Louisiana 2025 Window Tint Law: Tint Darkness by Vehicle Type

Visible Light Transmission (VLT) measures the percentage of light that passes through your vehicle’s windows. Louisiana’s window tint laws set specific limits on tint darkness based on vehicle type to ensure safety and visibility on the road.

Darkest Legal Tint for Sedans in Louisiana (2025)

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed only above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 40% of light in (minimum 40% VLT).
Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 25% of light in.
Rear Window: Must allow more than 12% of light in.

Darkest Legal Tint for SUVs and Vans in Louisiana (2025)

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed only above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 40% of light in.
Back Side Windows: Any darkness can be used.
Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Understanding Louisiana Window Tint Law

The bright Louisiana sun can make driving uncomfortable. Window tint helps, but you must follow state rules. The Louisiana window tint law 2025 limits how dark your tint can be. Going darker than the legal window tint Louisiana allows can bring fines or police attention.

Not following these rules could hurt your insurance. If your tint breaks the Louisiana car tint legal limits, claims may be denied or your premiums may rise. Staying legal protects your coverage and your money.

Knowing the Louisiana window tint percentage 2025 helps you pick the right tint. Follow these rules to stay safe and legal on Louisiana roads.

Why Compliance with Louisiana Tint Laws Matters

Driving in Louisiana means facing bright sunlight and strong glare. Window tint helps reduce glare and keeps the car cooler. But if the tint is too dark, it can block my vision, especially at night. Following Louisiana’s 2025 tint laws helps me drive safely and see clearly.

Besides safety, tint laws affect me legally. Police in Louisiana often check car windows for illegal tint. If my tint is too dark, I risk fines or being told to remove it. Staying within the legal limits helps me avoid trouble and keeps my driving stress-free.

My car insurance depends on legal tint, too. Using illegal tint can cause my insurance claims to be denied or make my rates go up. By following Louisiana’s tint laws, I protect my insurance and save money.

What Changed in Louisiana Tint Law 2025?

Most of Louisiana’s tint rules stayed the same in 2025. The state clarified some details about where tint is allowed on the windshield.

The law says non-reflective tint can only cover the windshield above the AS-1 line or on the top 5 inches. This rule helps keep the driver’s view clear.

Louisiana also kept rules about how much light front side windows must let in. Back and rear window tint rules differ for sedans and SUVs or vans. SUVs and vans are allowed darker tint on the back windows.

Window Tinting Laws in Louisiana

Louisiana enforces window tinting laws to ensure drivers stay safe and maintain good visibility on the road. These rules apply to all vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and vans.

Passenger Cars (Sedans)

For sedans, non-reflective tint is allowed only above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or on the top 5 inches of the windshield. The rest of the windshield must remain clear. Front side windows must allow more than 40% of visible light to pass through.

Back side windows must allow at least 25% of visible light. Rear windows must allow at least 12% of visible light to ensure proper visibility inside and outside the vehicle.

Multi-Purpose Vehicles (SUVs and Vans)

SUVs and vans follow the same rules for the windshield and front side windows. Non-reflective tint is permitted only above the AS-1 line or on the top 5 inches of the windshield, and front side windows must allow over 40% of light.

For the back side windows and rear window, any level of tint darkness is allowed, giving these vehicles more flexibility in tint choice.

Louisiana Tint Law 2025: Sedans, SUVs, Trucks Compared:

Vehicle	Front Windshield	Front Side Windows	Rear Side Windows	Rear Window
Sedans	Non-reflective tint above AS-1 line or top 5 inches	>40% light allowed	>25% light allowed	>12% light allowed
SUVs/Vans	Same as sedans	>40% light allowed	Any darkness allowed	Any darkness allowed
Trucks	Same as sedans	>40% light allowed	Any darkness allowed	Any darkness allowed

Note: Check mirror rules for tinted rear windows.

Window Tint Reflection in Louisiana

Louisiana allows some reflection in window tint to reduce glare and heat, but limits how reflective the tint can be. This keeps the road safe and ensures drivers can see clearly.

Tint Reflection for Sedans

Front Side Windows: Must not reflect more than 20% of light.
Back Side Windows: Also must stay under 20% reflection.

Tint Reflection for SUVs and Vans

Front Side Windows: Reflection must not exceed 20%.
Back Side Windows: Must also stay below 20% reflection.

Other Louisiana Window Tint Rules and Regulations

Side Mirrors: Louisiana has no special rules about mirrors for tinted windows.
Restricted Colors: Red and amber tints are not allowed.
Certificates: Film manufacturers must certify their products meet Louisiana standards. Always check with your dealer to confirm certified film is used.
Stickers: A compliance sticker must be placed between the tint and glass on the driver’s side window to prove the tint is legal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Louisiana Tint Laws 2025

Ignoring VLT Limits: Many drivers apply tint that is too dark. Louisiana requires at least 28% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) on front side windows. Applying darker tint leads to fines.
Tinting Windshield Improperly: Only a non-reflective tint strip on the top 5 inches of the windshield is allowed. Tinting the rest of the windshield is illegal.
Using Reflective or Mirror-Like Tint: Louisiana bans reflective or mirror finishes on any windows. Using these can cause glare and result in citations.
Overlooking Medical Exemptions Rules: Some think medical exemptions allow very dark tint anywhere on the car. But exemptions are limited and require valid documentation. Always carry your exemption papers.
Not Using Certified Tint Films: Installing non-certified or cheap tint films can fail inspection or be rejected by law enforcement. Always use certified products.
Not Maintaining Required Side Mirrors: If the rear window is tinted darker than allowed, the vehicle must have dual side mirrors. Forgetting this can cause trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Louisiana Tint Law 2025

Q1: What is the darkest legal tint for front side windows in Louisiana?
A: Front side windows must allow at least 28% of light through.

Q2: Can I tint my windshield in Louisiana?
A: Yes, but only a non-reflective strip on the top 5 inches of the windshield is allowed. Tinting the rest of the windshield is illegal.

Q3: Are reflective or mirror tints allowed in Louisiana?
A: No. Reflective or mirror-like tints are banned on all windows.

Q4: Does Louisiana offer medical exemptions for window tint?
A: Yes. You can apply for a medical exemption with documentation from a licensed doctor. Keep the paperwork in your vehicle and present it if asked.

Q5: What happens if I get caught with illegal tint?
A: You may receive a ticket, be fined, and be required to remove or fix the tint to meet state laws.

Q6: Are there any rules about side mirrors if I tint the rear window?
A: Yes. If your rear window tint is darker than allowed, your vehicle must have mirrors on both sides.

Conclusion

Following Louisiana window tint laws is important to avoid tickets, stay safe, and keep your vehicle legal on the road. Use certified tint film that meets the state’s light transmission rules, especially the minimum 28% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) on front side windows. This helps prevent fines and inspection problems.

Stay updated by checking the latest guidelines from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) or consulting a professional tint installer. Understanding the law now will save you money and trouble later, ensuring your tint is both legal and safe.

Resources & Useful Links for Louisiana Drivers

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV): omv.la.gov
Louisiana Vehicle Tinting Law (Revised Statutes Title 32:1301-1309): legis.la.gov
Medical Exemption Information: Contact your local OMV office or licensed healthcare provider
Louisiana State Police – Traffic Division: lsp.org
Tint Film Certification Guidelines: Ask your tint installer for certified product details
VLT Calculator Tool: Use online VLT calculators to check your tint’s compliance