NORTH CAROLINA WINDOW TINT LAWS

Tint darkness for sedans:

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches.

  • Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

  • Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

  • Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

Tint darkness for SUV and vans:

  • Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches.

  • Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

  • Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.

  • Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Window Tint Reflection

North Carolina window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint so make sure you pay attention to this as well.

Tint reflection for sedans:

  • Front Side windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective.

  • Back Side windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective.

Tint reflection for SUV and vans:

  • Front Side windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective.

  • Back Side windows: Must not be more than 20% reflective.

Other NC Laws and Regulations

  • Side Mirrors: If the back window is tinted dual side mirrors are required.

  • Restricted Colors: RED, AMBER and YELLOW colors are not permitted.

  • Tint Variance: 3% variance allowed (up to 32% VLT).

  • Certificates: Film manufacturers are not required to certify the film they sell in this state.

  • Stickers: No sticker to identify legal tinting is required. Medical exemption sticker is required if applicable.

  • Medical Exceptions: North Carolina allows medical exemptions for special tint. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult your state law.

Restrictions and Exceptions

  • Excursion passenger vehicles defined in G.S. 20‐4.01 (27)a as vehicles transporting persons on sight-seeing or travel tours.

  • Motor homes defined in G.S. 20‐4.01 (27)d2 as a vehicular unit, designed to provide temporary living quarters, built into as an integral part, or permanently attached to, a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or van.
    The vehicle must provide at least four of the following facilities: cooking, refrigeration or icebox, self-contained toilet, heating or air conditioning, a portable water supply system including a faucet and sink, separate 110-125 volt electrical power supply, or an LP gas supply.

  • Ambulances defined in G.S. 20‐4.01 (27)f as vehicles equipped for transporting wounded, injured, or sick persons.

  • Property‐hauling vehicles (rear window only), as defined in G.S. 20‐4.01 (31) as Vehicles used for the transportation of property.

  • Limousines

  • Multipurpose vehicles (e.g., mini-van, pickup truck, SUV) designed to carry 10 or less passengers – where the window is behind the driver and is built on a truck chassis or has special features designed for occasional off‐road operation.

  • Law enforcement vehicles.

  • Vehicles with a medical exception issued by NCDMV.

    Medical Exceptions

    Individuals with a photosensitivity to light who need darker window tints can apply for a medical exception permit with the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles' Medical Review Program.

    • Permits are valid for up to five years.

    • An individual may have no more than two medical permits at the same time.

    • Permits are not interchangeable and must be carried in the vehicle to which it applies.

    • A medical exception sticker must be displayed in the lower left‐hand corner of the rear window. Failure to properly display the sticker is punishable by a $200 fine.


    Tint law references:

    Window Tinting – North Carolina DMV

    North Carolina Statutes § 20-127. Windows and windshield wipers. (.PDF file)