(Here’s What You Actually Need to Know)
🧾 The Facts: Arizona Tint Regulations
- VLT = Visible Light Transmission
- Front side windows (driver & passenger) must allow at least 33% of light through—any darker is illegal.
- Rear side and back windows can be as dark as you want—but your vehicle must have dual side mirrors.
- Windshield may only be tinted above the AS-1 line (approx. top 5″) and only with non-reflective film.
- Reflectivity Rules
- Both front and back side windows must not be more than 35% reflective.
- Color Restrictions
- Red or amber tints are banned. Other colors like gray, bronze, or green are fine.
- Medical Exemptions
- Legit medical conditions (e.g. lupus, melanoma, extreme UV sensitivity) allow for darker or colored tints—but you must file form 40‑1511 through ADOT.
- Side Mirror Requirement
- Any rear-window tint requires functional dual side mirrors to compensate.
💸 What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
- You’ll likely get a “fix-it” ticket (Equipment Repair Order).
- Make the fix—remove or replace illegal tint—and you usually just pay a small fee.
- Refuse? Could escalate to larger fines (up to ~$250 per offense).
⚠️ Common Misconceptions
- “I can darken front windows with medical docs.” Only valid with approved ADOT exemption—no free pass otherwise.
- “Mirror-like tint is fine if it reduces heat.” Nope. Reflectivity is capped at 35% on all side windows.
- “No tint sticker means no compliance needed.” Exactly. Arizona doesn’t require stickers or certifications—compliance is the responsibility of the vehicle owner.
📌 Arizona-Specific Takeaways
Concern: Front Side Windows
Legal Standard: >33% VLT, <35% reflectivity
Concern: Rear and Back Windows
Legal Standard: Any darkness, <35% reflectivity, dual side mirrors required
Concern: Windshield
Legal Standard: Tint allowed only above AS-1 line, non-reflective
Concern: Tint Colors
Legal Standard: No red/amber
Concern: Medical Exemption
Legal Standard: Form 40-1511 through ADOT required
🧠 Bottom Line:
Yes—you can tint your windows in Arizona. But only within strict boundaries to avoid tickets or unsafe darkness.
Want premium performance without the legal dark cave? Go ceramic or carbon on the front windows—meet the 33% VLT and sub-35% reflectivity rules and enjoy style with zero legal headaches.
Not sure if your current tint falls inside the legal box? We’ll measure it live, show you exactly where it stands, and help you switch to compliant performance—if needed.