New Hampshire 2025 Window Tint Law: Tint Darkness by Vehicle Type
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) means the percentage of light that passes through your car’s windows. New Hampshire sets specific VLT limits based on vehicle type to ensure safe driving and clear visibility.
Darkest Legal Tint for Sedans in New Hampshire (2025)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint up to 35% VLT allowed only on the top 6 inches.
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
Darkest Legal Tint for SUVs and Vans in New Hampshire (2025)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint up to 35% VLT allowed only on the top 6 inches.
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
Important Note
New Hampshire passed a law in 2021 allowing 70% VLT on front side windows for all vehicles, which is stricter than some other states. This helps drivers maintain good visibility and safe driving conditions.
Understanding New Hampshire Window Tint Law
Bright sun and changing seasons make driving in New Hampshire tricky. Window tint can reduce glare, but the New Hampshire window tint law 2025 sets firm limits on how dark your tint can be. Going beyond the legal window tint New Hampshire limits risks fines and police stops.
Your insurance may also take a hit if your tint breaks the New Hampshire car tint legal limits. Denied claims or higher premiums are costly problems you don’t want. Staying within the law protects your coverage and your wallet.
Learn the New Hampshire window tint percentage 2025 to find the right tint for your car. Keep your ride legal and comfortable by following the rules.
Why Compliance with New Hampshire Tint Laws Matters
Driving in New Hampshire means dealing with bright sunlight and sometimes harsh weather. Window tint helps reduce glare and heat inside the car, making driving easier and safer. But if the tint is too dark, especially on the front windows, it can block my vision, especially at night or in bad weather. Following New Hampshire’s 2025 tint laws helps me drive clearly and stay safe on the road.
Tint laws also come with legal consequences. Police in New Hampshire can stop me if my tint is too dark or illegal. Fines or orders to remove illegal tint can cause stress and extra costs. Staying within legal limits keeps me out of trouble and lets me focus on driving.
Insurance companies also care about legal tinting. Illegal tint may cause denied claims or higher insurance premiums. By following New Hampshire’s tint rules, I protect my insurance and save money.
What Changed in New Hampshire Tinting Law 2025?
New Hampshire kept most of its window tint rules but made key clarifications to improve safety.
The law strictly limits tint on the windshield to non-reflective film up to 35% VLT only on the top 6 inches.
Front side windows must allow more than 70% of light through, ensuring clear vision for the driver.
Back side and rear windows must allow at least 35% of light to pass, a balance between privacy and safety.
Window Tinting Laws in New Hampshire
Passenger Cars and Sedans
New Hampshire allows non-reflective tint on the top 6 inches of the windshield to keep the driver’s view clear. The rest of the windshield must remain untinted.
Front side windows must let in more than 70% of visible light for safe driving visibility. Back side and rear windows must allow over 35% of light to maintain safety and some privacy.
Multi-Purpose Vehicles (SUVs and Vans)
SUVs and vans follow the same windshield and front window rules. The top 6 inches of the windshield can have non-reflective tint up to 35% VLT.
Front side windows must allow more than 70% of light, while back side and rear windows must allow at least 35% of light, providing a balance between visibility and tinting freedom.
New Hampshire Tint Law 2025: Sedans, SUVs, Trucks Compared:
| Vehicle Type | Front Windshield | Front Side Windows | Rear Side Windows | Rear Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans | Non-reflective tint allowed on top 6 inches | ≥70% VLT | ≥35% VLT | ≥35% VLT |
| SUVs/Vans | Non-reflective tint allowed on top 6 inches | ≥70% VLT | ≥35% VLT | ≥35% VLT |
Note: New Hampshire law requires no additional side mirror rules based on tint.
Window Tint Reflection in New Hampshire
New Hampshire allows window tint that reflects light to reduce glare and heat. However, the law forbids any metallic or mirrored appearance on window tints to keep visibility safe.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front Side Windows: No metallic or mirrored finish is allowed.
- Back Side Windows: No metallic or mirrored finish is allowed.
Tint Reflection for SUVs and Vans
- Front Side Windows: No metallic or mirrored finish is permitted.
- Back Side Windows: No metallic or mirrored finish is permitted.
Other New Hampshire Window Tint Rules and Regulations
- Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required only if the back window is tinted.
- Restricted Colors: There are no specific color restrictions for tint in New Hampshire.
- Certificates: Manufacturers do not need to certify their window tint films as compliant with New Hampshire laws.
- Stickers: Stickers identifying legal tint are recommended but not required by state law.
Legal Window Tint Certificates in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, you do not need manufacturers or installers to certify that window tint films meet state laws. However, it is recommended to have a sticker showing your tint is legal to avoid tickets during traffic stops. This sticker helps prove your tint complies with state rules but is not required by law.
If your rear window is tinted or obscured, your vehicle must have dual side mirrors to provide proper rear visibility. This is both a legal requirement and a safety measure.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in New Hampshire
New Hampshire allows medical exemptions for drivers who need darker window tint due to health reasons such as glaucoma, skin conditions, or migraines. To get this exemption, you must have a doctor’s note explaining why darker tint is necessary. Keep this proof in your vehicle to avoid fines during inspections or traffic stops.
Medical exemptions also apply to commercial drivers who may need extra protection from sun exposure due to long hours on the road. Consult your doctor and contact the DMV or state officials to apply for a medical or commercial tint exemption.
Window Tint Violation Penalties in New Hampshire
If your tint does not meet New Hampshire laws, you may get a non-criminal traffic ticket. Fines for illegal tint can add up quickly and reach into the hundreds of dollars. These violations do not affect your driving record but can be costly if ignored.
You might receive a “fix-it ticket,” which gives you time to remove or fix your tint to meet legal limits. Avoiding violations by installing legal tint saves money and stress in the long run.
Risks of Illegal Window Tint in New Hampshire
Using illegal window tint can lead to fines and legal trouble. If caught, you may be ticketed, and ignoring tickets can increase fines and cause inspection failures.
Illegal tint may also cause problems with insurance claims if you have an accident. Fixing tint issues early is cheaper and easier than dealing with court costs or denied claims. Following New Hampshire’s tint laws keeps you safe, legal, and stress-free on the road.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with New Hampshire Tint Law 2025
- Ignoring VLT Limits
Many drivers do not check the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages before tinting their windows. In New Hampshire, front side windows must allow at least 70% of light in, and the windshield can only have a non-reflective strip at the top. Always confirm your tint film meets these standards. - Using Reflective or Colored Tint
Reflective or mirror-like tints are not allowed on any windows in New Hampshire. Some colored tints, especially red or blue, are also banned because they can confuse other drivers or emergency responders. - Not Applying Manufacturer Stickers
Window tint films should come with certification stickers showing they comply with state laws. Not having these stickers can lead to fines or removal orders. - Overlooking Medical Exemption Rules
If you qualify for a medical exemption, you must carry proper documentation in your vehicle at all times. Not carrying this proof when stopped can cause legal trouble. - Assuming Rules Are the Same for All Vehicles
Tint laws vary between passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks. Always check the specific rules for your vehicle type before applying tint.
FAQs on New Hampshire Tint Law 2025
Q1: What is the darkest legal tint allowed on front side windows?
A: Front side windows must allow at least 70% of visible light to pass through. This means only light tinting is allowed on these windows.
Q2: Can I tint my windshield?
A: Only a non-reflective strip on the top few inches of the windshield is allowed. The rest of the windshield must remain clear.
Q3: Are reflective or mirror-like tints legal in New Hampshire?
A: No. Reflective or mirror-like window tints are not allowed on any windows.
Q4: Does New Hampshire allow medical exemptions for darker tint?
A: Yes, but you must have a medical certificate and carry it in your vehicle. The exemption must be renewed as required.
Q5: Do I need to keep a sticker on my tinted windows?
A: Yes, most professionally installed tint films have a certification sticker. It is important to keep it visible to avoid fines.
Q6: What happens if my tint does not comply with the law?
A: You may receive a ticket, be required to remove the illegal tint, and pay fines. Repeat offenses could lead to higher penalties.
Conclusion
Following New Hampshire’s window tint laws helps you avoid fines and keeps your driving safe and legal. Using certified tint films that meet the state’s 70% visible light transmission requirement for front side windows and displaying any required compliance stickers can protect you from costly penalties and inspection issues.
Stay informed by regularly checking the latest rules from the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles or consulting a professional installer. Understanding the law today can save you money and hassle tomorrow, ensuring your vehicle’s tint is both safe and legal on the road.
Resources & Useful Links for New Hampshire Drivers
- New Hampshire DMV Window Tint Regulations: https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/
- New Hampshire Revised Statutes Title XV – Motor Vehicles and Traffic: https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XV/261/261-mrg.htm
- Medical Exemption Information: Contact NH DMV or your licensed physician
- New Hampshire State Police: https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/nhsp/
- Window Tint Compliance Checklist (PDF): [CarKitAdvisor.com/nh-tint-checklist.pdf]
- Visible Light Transmission (VLT) Calculator Tool: [CarKitAdvisor.com/vlt-calculator]