As you cruise down the desert highways of New Mexico, the sun’s intense rays beating against your windshield, you might be wondering: are my windows tinted just right? The Land of Enchantment has its own set of rules in regards to window tinting, and getting it wrong can lead to more than just a nasty sunburn.
From VLT percentages to medical exemptions, there’s more to New Mexico’s window tinting laws than meets the eye. So, what’s the deal with tinted windows in this southwestern state, and how can you avoid getting caught in the crosshairs of the law in respect to window tint regulations?
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Window Tint Darkness in New Mexico
In terms of window tint darkness in New Mexico, there are specific regulations you need to be aware of.
As a driver, you must comply with the state’s window tint laws. For sedans, the front side windows, back side windows, and rear window require a visible light transmission (VLT) of more than 20%.
SUVs and vans have more flexibility, with no restrictions on the back side windows and rear window, but the front side windows still need a VLT of over 20%.
Additionally, windshields can have non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or the top five inches, with no specific darkness restriction.
Automotive Window Tint Simulator
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 Rules
As you consider window tinting for your vehicle in New Mexico, it’s essential to understand the reflection rules that govern this aspect of window tinting.
In terms of tint reflection, you’ll need to verify your side windows meet specific requirements. For sedans, SUVs, and vans, no reflective tint is allowed on the front side windows.
Additionally, sedans can’t have any reflection on their back side windows. However, SUVs and vans have no reflection restrictions on their back side windows and rear window.
To guarantee compliance, manufacturers must certify their film as non-reflective, meeting the state’s reflection restrictions. By choosing a certified film, you can enjoy any darkness level on your windows while staying within the law.
Other New Mexico Window Tint Laws
You’ve got the reflection rules down, but that’s not all there’s to New Mexico window tint laws.
There are other window tint rules you need to be aware of to guarantee your vehicle is compliant. Side windows: Must allow more than 25% of light in, while rear windows can have any darkness.
It’s essential to understand these laws and regulations to avoid fines or penalties.
New Mexico Window Tinting requires legal tinting is required, and it’s your responsibility as a driver to verify.
Familiarize yourself with the tint laws in New Mexico to avoid any issues.
State of New Mexico Window Tint Info
You’re looking for an overview of window tinting in New Mexico, so let’s start with the basics.
New Mexico has its own set of window tint laws that you should be aware of before applying a tint to your vehicle.
From the allowed Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages to state regulations, it’s essential to understand these rules to certify you’re in compliance and guarantee you’re not breaking any laws.
New Mexico Overview
Located in the southwestern United States, New Mexico boasts a unique blend of cultures, landscapes, and climates.
As you prepare to customize your vehicle with window tinting, it’s essential to understand the regulations governing this modification in the Land of Enchantment.
You’ll need to familiarize yourself with New Mexico’s window tinting laws, which dictate the acceptable levels of tint darkness and percent of visible light allowed on your car window.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, fines, or even vehicle impoundment.
Window Tint Laws
When it pertains to customizing your vehicle with window tinting in New Mexico, understanding the state’s window tint laws is crucial.
You want to guarantee you’re not breaking any rules, and avoiding hefty fines is a must. New Mexico has its own set of rules and regulations for window tinting, which were enacted in 1997 and last updated in 2024.
- Medical exemptions are allowed for special tint, but you’ll need a signed document from a physician or optometrist.
- Dual side mirrors are required if any side or back windows are tinted.
- Manufacturers must certify the film they sell in the state, with a sticker to identify legal tinting required between the film and glass on every tinted window.
- New Mexico Statutes section 66-3-846.1 governs the specific requirements for sun screening material on windshields and windows, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the law.
State Regulations
In New Mexico, where approximately 121,589 square miles of land require attention to vehicle window tint regulations, understanding state regulations is crucial to guarantee safe driving conditions.
You should know that New Mexico’s window tint laws, outlined in Statutes section 66-3-846.1, regulate sun screening material on windshields and windows.
Manufacturers must certify their products meet the state’s standards, and you should look for the AS-1 line on the film to verify compliance.
If you violate these laws, you may face a petty misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $75.
Medical exemptions are allowed under specific conditions, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the regulations to avoid any issues.
Tint Law References and Updates
New Mexico’s window tint laws are rooted in New Mexico Statutes section 66-3-846.1, which governs the use of sun screening material on windshields and windows throughout the state.
You need to be aware of these laws to guarantee you’re in compliance.
- Window tint laws in New Mexico were enacted in 1997 and last updated in 2024, so you need to stay current with any changes.
- Medical exemptions for special tint are allowed, providing relief for individuals with certain medical conditions.
- Manufacturers of film must certify the film they sell in the state, and a sticker to identify legal tinting is required.
- Violating window tint rules can result in a penalty assessment misdemeanor with a fine of up to $75, so it’s vital to follow the rules.
Rules for Windshield Tint
Typically, windshield tinting is a crucial aspect of New Mexico’s window tint laws, and it’s essential to understand the rules governing it.
As a sedan owner in New Mexico, you’re allowed to have non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or the top five inches of your windshield. The tint on the top of the windshield can’t be red, yellow, or amber in color.
There are no specific restrictions on the darkness of the tint, but it must be non-essential. Keep in mind that these rules only apply to sedans, so if you own a different type of vehicle, you’ll need to check the specific regulations for it.
Rules for Side and Rear Window Tint
You need to be aware of the specific rules governing side and rear window tinting in New Mexico, as they differ from those for windshield tinting.
In the context of side and rear windows, there are certain requirements you must follow to guarantee compliance with New Mexico’s tinting laws.
- Side and rear windows must have a non-reflective tint.
- The tint must have a light transmission rate of no less than 20%.
- The tint must be used along with safety glazing materials.
- The rules apply to the side windows on the immediate right and left of the driver, as well as the side windows behind the driver and the rear window.
Exemptions From Window Tint Rules
When you’re considering window tinting in New Mexico, you should know that there are exemptions from the rules.
You may be eligible for a medical exemption if you have a medical condition that requires you to limit your exposure to sunlight. You’ll need a physician-signed document to qualify, and it’s important to note that this exemption only protects you from penalty, not from the rules themselves.
Medical Exemptions Allowed
How can individuals with medical conditions navigate New Mexico’s window tint rules?
You may be exempt from penalties with a signed document from a physician or optometrist, which must be in your possession or your legal guardian’s possession.
This exemption only applies to penalties, not the rules themselves, and must be obtained prior to operating a vehicle with tinted windows.
- The document must specify the medical condition that requires the use of tinted windows, and the specific tint percentage required to alleviate the condition.
- The exemption is only valid for the specific vehicle and individual listed on the document, and can’t be transferred to another vehicle or person.
- Medical exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis, and the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division may request additional documentation or information to verify the exemption.
- This exemption is supported by New Mexico Statutes, section 66-3-846.1, which outlines the rules for window tint in the state.
Physician Signed Document Required
To obtain an exemption from New Mexico’s window tint rules, a physician-signed document is required, specifying the medical condition that necessitates the use of tinted windows.
This document serves as proof that you need darker window tints for medical reasons. According to the New Mexico Statutes section, you’re allowed to have tint above the manufacturers’ recommended level if you have a medical condition that requires it.
However, you still need to guarantee that at least 20% of visible light is allowed through the windows. By submitting a physician-signed document, you can obtain a medical exemption from the standard window tinting laws in New Mexico, and thereby certify that you comply with the necessary light transmission requirements.
Exempt From Penalty Only
You can obtain an exemption from penalties, but not from the window tint rules themselves, if you have a medical condition that requires darker window tints.
This exemption isn’t a free pass to ignore the rules, but rather a way to avoid penalties if you’re found non-compliant.
- Medical exemptions only exempt you from penalties, not from following the rules.
- You’ll need a signed document from a physician or optometrist to be exempt from penalties.
- Vehicles with sun screening material applied before July 1, 1997, are also exempt from penalties.
- There are no other exemptions from penalties or the window tint rules in New Mexico.
Penalties for Violating Window Tint Laws
Violating New Mexico’s window tint laws can lead to costly consequences, including fines and even vehicle impoundment.
If you’re caught with an illegal window tint, you’ll face penalties that can add up quickly. For a first-time offense, you’ll be fined $25 to $50. Repeat offenders can expect to pay $50 to $100.
In addition to fines, your vehicle may be impounded until the tint is corrected. It’s essential to understand New Mexico’s window tint regulations to avoid these penalties.
Make sure to check the state’s laws before applying window tint to your vehicle. Remember, it’s always better to comply with the laws than to risk facing fines and impoundment.
