New Mexico 2025 Window Tint Law: Tint Darkness by Vehicle Type
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) measures how much light passes through your car windows. New Mexico’s window tint laws set clear limits on how dark your tint can be based on your vehicle type. These rules help keep you safe by ensuring good visibility on the road.
Darkest Legal Tint for Sedans in New Mexico (2025)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed only above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or on the top 5 inches.
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 20% of light to pass through.
- Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 20% of light to pass through.
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 20% of light to pass through.
Darkest Legal Tint for SUVs and Vans in New Mexico (2025)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed only above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or on the top 5 inches.
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 20% of light to pass through.
- Back Side Windows: Any darkness is allowed.
- Rear Window: Any darkness is allowed.
Understanding New Mexico Window Tint Law
The sun shines bright in New Mexico, making window tint a smart choice. But the New Mexico window tint law 2025 restricts how dark your tint can be. Tint darker than the legal window tint New Mexico allows can lead to fines and stops.
Insurance companies don’t ignore this either. Violating the New Mexico car tint legal limits may cause denied claims or higher premiums. Following the law protects your coverage and your wallet.Check the New Mexico window tint percentage 2025 before tinting. This way, you stay safe, legal, and comfortable on New Mexico roads.
Why Compliance with New Mexico Tint Laws Matters
Driving in New Mexico means dealing with bright sunlight and heat. Window tint helps reduce glare and keeps the car cooler. But if the tint is too dark, especially on the windshield or front windows, it can block your vision, making driving unsafe. Following New Mexico’s 2025 tint laws keeps your view clear and helps you drive safely.
Besides safety, tint laws affect you legally. Police in New Mexico regularly check cars for illegal tint. If your windows are too dark, you could get fined or be required to remove the tint. Keeping your tint legal avoids these problems and lets you drive stress-free.
Your insurance coverage may also depend on legal tinting. Illegal tint could lead to denied claims or higher premiums. Following New Mexico’s tint rules protects your insurance and saves you money.
What Changed in New Mexico Tinting Law 2025?
New Mexico kept its tint rules mostly the same but emphasized safety by allowing only non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line on the windshield.
The front side windows must let in at least 20% of light, while back and rear windows also must allow at least 20% of light for sedans.
SUVs and vans must follow the same windshield and front window rules but can have any darkness on back and rear windows.
Window Tinting Laws in New Mexico
Passenger Cars and Sedans
New Mexico law allows non-reflective tint only above the AS-1 line or top 5 inches of the windshield to keep your view clear. The rest of the windshield must stay clear.
Front side windows must allow more than 20% of light in for safe driving. Back side and rear windows must also let in at least 20% of light.
Multi-Purpose Vehicles (SUVs and Vans)
SUVs and vans follow the same windshield and front window rules. The windshield tint is allowed only above the AS-1 line or top 5 inches, and front side windows must let in over 20% of light.
Back side and rear windows can have any level of tint darkness, giving more flexibility for these vehicles.
Window Tint Reflection Laws in New Mexico
Window tint helps reduce glare and heat by reflecting sunlight. New Mexico allows some window reflection with tint, but you must follow the state’s strict rules to stay legal and safe.
Tint Reflection Rules for Sedans in New Mexico
- Front Side Windows: No reflective tint is allowed. The tint cannot reflect light like a mirror.
- Back Side Windows: Reflective tint is also not allowed here.
Tint Reflection Rules for SUVs and Vans in New Mexico
- Front Side Windows: Reflective tint is not allowed. Keep the surface non-reflective like regular glass.
- Back Side Windows: No reflective tint is allowed on these windows either.
Other Important New Mexico Window Tint Rules
- Side Mirrors: If you tint any side or rear window, your vehicle must have dual side mirrors to see behind you clearly.
- Restricted Colors: Red, amber, and yellow tints are illegal in New Mexico. These colors are banned to avoid confusion with emergency vehicles and to reduce glare.
- Certificates: Manufacturers who sell window tint in New Mexico must certify that their film meets state laws. Always ask your dealer if the tint film is certified.
- Stickers: Every tinted window must have a sticker placed between the glass and the tint. This sticker proves the tint is legal and shows the manufacturer’s information.
Legal Window Tint Certificates in New Mexico
In New Mexico, every window tint film sold must have a certificate proving it meets state law. The certificate shows that the tint is legal to use on vehicles. Dealers and installers must use only certified films. Always ask your tint shop if their tint is approved for New Mexico.
New Mexico law also requires a sticker on every tinted window. This sticker goes between the tint and the glass. It helps police and inspectors quickly see if the tint is legal during stops or inspections. If you don’t have this sticker or your tint is illegal, you may face fines or be asked to remove the tint.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in New Mexico
Some people have medical reasons to use darker window tint to protect their skin or eyes from sunlight. New Mexico allows people with certain health conditions to get a medical exemption for darker tint.
To qualify, a licensed doctor must give you a signed letter explaining why you need the darker tint. You must keep this letter in your vehicle and show it to law enforcement if they ask. The exemption only applies to you and the vehicle named in the letter.
Even with a medical exemption, you cannot use banned colors like red, amber, or yellow. Mirrored or shiny tints are also illegal. The tint must still allow you to see clearly and drive safely. Talk to your doctor and your tint installer before applying a medical exemption tint.
Window Tint Violation Penalties in New Mexico
If you break New Mexico’s window tint laws, you can get a ticket. The fine for illegal tint can be up to $75. This ticket is a petty misdemeanor, which means it is a minor offense without jail time but still costs you money.
If you get multiple tickets and don’t fix your illegal tint, the costs can add up. Police may also require you to remove the tint and show proof that you fixed it. Ignoring tickets or fix-it orders can cause more trouble later.
Risks of Illegal Window Tint
Using illegal window tint can cause many problems. Your first violation might just bring a warning or a small ticket. But if you don’t fix the tint and get caught again, you could face bigger fines.
Illegal tint can make it hard to see out of your windows, which is dangerous while driving. It can also cause glare that bothers other drivers. Your car might fail safety inspections because of illegal tint, and insurance companies may refuse to pay claims if tint caused an accident.
Fixing illegal tint early is easier, cheaper, and safer than dealing with tickets, court fees, or accidents. Always make sure your tint follows New Mexico’s rules to avoid these risks.
New Mexico Tint Law 2025: Sedans, SUVs, Trucks Compared:
| Vehicle Type | Front Windshield | Front Side Windows | Rear Side Windows | Rear Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans | Non-reflective above AS-1 line or top 5 inches | ≥ 20% VLT | ≥ 20% VLT | ≥ 20% VLT |
| SUVs/Vans | Non-reflective above AS-1 line or top 5 inches | ≥ 20% VLT | No limit | No limit |
| Trucks | Non-reflective above AS-1 line or top 5 inches | ≥ 20% VLT | No limit* | No limit* |
*Note: Trucks with tinted rear windows must have dual side mirrors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Dark Tint on Front Windows
Many drivers mistakenly apply tint darker than New Mexico allows on the front side windows. The law requires at least 35% visible light transmission (VLT). Darker tint can lead to fines and required removal. - Ignoring Rear Window and Back Side Window Rules
Some think rear windows have no limits. While New Mexico allows darker tint on rear windows, if your vehicle doesn’t have side mirrors on both sides, you must keep the rear window untinted. - Skipping Medical Exemption Paperwork
If you qualify for a medical exemption for darker tint, failing to carry the doctor’s written approval in the vehicle can still lead to fines. - Not Checking for Proper Stickers or Labels
Even though New Mexico doesn’t require compliance stickers, using certified tint and keeping proof of purchase helps avoid issues during inspections. - Overlooking Reflectivity Limits
Some tints reflect too much light, which is illegal in New Mexico. Make sure your tint isn’t overly reflective to avoid citations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the darkest legal tint for front side windows in New Mexico?
A: Front side windows must allow at least 35% of light in, meaning tint can block up to 65% of light.
Q: Are there restrictions on rear window tint?
A: You can use any darkness on rear windows if your vehicle has side mirrors on both sides. Without dual mirrors, the rear window must remain untinted.
Q: Can I get a medical exemption for darker tint?
A: Yes. If a licensed doctor certifies a medical condition requiring darker tint, you can legally use it but must carry the exemption letter in your vehicle.
Q: Are reflective or mirrored tints allowed in New Mexico?
A: No. Reflective or mirrored tint films are not legal on any windows in New Mexico.
Q: Do I need a compliance sticker on my tinted windows?
A: No, New Mexico does not require compliance stickers, but keeping proof of purchase and certification helps if questioned by authorities.
Q: What happens if I get a ticket for illegal tint?
A: You will likely receive a fix-it ticket requiring you to remove or correct the tint within a certain period. Failing to comply can lead to higher fines or other penalties.
Conclusion
Keeping your window tint legal in New Mexico is key to driving safely and avoiding unwanted fines. Using the right tint film that meets the state’s 35% light transmission rule for front side windows helps maintain clear visibility while protecting you from penalties.
Staying informed about New Mexico’s tint laws and following updates ensures your vehicle remains compliant. Always consult a trusted installer who uses certified tint films to avoid surprises during inspections or traffic stops.
Understanding the rules now can save you money, time, and hassle later. Drive smart, stay legal, and enjoy the benefits of proper window tinting.
Resources & Useful Links for New Mexico Drivers
- New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD): mvd.newmexico.gov
- New Mexico Vehicle Code – Window Tint Laws: nmlegis.gov
- Medical Exemption Information: Contact your local MVD office or licensed physician
- Tint Film Certification Guidelines: Ask your installer for certified products
- Tint Compliance Tips & Tools: [CarKitAdvisor.com/nm-tint-checklist.pdf]
- Visible Light Transmission Calculator: [CarKitAdvisor.com/vlt-calculator]