Alaska 2025 Window Tint Law: Tint Darkness by Vehicle Type
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) indicates the percentage of light passing through your car’s windows. Alaska regulates tint darkness for different vehicles to ensure drivers can see clearly while on the road.
Darkest Legal Tint for Sedans in Alaska (2025)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint allowed only on the top 5 inches.
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 40% of light in.
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 40% of light in.
Darkest Legal Tint for SUVs and Vans in Alaska (2025)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint allowed only on the top 5 inches.
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
- Back Side Windows: No specific limit, but visibility should not be significantly reduced.
- Rear Window: No specific limit, but visibility should not be significantly reduced.
Understanding California Window Tint Law
You want a window tint that looks good but still follows Alaska’s 2025 window tint law. Many drivers don’t know how strict the legal window tint Alaska limits are. Alaska’s long nights and bright summers make proper tinting important for safety and visibility.
Breaking Alaska tinting regulations can lead to fines and problems with your insurance. Using tint beyond Alaska car tint legal limits can cause claim denials or raise your premiums. Following the rules keeps you protected and saves you money.
This guide breaks down the Alaska window tint percentage 2025 rules for sedans, SUVs, and vans. You’ll get clear info on what tint is legal and why it matters. Let’s look at how to keep your vehicle within Alaska’s vehicle tint rules.
Why Compliance with Alaska Tint Laws Matters
Driving in Alaska means facing both bright summer sun and long, dark winters. Window tint helps reduce glare and protect my eyes, making driving safer and more comfortable. However, too much tint can limit my vision, especially in low-light conditions. Following Alaska’s 2025 tint laws helps me drive safely throughout the year.
Beyond safety, tint laws affect me legally. Alaska police often check vehicles for illegal tint. If my windows are too dark, I could face fines and be required to remove the tint. Keeping my tint legal helps me avoid these troubles and drive stress-free.
My insurance also depends on legal tinting. Illegal tint could lead to denied claims or higher premiums. Staying within Alaska’s tint limits protects my coverage, saves me money, and keeps me confidently on the road.
What Changed in Alaska Tinting Law 2025?
Alaska maintained its core tint laws but clarified two key points in 2025.
Reflective tint enforcement is now stricter. Officers follow updated guidelines to better detect and cite mirrored or metallic films, which remain banned under state law.
Medical exemptions must now be renewed yearly by an Alaska-licensed physician. Drivers are required to carry proof in their vehicle at all times to stay compliant.
Window Tinting Laws in Alaska
Alaska enforces window tinting rules under state law. These regulations apply to all vehicle types, including sedans, SUVs, vans, and RVs, ensuring safe driving and clear visibility.
Passenger Cars and Station Wagons
For passenger cars, non-reflective tint is allowed only on the top 5 inches of the front windshield. The rest of the windshield must remain clear. Front side windows must allow more than 70% of visible light to pass through, ensuring proper visibility inside the vehicle.
Rear side windows and the rear windshield must allow more than 40% of visible light, balancing privacy with safety.
Multi-Purpose Passenger and Recreational Vehicles
SUVs, vans, and RVs follow the same rules for the windshield and front side windows. Only the top 5 inches of the windshield may be tinted, and front side windows must allow over 70% of light.
Rear windows on these vehicles can have any level of tint darkness, provided visibility is not significantly reduced.
To know which rules apply, check the label inside the driver’s side door. It indicates whether your vehicle is a passenger car or a multi-purpose vehicle, which determines the tint limits.
Alaska Tint Law 2025: Sedans, SUVs, Trucks Compared
| Vehicle Type | Front Windshield | Front Side Windows | Rear Side Windows | Rear Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans | Top 5 inches only (non-reflective) | ≥ 70% VLT | ≥ 40% VLT | ≥ 40% VLT |
| SUVs/Vans | Top 5 inches only (non-reflective) | ≥ 70% VLT | No specific limit* | No specific limit* |
| Trucks | Top 5 inches only (non-reflective) | ≥ 70% VLT | No specific limit* | No specific limit* |
Note:
Rear windows on SUVs, vans, and trucks have no specific VLT limit, but tinting must not significantly reduce visibility. If the rear window is tinted, having dual side mirrors is strongly recommended for safety.
Window Tint Reflection in Alaska
Alaska has strict rules about how reflective your window tint can be. The goal is to stop glare that can distract drivers and others on the road. Reflective or mirrored tint is not allowed on any vehicle windows.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front Side Windows: Reflective tint is banned. The tint cannot reflect more light than normal glass.
- Rear Side Windows: Same rule — no shiny or mirror-like tint allowed.
Tint Reflection for SUVs and Vans
- Front Side Windows: Reflective or metallic tint films are not allowed.
- Rear Side Windows: You can have darker tint, but reflective or mirrored tint is still banned.
Other Alaska Window Tint Rules
Side Mirrors
If your rear window is tinted, your vehicle must have side mirrors on both sides. This helps you see behind your car safely.
Tint Colors
Alaska does not ban any tint colors. You can use red, amber, blue, or other colors, as long as the tint follows the light and reflection rules.
Certificates
Drivers do not need to carry a tint certificate in Alaska. But manufacturers must make sure their tint films follow state rules. Installers should use legal, approved tint.
Stickers
Alaska does not require stickers on tinted windows like California does. Still, having proof that your tint is legal can help during inspections.
Legal Window Tint Certificates in Alaska
In Alaska, aftermarket window tint films must comply with state safety and visibility standards. However, there is no requirement for a compliance sticker on each tinted window.
Before applying tint, always ask your installer to verify that the film is approved for use in Alaska. Using certified films ensures you stay within the law and helps prevent fines or legal complications.
Medical Exemptions for Window Tint in Alaska
Some people have medical conditions that make sunlight harmful or painful to their skin or eyes. Alaska allows these individuals to use darker window tint to protect themselves while driving.
To qualify, a person must have a signed letter from a licensed Alaska physician. This letter must explain the medical condition and why darker tint is necessary. The exemption applies only to the person and the specific vehicle listed in the letter. Drivers must keep the letter in their vehicle and show it to law enforcement if asked. Even with the exemption, windows must allow enough visibility for safe driving.
Medical conditions such as lupus, albinism, and photosensitivity may qualify for this exemption. The medical exemption must be renewed annually to stay valid. Reflective, mirrored, and metallic tints remain prohibited even under this exemption. Drivers must maintain clear visibility at all times.
Medical Exemption Application Flowchart:
Start ➡️ Doctor’s Letter ➡️ Complete Alaska DMV Form ➡️ Submit to DMV ➡️ Receive Approval ➡️ Carry Exemption Proof in Vehicle
Window Tint Violation Penalties in Alaska
Alaska enforces strict tint laws with clear penalties for violations. If your tint is too dark or illegal, you may receive a fix-it ticket with a fine up to $300 plus a $10 surcharge if the violation is not corrected within the deadline.
The police use a tint meter to measure the amount of light passing through your windows. If your tint blocks too much light, you will be cited and required to remove or correct the tint, then show proof of correction. Ignoring this can lead to vehicle inspection failures or license penalties.
Repeat offenses carry heavier consequences. A second offense within one year can result in fines up to $200 and/or 30 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense may lead to fines up to $500 and/or up to 3 months in jail.
Risks of Illegal Window Tint
Your first illegal tint violation generally results in a fix-it ticket, allowing you time to correct the issue without severe penalties. However, failure to comply or repeat violations can lead to larger fines and possible jail time.
Illegal tint may cause your vehicle to fail state inspections and can affect insurance claims if you are in an accident. Correcting illegal tint early is easier and less expensive than facing legal issues or insurance disputes later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying Too Dark Tint on Front Windows
Many people don’t realize that Alaska requires front side windows to have at least 70% Visible Light Transmission (VLT). Applying darker tint here leads to common fines.
Using Illegal Tint Colors
Drivers often choose tint colors like red, blue, or amber, unaware that Alaska only allows green, gray, bronze, or neutral smoke tints.
Assuming All Aftermarket Tints Are Legal
Not all films sold or installed meet Alaska’s strict standards. Using uncertified or non-compliant tint can result in citations.
Forgetting to Carry Medical Exemption Proof
Those with approved medical exemptions sometimes forget to carry the physician’s letter in the car. Law enforcement may issue fines if you can’t show it.
Tinting More Than Allowed on Windshield
Alaska allows tint only on the top 5 inches of the front windshield, and it must be non-reflective. Tinting more than this is illegal and easily caught.
Ignoring Side Mirror Requirements
If you tint the rear window, you must have side mirrors on both sides of your vehicle. Missing this leads to penalties.
DIY Tint Installation
Self-installation often results in bubbles, peeling, or uneven application, which can make your tint fail inspection or attract fines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I tint my rear windows darker than my front windows?
Yes, rear side and rear windows can have darker tint but must allow at least 40% of visible light.
Are reflective or mirrored tints allowed?
No. Alaska bans all reflective, mirrored, and metallic tints on any vehicle window.
What tint colors are legal in Alaska?
Only green, gray, bronze, and neutral smoke colors are allowed. Colors like red, blue, and amber are illegal.
Do I need a special license or permit to tint my windows?
No special license is needed, but medical exemptions require documentation from a licensed Alaska physician.
How strict is enforcement in Alaska?
Enforcement is consistent year-round, with more checks during low visibility seasons like winter.
Can I transfer my medical exemption if I sell my car?
No. Medical exemptions are vehicle and person-specific and cannot be transferred.
Will illegal tint affect my insurance?
Yes. Insurance companies may deny claims or increase premiums if illegal tint contributed to an accident.
What happens if I don’t fix illegal tint after a ticket?
Failing to correct illegal tint can result in increased fines, vehicle registration holds, or license suspension.
Conclusion
Complying with Alaska window tint laws is crucial to avoid fines, maintain safety, and ensure your vehicle stays street-legal. Using certified tint films that meet Alaska’s strict Visible Light Transmission (VLT) requirements—70% for front side windows and 40% for rear windows—helps prevent costly penalties and inspection failures.
Understanding Alaska’s unique rules on tint colors, reflectivity bans, and medical exemptions will keep you compliant year-round. Always verify your tint with a trusted installer familiar with Alaska’s regulations, and keep any required medical exemption documents handy if applicable.
Stay informed by consulting the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for updates and detailed guidelines. Early knowledge and proper installation save you money and ensure your window tinting enhances comfort without compromising legality or safety.
Resources & Useful Links for Alaska Drivers
- Alaska DMV Window Tint Regulations: dmv.alaska.gov
- Alaska Statutes Title 28: akleg.gov
- Medical Exemption Information: dmv.alaska.gov/forms
- Alaska State Troopers: dps.alaska.gov/state-troopers
- Downloadable Tint Compliance Checklist (PDF): [YourSite.com/checklist.pdf]
- VLT Calculator Tool: [YourSite.com/vlt-calculator]