How dark can I tint my windows in California?

Front side film must stay nearly clear: at least 88% light through the film itself, and at least 70% through the finished window. Limits differ by window, vehicle type, and exceptions such as mirrors or a medical letter. Combined glass-plus-film is what officers typically measure.

Are tint laws different in Anaheim than in the rest of California?

Automotive aftermarket tint is California state law (California Vehicle Code § 26708). We publish city pages so you can read the same limits next to local shops. Confirm the current statute before anyone cuts film.

Where can I find window tint shops in California?

Browse shops we have checked in Anaheim, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, and Costa Mesa, and other cities. Listings are not a legal sign-off.

Not legal advice · Last reviewed 2026-09-07

California window tint laws

If you are tinting a car in Anaheim, Beverly Hills, and Burbank, or anywhere else in California, the legal shade is state law—not a shop poster. Front side film must stay nearly clear: at least 88% light through the film itself, and at least 70% through the finished window. The notes below come from California Vehicle Code § 26708 as we read it on 2026-09-07. They are not a permit. Ask the shop to measure your glass and film together.

Official source: California Legislative Information, Vehicle Code § 26708

What California law says

Front side film must stay nearly clear: at least 88% light through the film itself, and at least 70% through the finished window. Details below are from the cited statute, not a shop chart.

Front side windows: Clear, colorless, transparent material is allowed on the front side windows if the film itself has at least 88% visible light transmittance and the glazed window with film still meets FMVSS 205, including 70% minimum light transmittance.
Rear side windows: Side windows to the rear of the driver are excepted from the general prohibition in § 26708(a).
Rear window: Excepted if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides that show the highway for at least 200 feet to the rear.
Windshield: Transparent material may be applied to the topmost portion if the bottom edge is at least 29 inches above the undepressed driver’s seat, the material is not red or amber, and it does not increase glare versus the untinted windshield.

Other details in the source

A signed installer certificate must identify the installing company and the film manufacturer.
Medical sun-screening devices under § 26708(b)(10) require a physician or optometrist letter and must not be used during darkness.
Clear UV film that fails the 88%/70% tests is not a legal front-side option under subdivision (d).

Window tint laws in California cities

Same state statute, written for drivers searching by city. Confirm legal shade with the shop; we do not certify installs.

Find tint shops in California

Questions about California tint laws

How dark can I tint my windows in California?: Front side film must stay nearly clear: at least 88% light through the film itself, and at least 70% through the finished window. Limits differ by window, vehicle type, and exceptions such as mirrors or a medical letter. Combined glass-plus-film is what officers typically measure.
Are tint laws different in Anaheim than in the rest of California?: Automotive aftermarket tint is California state law (California Vehicle Code § 26708). We publish city pages so you can read the same limits next to local shops. Confirm the current statute before anyone cuts film.
Where can I find window tint shops in California?: Browse shops we have checked in Anaheim, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, and Costa Mesa, and other cities. Listings are not a legal sign-off.

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