Vermont 2025 Window Tint Law: Tint Darkness by Vehicle Type
Vermont has clear laws about how dark window tint can be for different types of vehicles. These rules help drivers stay safe and ensure good visibility for both drivers and law enforcement. Here’s a breakdown of the darkest legal tint allowed in Vermont for sedans, SUVs, and vans in 2025.
Darkest Legal Tint for Sedans in Vermont (2025)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed only above the AS-1 line provided by the manufacturer.
- Front Side Windows: Tint is not allowed on front side windows.
- Back Side Windows: Any level of darkness is permitted.
- Rear Window: Any level of darkness is permitted.
Darkest Legal Tint for SUVs and Vans in Vermont (2025)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the AS-1 line.
- Front Side Windows: No tint is allowed on these windows.
- Back Side Windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear Window: Any darkness is allowed.
Understanding Vermont Window Tint Law
Driving in Vermont means facing harsh glare sometimes, but your tint choices are limited. The Vermont window tint law 2025 strictly controls how dark your tint can be. If you push past the legal window tint Vermont limits, fines and traffic stops will follow.
Insurance companies can penalize you too. Claims may be denied, and premiums can jump if your tint breaks the Vermont car tint legal limits. Keep your insurance intact by staying legal.
Know the Vermont window tint percentage 2025 inside and out. It’s the best way to stay compliant and glare-free on Vermont’s roads.
Why Compliance with Vermont Tint Laws Matters
Vermont has cold winters and bright sunny days, making window tint helpful for both comfort and safety. Tint keeps glare down and protects against UV rays. But if the tint is too dark, it can make it hard to see clearly—especially at night or in snow. Following Vermont’s tint rules helps me stay safe, no matter the season.
Tint laws also help avoid legal trouble. Police in Vermont can check window tint during any stop. If my front windows are tinted—even a little—I could get a ticket because Vermont bans all tint on front side windows. If I stay within the law, I avoid fines, pass inspections, and protect my insurance coverage. Legal tinting keeps my car safe and stress-free.
What Changed in Vermont Tinting Law 2025?
Vermont’s window tint laws haven’t changed recently, but enforcement has become more consistent in 2025. Officers now use updated tint meters and check for even light or clear films on front side windows, which are completely banned.
Also, drivers are being reminded that the tint law applies no matter how old the vehicle is. Even if your car passed inspection years ago with tinted front windows, new inspections will flag it. Only back side and rear windows can be tinted freely.
Window Tinting Laws in Vermont
Vermont’s window tint laws are based on Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which measures how much light must pass through both the glass and tint film. These laws are designed to ensure safety and vary depending on the type of vehicle.
Passenger Cars and Station Wagons
For sedans in Vermont, non-reflective tint is only allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line on the windshield. The rest of the windshield must remain clear to protect the driver’s visibility. Most importantly, no tint is allowed on the front side windows, not even light or clear film.
However, there is more flexibility in the back. Back side windows and the rear window can be tinted to any level of darkness. This allows for better privacy and protection from sunlight for backseat passengers, while still keeping the front area safe and visible.
Multi-Purpose Vehicles (SUVs, Vans, RVs)
SUVs, vans, and RVs in Vermont follow the same general rules. The windshield may have non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line, but the rest must stay untinted. Just like with sedans, no tint is allowed on the front side windows.
The rear side windows and rear window can be as dark as the owner prefers. Even with these darker rear windows, it is important for drivers to maintain clear visibility through their mirrors and rear view to ensure safe driving.
Vermont Tint Law 2025: Sedans, SUVs, Trucks Compared
| Vehicle Type | Front Windshield | Front Side Windows | Rear Side Windows | Rear Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans | Above AS-1 line (non-reflective only) | No tint allowed | No limit | No limit |
| SUVs/Vans | Above AS-1 line (non-reflective only) | No tint allowed | No limit | No limit |
| Trucks | Above AS-1 line (non-reflective only) | No tint allowed | No limit* | No limit* |
Note: Trucks with tinted rear windows must have dual side mirrors.
Window Tint Reflection in Vermont (2025)
In Vermont, using window tint is a great way to reduce glare and keep your car cooler in the summer. But not all tint is allowed. Vermont law bans mirrored or metallic-looking window tint on all types of vehicles. This is to make sure that tint doesn’t reflect too much light and cause problems for other drivers.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front Side Windows: The tint must not have a mirrored or metallic appearance. The surface should look like regular glass and not reflect bright light.
- Back Side Windows: These also cannot have shiny, mirrored, or metallic finishes. Stick to standard non-reflective tints to follow the law.
Tint Reflection for SUVs and Vans
- Front Side Windows: SUVs and vans have the same rule—no mirror-like or metallic tint allowed on front side windows.
- Back Side Windows: These windows must also stay non-reflective even if they are allowed to be darker.
Other Vermont Window Tint Rules and Regulations
Side Mirrors
If your vehicle has tinted rear windows, Vermont law requires you to have dual side mirrors. This helps you see clearly behind the vehicle since the tint may reduce rear visibility.
Restricted Colors
In Vermont, all tint colors are legal. There is no ban on red, amber, blue, or other shades. Still, it’s smart to avoid very bright or unusual colors that may confuse other drivers or attract police attention.
Certificates
Tint film manufacturers are not required to certify their products in Vermont. There is no official list of approved films, so it’s important to use a trusted tint installer who understands Vermont’s tint laws.
Stickers
Vermont does not require a sticker to prove your tint is legal. While some states ask for a compliance label between the film and the glass, Vermont does not have this rule. However, you should keep any documentation from your installer just in case.
Legal Window Tint Certificates in Vermont
In Vermont, you don’t need a certificate or sticker to prove your window tint is legal. Tint film manufacturers, vendors, and installers are also not required to certify that the film meets state laws. However, it’s smart to ask your installer if the film they’re using follows Vermont’s rules.
While stickers aren’t required, applying one that shows your tint is legal can help during traffic stops or inspections. It’s an easy way to avoid confusion and save time. Even though the state doesn’t enforce labeling, the responsibility to follow the law falls on you as the vehicle owner.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in Vermont
Drivers in Vermont can get a medical exemption for darker tint on the front side windows. If you have a condition like glaucoma, lupus, or extreme light sensitivity, talk to your doctor. They can write a letter explaining your need for special tint to protect your health.
You must keep this letter in your vehicle at all times. If a police officer asks for it during a traffic stop, you’ll need to show it. The exemption only applies to you and the vehicle listed, so it’s not transferable. With proper documentation, you can legally stay safe and comfortable on the road.
Window Tint Violation Penalties in Vermont
Breaking Vermont’s tint laws can lead to expensive problems, even though it’s not a criminal offense. If your tint is too dark, your car may fail state inspection. This means you could lose your inspection fee and have to pay for a retest to pass.
Fines for illegal tint range from $47 to $1,197, depending on how serious the violation is and whether it’s your first or a repeat offense. Multiple violations can stack up fast. Fixing the issue early helps you avoid penalties and ensures your car remains road-legal.
Risks of Illegal Window Tint in Vermont
Illegal tint can affect more than just your wallet. It may cause inspection failure, prevent registration renewal, and raise red flags during police stops. Insurance companies may also deny claims if they believe the tint contributed to a crash or reduced your visibility.
Because Vermont doesn’t require film certification or tint stickers, you’re fully responsible for staying compliant. Choosing a legal tint protects you from fines and legal trouble. It’s easier and cheaper to fix your tint now than to deal with repeated penalties later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid – Vermont Tint Law 2025
Applying any tint to the front side windows
In Vermont, front side windows must remain untinted. Adding any aftermarket film to these windows violates the law and will result in a failed inspection or ticket.
Tinting the entire windshield
Vermont only allows tint on the top four inches of the windshield. Tinting below that line is illegal, even if the film is light.
Assuming rear window rules are the same
While Vermont allows tint on rear side and back windows, some drivers apply overly dark films that reduce visibility. This is risky and may not meet inspection standards.
Using reflective or mirrored film
Reflective or mirrored tint is not allowed in Vermont. These films can distract other drivers and are not considered safe.
Not checking with your installer
Some tint shops may apply film without checking state laws. If your installer does not follow Vermont’s strict tint rules, your vehicle may still fail inspection.
Skipping documentation for medical exemptions
Vermont offers medical exemptions for those who need protection from sunlight. However, drivers must carry official proof at all times to avoid penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions – Vermont Tint Law 2025
Can I tint my front side windows in Vermont?
No. Front side windows must remain clear and allow 100 percent of visible light to pass through.
Can I tint my windshield in Vermont?
Only the top four inches of the windshield may be tinted. Tinting below that is not legal.
What are the rules for rear windows?
Rear side and back windows may be tinted, but there is no specific VLT limit in the law. However, visibility and safety must be maintained.
Is reflective tint allowed in Vermont?
No. Reflective or mirror-like window films are not allowed on any vehicle window.
Does Vermont allow medical exemptions for tint?
Yes. You can apply for a medical exemption with documentation from a licensed physician. You must carry proof in your vehicle at all times.
Will I get fined for illegal tint in Vermont?
Yes. Illegal tint may result in citations and your vehicle may not pass its required inspection.
Do I need a tint certificate or sticker in Vermont?
Vermont does not require a sticker, but having a written statement from your installer can help prove compliance.
Conclusion
In Vermont, keeping your car street-legal means knowing what kind of window tint is allowed—and what is not. The law is strict. You cannot tint your front side windows at all. The windshield can only be tinted at the top, and mirrored films are completely banned.
If you need extra tint for health reasons, Vermont does allow a medical exemption. Just be sure to carry the correct paperwork with you every time you drive.
Before you install any window film, speak with a trusted installer and review the current state laws. A few minutes of research now can prevent tickets, inspection failures, and costly removals later.
Resources for Vermont Drivers
Vermont DMV Tint Regulations: https://dmv.vermont.gov
Vermont Statutes Title 23, § 1225 – Obstruction to Driver’s View: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes
Medical Exemption Details and Form: https://dmv.vermont.gov/forms
Find Certified Tint Installers in Vermont: CarKitAdvisor.com/tint-installers-vt
Window Tint VLT Calculator Tool: CarKitAdvisor.com/vlt-checker
Printable Vermont Tint Checklist (PDF): CarKitAdvisor.com/vt-tint-checklist