north carolina window tint law
Rachel Hernandez
Updated on June 15, 2026
Window Tinting
Tinted windows cannot measure darker than 32 percent with a North Carolina-approved window tint meter.The tint on a windshield cannot extend more than 5 inches below the top of the windshield or below the AS1 line of the windshield, whichever is longer.
Can you get pulled over for 20 tint NC?
Can You Get Pulled Over For Tinted Windows In North Carolina? North Carolina can tolerate up to 35% visible light transmission. Anything beyond could get the attention of a law enforcement officer, pull your car over, and hand you a ticket for window tint violation.
Can you get pulled over for window tint in NC?
North Carolina has rules: The tint can’t extend down more than 5 inches on the windshield and it can’t be darker than 32%. In fact, you can get a ticket. A viewer named Chris wrote us saying, “I recently got pulled over and received a ticket for window tint violations. My windows are darker than 35%.
What is the legal tint in NC 2021?
Window tint reflection for sedans
Front Side windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective. Back Side windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective. Window tint reflection for SUV and vans: Front Side windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective. Back Side windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective.
Is 35 percent tint dark?
How dark/light should I go? The darkest legal tint in NSW is 35% VLT for the front driver and front passenger windup windows. 20% VLT is permitted on rear passenger and rear windows. Commercial vehicles may have a darker than 20% VLT on the rear windows.
Is 20% or 35% tint darker?
A 35% tint will give you more darkness, but it’s still easy to see through. Drivers like this tint because of it’s stylish and sleek aesthetic. If privacy is your purpose for tinting, a 20% tint is an excellent choice. You can see through windows with a 20% tint if you’re up close, but it’s still difficult.
How much is a tint ticket in North Carolina?
To me, there’s nothing wrong with this tint, there’s nothing wrong with the safety for police officers if I were pulled over.” If you’re pulled over for illegal window tint in North Carolina, troopers said that could result in a $50 fine plus court costs, which would run you a total of $238.
What tint is legal in SC?
Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. Front Side windows: Must allow more than 27% of light in. Back Side windows: Must allow more than 27% of light in. Rear Window: Must allow more than 27% of light in.
How can I get around a window tint ticket?
If you have sufficient proof that your window tint was either removed or replaced with tint that complies with the state’s law, your ticket will be dismissed. You may have to pay a small fee, typically under $100, to cover time and court costs.
How do you check tint percentage?
Place the tint meter on the window by sliding it onto the partially rolled down window. The tint meter has a slot on it that slides onto a window. Then, read the digital display on the tint meter. This will give you your exact tint percentage, or opacity rating.
What is a ceramic tint?
While it uses the same type of sheets as regular window film, the material is coated with ceramic particles. Ceramic Window Tint does not contain metal, dye, nor carbon, but instead a kind of ceramic particle that is both nonconductive and nonmetallic.
What is Chameleon window tint?
Chameleon tint is just as the name suggests – it will change color and adapt depending on the environment and circumstances. Compared to other tints, it offers a higher level of privacy and UV protection, saving you from the harsh sunlight.
Whats the most tint you can have?
Legal Window Tint
There are no federal laws governing windshield tint. Window tint percentage is measured by visible light transmittance (VLT), or the amount of light passing through the windows. Most new vehicles come with factory tint already installed. Most manufacturer’s tint will be no darker than 70 percent VLT.
What percent is GM factory tint?
Twenty (20) Percent Tint
Twenty percent window shade tint is also called “Factory Tint”.