Arizona Window Tint Laws

Arizona tint rules by window

Source: A.R.S. § 28-959.01, Materials on windows or windshield (Arizona State Legislature).

The windshield

Arizona only allows tint on the very top of the windshield. Under the law, the bottom edge of that strip has to sit at least 29 inches above the driver's seat. That's measured from a point 5 inches in front of the bottom of the seatback, with the seat all the way back and all the way down, and the car parked on level ground. You'll often hear this called the AS-1 line, and ADOT's medical exemption form uses that term too. The strip can't be red or amber.

Below that strip, the law doesn't allow tint on the windshield, and the medical exemption doesn't change that.

Front side windows

These are the windows next to the driver and front passenger, and they have the tightest rule. The film and glass together need to let about 33% of light through, with a 3% allowance either way, and reflect no more than about 35%, also with a 3% allowance. In practice, that means a lighter shade up front than in back.

Back side windows and the rear window

Behind the driver, you have a lot more freedom. The back side windows can be any darkness, as long as the film isn't more than about 35% reflective. The rear window can also be any darkness, as long as your vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides that each give the driver a view of at least 200 feet of road behind. Nearly every car on the road today already has both.

Reflective films and colors

Arizona's limit on reflective (mirror-look) film is about 35% luminous reflectance on the side windows, with a 3% allowance. The only color the statute calls out is for the windshield strip, which can't be red or amber. The statute doesn't list other banned colors for the side or rear windows.

Sunroofs and glass roofs

The statute covers the windshield, side windows and rear windows. It doesn't mention sunroofs or panoramic glass roofs, so it sets no rule for them either way.

Medical exemptions

If a medical condition means you need to be shielded from direct sun, you can apply to ADOT for an exemption under A.R.S. § 28-959.01(G). You fill out the Application for Window Tint Medical Exemption (ADOT form 40-1511), and an MD, DO, NMD or ophthalmologist who has examined you signs it. You then send it to the MVD Medical Review Program. ADOT says to keep a certificate in each vehicle the exemption covers, and it can cover cars you own and cars you're a regular passenger in. The exemption applies to the side and back windows, not the windshield below the AS-1 line. See ADOT's Medical Review page for current contact details.

What happens if your tint is too dark

Window tint rules are part of Arizona's vehicle equipment laws, so breaking them is generally a civil traffic violation (A.R.S. § 28-121(B)), not a crime. That means a ticket and a fine set by the court, plus the state's surcharges. The simplest fix is to stay within the rules from the start, and we're glad to help you do that.

Get legal tint in Phoenix

We'll help you choose a film and shade for each window that keeps you comfortable and legal, then install it right here in our North Phoenix bays. See our window tint options and prices, or call us at (602) 971-8137.