The California Highway Patrol is reporting a growing number of vehicles with illegal window tint, and they’re reminding drivers that it’s not just about how your car looks—it’s about safety and visibility. According to California Vehicle Code 26708(a)(1), drivers cannot operate a vehicle with any material placed, displayed, or applied to the windshield or front side windows that blocks visibility. For the driver’s side and front passenger windows, tint must let in at least 88% of light—essentially, it needs to be nearly clear. Why does this matter? Overly dark windows can limit a driver’s view of the road—and keep law enforcement from spotting safety violations like:
- Seatbelt compliance
- Child safety seat use
- Distracted driving (texting/talking)
- Open containers of alcohol
If you’re pulled over for illegal tint, you could receive a citation and be required to remove it to comply with California law.
FINALLY!!!!
Totally Agree!!!
And…… how about all the Teslas with no front license plate.
Actually the worst problem is that as a pedestrian I can’t look into your vehicle to see if you see me. Plenty of cars make right turns without looking for pedestrians coming from the left.
drive around Berkeley or SF… the pedestrians don’t look they just walk.
I thought it was legal now for the front windows if you had a prescription for light sensitive eyes. And we all know how easy that would be to get, just like a Medical Marijuana prescription.
Wouldn’t sunglasses be just as effective? Sorry, I accidentally dropped my mic!
It’s about time!!! This is not Arizona!
My neighbor had a tinted windshield on his bmw.
So cool🙄
He was doing 80 at night in the rain on hwy 24. And he couldn’t see the road very well.
He is ok, but now he drives a toyota….
I was sure your comment would end “with hand controls…”
LOL
so… Ca law says 70% on front windows so I think the facts should be researched.
https://www.eastonlawoffices.com/blog/california-window-tint-law/
https://www.tinting-laws.com/california/
https://law.justia.com/codes/california/code-veh/division-12/chapter-4/section-26708/
26708 (d)(2) and (e)(2) are the only reference to 70% light requirement, but it mentions glazing.
It seems like some windows come with a light blocking glaze of some sort?
I think it means that the combined light of tint + mentioned glaze must let in no less than 70%, but (d)(1) and (e)(1) does say limit for window tint, with or without window glaze, must let in 88% of light
maybe im just retarded idk
12% blocked light is the max for window tint on the front windows and windshield, but if you use 12% tint, you have to make sure your glass, factory or aftermarket, doesn’t block more than 8% of light on its own because the max light you’re allowed to block combined is 20%
Purchased F-150 2020 new with factory privacy glass in Ca and it is 26% (100% legal). Automotive factory privacy glass is between 15 and 26% depending on manufacture. Yes this means the two front windows.
I think the real problem is the front driver side and front passenger side windows. I accidentally cut in front of a car (not too bad) but then they aggressively pulled up next to me at the light. I couldn’t tell who was in there, but I knew that there fully tinted windows was a threat to police, and all of society. Nobody should have full tint front driver side and front passenger side windows.
I thing these are the buzz words of the day “threat to police” as other states almost allow you to paint them black (sarcasm) and the police seem to have no problem.
https://metrorestyling.com/blogs/news/window-tint-laws-for-each-state-ultimate-guide?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21183020569&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrNe4ztu1jQMVGtHCBB3C2xOQEAAYASAAEgJ6QfD_BwE
When I see a vehicle with over tinted windows I think that is a driver who knows the rules but is either challenging the vehicle laws or hiding from something. The solution is to make the fine enough to convince them to respect the rules. Then find out who is applying the tint and close that business.
Good! … “back in the day” I was cited for a very mild tint on very clear glass side windows on a van
1994 – 1999, I’ll bet.
first, we have a car with dark tint (10 year old car, was on when we bought it), and I would be ticked off if my child driving the car got pulled over for it. Not sure if it is “dark” enough for consequences, but it is effective when driving east bound in the evening. Second, yet another “ban” because of other laws. Can’t have tinted windows in sunny california, because the police want to be able to see in your car if you are wearing a seatbelt (again, IMO, you don’t wear it, you are the one thrown out of the car). Distracted driving, wouldn’t the officer looking in your vehicle be distracted? that is me being a, well, what I cannot repeat.
My friend Karen said the same thing last week.
driving from the east, headed west….not driving east bound…plus, turns out only the back is tinted, so phew…
When I observe them, they’re usually driving solo in the carpool lane of on ramps to avoid waiting like everyone else.
The tint has to go, but you can keep the 24″ rims.
Praise the Lord, we all might finally start to feel a little safer!
why do you feel unsafe?
They should start in the back lot of the CPD or maybe in their own parking lot.
California has some of the most ridiculous laws.. windows tint bring among them. 👎🏼