California Window Tint Laws — Moreno Valley, CA
Legal VLT Limits, Windshield Rules, Exemptions & Penalties Explained
A plain-language breakdown of California's window tint law (Vehicle Code §26708) — so you know what's legal before you tint your car.
This page is for general information, not legal advice. Tint laws can change — for your specific vehicle or situation, confirm current requirements with the CA DMV, California Vehicle Code §26708, or a licensed attorney. Our team will also walk you through legal limits before any installation.
70% VLT Minimum, Clear Film Only
California Vehicle Code §26708 requires front side windows to allow more than 70% of visible light through (VLT — Visible Light Transmission). Only clear, colorless film is allowed on front side windows; the film itself must allow at least 88% VLT, so the combined glass-plus-film still meets the 70% minimum.
What's Allowed Behind the Front Seat
Rear Side & Rear Windshield
Any darkness is allowed on rear side windows and the rear windshield — provided the vehicle has dual outside mirrors, so the driver keeps a clear rearward view.
Windshield Strip
Only the top 4 inches of the windshield may carry a non-reflective, clear tint strip (the AS-1 line). No colored or reflective film is permitted below that strip.
Reflective & Colored Tint Restrictions
Beyond darkness limits, California restricts what a legal tint film can look like.
Darker Tint for Medical Conditions
California allows darker front-window tint for drivers or passengers with a qualifying medical condition — common examples include lupus, photosensitivity disorders, and other light-sensitive conditions.
Get a Signed Statement
A licensed physician or optometrist signs a statement certifying the medical need for additional sun protection.
No Separate DMV Filing
There's no additional state application — the physician's signed certificate itself is your exemption document.
Carry It With You
Keep the signed certificate in the vehicle at all times to show law enforcement if asked. Color and reflectivity rules still apply even with an exemption.
What Happens If Your Tint Is Illegal
Illegal window tint is usually treated as a correctable, or "fix-it," violation — but it can still cost you time and money.
Fix-It Ticket
Most officers issue a correctable violation, giving you a window of time to remove or replace the illegal film.
Certificate of Correction
Once the tint is legal, get a signed certificate of correction and submit it with the court to clear the ticket.
Ignoring It Costs More
Missing the correction deadline can convert the ticket to an uncorrected infraction — and you can be re-cited until the tint is legal.
Window Tint Law FAQs — Moreno Valley, CA
Front side windows must allow more than 70% of light in (VLT). California also requires any film used on front side windows to be clear and colorless.
Yes — rear side windows and the rear windshield can be tinted to any darkness, as long as the vehicle has dual outside mirrors so the driver still has a clear rearward view.
Only a non-reflective, clear strip along the top 4 inches of the windshield is allowed. No colored or reflective film is permitted on the windshield below that strip.
No — red, amber, and blue tint colors are prohibited on any window, and no window may be tinted more reflective than standard untinted glass.
A licensed physician or optometrist signs a statement certifying your medical condition and the need for additional sun protection. There's no separate DMV application — the signed certificate itself is your exemption, and it must be carried in the vehicle at all times.
Illegal tint is typically issued as a correctable "fix-it" ticket — you're given a window of time to remove or replace the film and get it signed off, rather than being hit with the full fine immediately. Ignoring it can escalate the cost.
Yes — we'll walk you through legal limits for your specific vehicle before any work begins, so you drive away confident you're within the law.
Call Desert Window Tint & Auto Glass Today
We'll help make sure your tint is installed within legal limits — honest recommendations, quality film, since 1993.
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