09-07-2025
Is window tint legal in Louisiana? How dark is too dark for your car?
Window tint is a thin film that is applied to windows, typically made of polyester, in order to reduce the amount of light and heat that enters a space.
Window tint can also provide privacy and enhance aesthetics, and it's commonly used on vehicle windows.
When it comes to the limit for vehicle window tint, there are no federal restrictions regarding tint darkness, however, there are state tint laws.
Window tint laws dictate the amount of light that must pass through a vehicle's windows, and the percentage of visible light allowed through car windows is called Visible Light Transmission (VLT).
The percentage of light allowed through tinted film and glass in Louisiana is specific and varies for sedans, SUVs and vans.
For sedan vehicles in Louisiana, non-reflective windshield tint is allowed to be above the manufacturer's AS-1 line or top 5 inches, front side windows must allow over 40% of light in, back side windows must allow over 25% of light in and rear windows must allow over 12% of light in, according to Car Tinting Laws.
For SUV vehicles and vans, non-reflective windshield tint is allowed to be above manufacturer's AS-1 line or top 5 inches, front side windows must allow over 40% of light in, and any darkness can be used for both back side and rear windows, says Car Tinting Laws.
Window tint can reflect incoming light, reducing glare and heat. In Louisiana, window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint.
For sedans SUVs and vans, front and back side window tint reflection must not be over 20% reflective, according to Car Tinting Laws.
In Louisiana, the penalty for driving with illegal window tint is $150 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense and $350 for subsequent offenses, according to Prestige Films.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: How dark can car windows be in Louisiana? What state law allows
