Connecticut Window Tinting Laws

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David Lawrence

As you consider tinting your vehicle’s windows in Connecticut, it’s essential to understand the state’s specific regulations to avoid fines and potential vehicle impoundment. You’ll need to certify your front side windows allow at least 35% of visible light to pass through, while rear windows can have a slightly darker tint.

But that’s not all – there are also rules governing reflectance, and certain medical conditions may qualify for exemptions. Are you aware of the specific guidelines and penalties that apply to your vehicle?

Connecticut Window Tinting Laws

Window Tint Darkness Regulations

In regards to window tinting, one of the most vital factors to ponder is the darkness of the tint.

As far as Connecticut window tint laws are concerned, you need to know what’s allowed. The tint darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which is the percentage of light that passes through the tint.

For your front side windows, the VLT must be at least 35%, meaning the tint can’t be too dark. Your rear window, on the other hand, can have a tint with a VLT of up to 35%.

It’s essential to guarantee your window tinting complies with these window tinting laws to avoid any issues. Always opt for a non-reflective tint to stay within the allowed limits.

Automotive Window Tint Simulator

0% 100%
Driver View Tint Tool

70% VLT


Move the slider above to see how dark the tint will look. Usually, the actual tint will appear with 0-5% variation than what you see here.

Window Tint Reflection Laws

Beyond the darkness of the tint, another crucial aspect of window tinting laws in Connecticut is the reflection level.

You need to guarantee your tint doesn’t reflect too much light, which can obstruct the view of other drivers. In Connecticut, the laws dictate that your window tint mustn’t have a reflectance of more than 13% on the windshield and front side windows.

This means that no more than 13% of the light that hits the glass can be reflected. For the rear window and rear side windows, the reflectance isn’t restricted, but the VLT (Visible Light Transmission) must still meet the minimum allowed percentage.

Always verify the Connecticut laws and regulations before applying a tint to your window to avoid any issues.

Connecticut Window Tint Exemptions

You’ve verified your window tint meets Connecticut’s reflection standards, but you might be wondering if there are any exceptions to these rules.

Connecticut tinting laws do provide window tint medical exemptions for individuals who require a darker window due to a medical condition.

To qualify, you’ll need to obtain a Special Permit for Exemption from the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

This permit allows you to install a window tint with a lower visible light transmission, even though Connecticut law allows only 3% light transmission for non-exempt vehicles.

Be sure to review the Connecticut window tint rules and Tint Regulations to understand the requirements for obtaining a window tint law permit.

Window Tint Violation Penalties

Because window tint regulations are strictly enforced in Connecticut, it’s crucial to understand the penalties for non-compliance.

If you’re caught with illegal tint, you’ll receive a written warning and have 60 days to correct the issue. Failure to do so will result in fines: $150 for the first offense, $250 for the second, and $350 for subsequent violations.

Additionally, your vehicle may be impounded. Ignoring window tint laws and regulations can lead to legal consequences, including fines, penalties, and even temporary loss of your vehicle.

To avoid these penalties, confirm your window tint complies with Connecticut state laws, which dictate the allowed level of darkness and reflectivity.

Connecticut Window Tint Rules

In accordance with Connecticut state laws, your vehicle’s window tint must meet specific requirements to avoid penalties and fines.

For sedan cars and SUVs, legal tinting is required on the rear side windows, which must allow at least 35% of visible light.

The window tint colors should be non-reflective, with a tint reflection of no more than 3%.

Any darkness or tinting regulations that don’t meet these standards are prohibited.

Connecticut window tinting laws are strict, and it’s essential to comply to avoid penalties.

Guarantee your vehicle’s window tint meets these requirements to stay within the law.

Verify that your vehicle’s window tint adheres to these standards to avoid legal issues.

Wikipedia | State website

Tint Law References

General Statutes of Connecticut, Title 13b, Chapter 246, Section 14-99g

Quick Reference on Tinted Windows (Connecticut DMV)

Medical Exemption Info

Connecticut Application & Special Permit for Exemption from Tinted Window Requirements

Car Window Tinting Laws By State

Click on the state you’re interested in for a complete guide to its tint laws and regulations. If you spot any errors, let us know through our contact page.

State Front Side Windows Back Side Windows Rear Windows Windshield
Alabama 32% 32% 32% 6 inches
Alaska 70% 40% 30% 5 inches
Arizona 33% ANY ANY tinting allowed to the top of the manufacturer’s as-1 line
Arkansas 25% 25% 10% 5 inches
California 70% ANY ANY 4 inches
Colorado 27% 27% 27% 4 inches
Connecticut 35% 35% ANY non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Delaware 70% ANY ANY non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Florida 28% 15% 15% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Georgia 32% 32% 32% 6 inches
Hawaii 35% 35% 35% Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield
Idaho 35% 20% 20% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Illinois 35% 35% 35% 6 inches
Indiana 30% 30% 30% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Iowa 70% ANY ANY non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Kansas 35% 35% 35% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Kentucky 35% 18% 18% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line
Louisiana 40% 25% 12% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Maine 35% 35% 35% top 4 inches
Maryland 35% 35% 35% top 5 inches
Massachusetts 35% 35% 35% top 6 inches
Michigan 35% ANY ANY top4 inches
Minnesota 50% 50% 50% Top 6 inches
Mississippi 28% 28% 28% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 5 inches
Missouri 35% ANY ANY non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Montana 24% 14% 14% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Nebraska 24% 20% 20% top 6 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
Nevada 35% ANY ANY non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
New Hampshire 35% 35% 35% Allowed for the manufacturer’s AS-1 line
New Jersey Illegal ANY ANY Top 6 inches
New Mexico 20% 20% 20% 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
New York 70% 70% 70% top 6 inches
North Carolina 35% 35% 35% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
North Dakota 50% ANY ANY Top 6 inches
Ohio 50% ANY ANY Top 5 inches
Oklahoma 25% ANY ANY 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
Oregon 35% 35% 35% Top 6 inches
Pennsylvania 70% 70% 70% Top 3 inches
Rhode Island 70% 35% 35% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
South Carolina 27% 27% 27% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
South Dakota 35% 20% 20% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Tennessee 35% 35% 35% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Texas 25% 25% 25% 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
Utah 43% ANY ANY non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 4 inches
Vermont 70% ANY ANY ILLEGAL
Virginia 50% 35% 35% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Washington 24% 24% 24% Top 6 inches
West Virginia 35% 35% 35% Top 5 inches
Wisconsin 50% 35% 35% non-reflective tint above the as-1 line top 6 inches
Wyoming 28% 28% 28% Top 5 inches or as-1 line, whichever comes first
About the author
David Lawrence
David grew up among mechanics and off-road enthusiasts, gaining deep knowledge in car mods, off-roading techniques, and automotive engineering, making him a trusted 4x4 expert.

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