bring you directly to N Powerline Rd in Pompano Beach. Our shop is west of I-95, just north of Copans Road (look for a light industrial plaza on Powerline). We are proud to serve Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and all nearby communities with expert window tinting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the darkest legal window tint in New York?
A. In New York, front side windows must allow 70% of visible light. This means the darkest legal tint on front doors is 70% VLT (not very dark). Rear windows may be tinted darker, but front passengers and the windshield (above 6″) must meet the 70% rule.
What is the maximum legal window tint in Michigan?
A. Michigan law lets you apply any tint darkness on side/rear windows as long as you keep the top 4 inches of the front side windows untinted. In practice, you can have very dark tint above that 4-inch strip, making Michigan one of the least restrictive states.
What window tint percentages are legal in Texas and California?
A. In Texas, front side windows must be at least 25% VLT. California is even more lenient up front: it requires 70% VLT on front side windows (meaning very light tint). Both states allow a darker tint on rear and back windows, but check each state’s specifics (e.g., mirror reflectivity rules).
Is 5% window tint legal?
A. No. A 5% VLT film (often called “limo tint”) is extremely dark, and no state explicitly permits it on regular cars. In fact, TintWiz notes that 5% is the darkest tint film commonly available. Most states set higher minimum VLTs for cars (often 20–30% or more). In Florida, for instance, only commercial limousines with special permits can have 5%; regular vehicles must meet the 6%/15%/28% rules outlined above.
Is there a “Trump window tint law” making tinting legal?
A. No. The so-called “Trump window tint law” is a myth. There is no federal window tint law signed by any president that overrides state regulations. Tint laws remain entirely state-by-state, so always follow your local limits.
What is the window tint legal limit?
A. It varies by state and by window. For example, Florida mandates 28% VLT on front side windows, Texas mandates 25%, and New York mandates 70%. Always check your state’s laws before choosing a tint. Our charts above and expert staff can help you pick a tint that meets the legal limit while giving your car a great look.
If you have more questions or need professional installation, visit us in Pompano Beach. We serve all of South Florida – Miami, Jupiter, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and in between with top quality, compliant window tinting.
Sources: State tint laws and guidelines from reputable window tint industry resources.
