Arizona Window Tint Laws

AJ Law, PLC – Glendale 5800 W Glenn Dr. Suite 130 Glendale, AZ 85301 Open 24/7 (602) 512-1280 AJ Law, PLC – Bullhead City 2580 AZ-95 #108, Bullhead City, AZ 86442 Open 24/7 (602) 507-9901 AJ Law, PLC – Tucson 300 N Main Ave #102, Tucson, AZ 85701 Open 24/7 (602) 512-1933  Window tint is popular among Arizona drivers for good reason. With extreme summer heat and intense sun exposure throughout much of the year, tinted windows can make a real difference in one’s comfort and visibility. However, Arizona regulates how dark your tint can be, and exceeding those limits can lead to fines and potential legal complications if you’re ever involved in a car accident. Learning about where the law draws the line can help you avoid unnecessary trouble on the road. Here’s what Arizona drivers should know about the state’s window tint regulations.

Arizona’s Window Tint Regulations

Arizona’s tint laws are found under A.R.S. § 28-959.01 and apply differently depending on the type of vehicle and which window you’re talking about. Tint darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which refers to the percentage of light that passes through the glass. A lower VLT percentage means a darker tint. Broadly speaking, the rules break down as follows:

• Windshield: non-reflective tint allowed on the top of the windshield, above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line
• Front side windows: must allow at least 33% of light through
• Rear side windows: any darkness level is permitted
• Rear window: any darkness level is permitted

Arizona also restricts reflective tint. Front and rear side windows on any vehicle cannot be more than 35% reflective (with a three percent variance). Excessively mirrored windows can create dangerous glare for other drivers, which is why the state limits them.

Medical Exemptions for Darker Tint

Arizona does allow exceptions for drivers with certain medical conditions. If you have a documented sensitivity to light, such as lupus or severe photophobia, you may be able to apply for a medical exemption that permits a darker tint than what the standard rules allow. 

How Window Tint Can Come Up in a Car Accident Claim

Window tint can intersect with personal injury law in some cases. Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning your compensation after a car accident can be reduced if you’re found to share some of the blame for the collision.  If you’re involved in a crash and your window tint is darker than what the law allows, the other side may try to use that against you. They could argue that the illegal tint reduced your visibility and contributed to the collision. Whether that argument holds up depends on the facts, but it gives insurance adjusters one more tool to chip away at your claim. On the flip side, if the other driver had illegal tint that limited their ability to see your vehicle, that fact could strengthen your case against them. Either way, tint compliance is one of those details that can quietly become relevant after an accident.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer at AJ Law, PLC

Arizona’s window tint laws are straightforward on paper, but they can take on added significance after a collision. If you were involved in a car accident and have questions about your claim, contacting a personal injury attorney is a smart move. Reach out to AJ Law, PLC for help today. We proudly serve clients throughout the greater Phoenix area and communities across Arizona, with offices in Glendale, Bullhead City, and Tucson. AJ Law, PLC – Phoenix 7201 N 7th St Suite B, Phoenix, AZ 85020 Open 24/7 (602) 671-2363 AJ Law, PLC – Glendale 5800 W Glenn Dr. Suite 130 Glendale, AZ 85301 Open 24/7 (602) 512-1280 AJ Law, PLC – Bullhead City 2580 AZ-95 #108, Bullhead City, AZ 86442 Open 24/7 (602) 507-9901 AJ Law, PLC – Tucson 300 N Main Ave #102, Tucson, AZ 85701 Open 24/7 (602) 512-1933