// Louisiana · R.S. 32:361.1

Louisiana Window Tint Laws

Q: How dark can window tint be for sedans (cars)?

Windshield: a transparent strip (not red or amber) across the top 5 inches only. Front side windows: at least 25% of light must pass through (since August 1, 2025). Back side windows: at least 25%. Rear window: at least 12%. Reflectance: no more than 20% luminous reflectance. All limits include tolerances. Source: R.S. 32:361.1(C)(1)–(2).

Q: How dark can window tint be for SUVs, vans and trucks?

Windshield: a transparent strip (not red or amber) across the top 5 inches only. Front side windows: at least 25% (since August 1, 2025). Side windows behind the driver: any darkness. Rear window: any darkness. Reflectance: the 20% maximum still applies. This applies to trucks, buses, trailers, motor homes and multipurpose passenger vehicles such as SUVs and vans. Source: R.S. 32:361.1(C)(1)–(2) and (D)(4).

Q: Can I get a medical or security exemption?

Yes. Medical exemptions are covered by R.S. 32:361.2 and are approved by Louisiana State Police. Security exemptions are covered by R.S. 32:361.3 and require a notarized Department of Public Safety form and a background-check consent. With either exemption, windshield tint is still limited to the top 6 inches (light-sensitive porphyria is the only exception, and only with specific physician authorization). See our Medical Exemption page below for how to apply.

Updated for Act 143 of 2025

How dark can your tint be in Louisiana? Here are the current limits for cars, SUVs, vans and trucks under La. R.S. 32:361.1. General information only, not legal advice.

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// 2025 update

Front side windows: 40% → 25% VLT

Louisiana Act 143 of 2025 (HB 119) lowered the minimum light transmission on the driver and front-passenger windows from 40% to 25% VLT. The change took effect August 1, 2025. All other limits stayed the same, and no 2026 legislation has changed the tint rules (last checked September 2026).

// The limits

How dark can tint be?

Louisiana tint limits by window · La. R.S. 32:361.1
Window	Sedans & coupes	SUVs, vans & trucks
Windshield	Top 5 inches only · transparent, not red or amber	Top 5 inches only · transparent, not red or amber
Front side windows	25% VLT minimum	25% VLT minimum
Back side windows (behind the driver)	25% VLT minimum	Any darkness
Rear window	12% VLT minimum	Any darkness
Reflectance	20% maximum	20% maximum

VLT = visible light transmission. Limits include all tolerances (film and glass together). The “any darkness” rule covers windows behind the driver on trucks, buses, trailers, motor homes and multipurpose passenger vehicles. Source: La. R.S. 32:361.1(C)(1)–(2) and (D)(4).

// FAQ

Tint law
questions

How dark can window tint be for sedans (cars)?

Windshield: a transparent strip (not red or amber) across the top 5 inches only.
Front side windows: at least 25% of light must pass through (since August 1, 2025).
Back side windows: at least 25%.
Rear window: at least 12%.
Reflectance: no more than 20% luminous reflectance.
All limits include tolerances. Source: R.S. 32:361.1(C)(1)–(2).

How dark can window tint be for SUVs, vans and trucks?

Windshield: a transparent strip (not red or amber) across the top 5 inches only.
Front side windows: at least 25% (since August 1, 2025).
Side windows behind the driver: any darkness.
Rear window: any darkness.
Reflectance: the 20% maximum still applies.
This applies to trucks, buses, trailers, motor homes and multipurpose passenger vehicles such as SUVs and vans. Source: R.S. 32:361.1(C)(1)–(2) and (D)(4).

What are the penalties for illegal tint?

Anyone who drives a Louisiana-registered vehicle with illegal tint can be fined up to $150 for a first offense, up to $250 for a second, and up to $350 for a third or later offense (R.S. 32:361.1(E)).

Which vehicles and windows are exempt?

The light-transmission limit does not apply to windows behind the driver on trucks, buses, trailers, motor homes and multipurpose passenger vehicles (R.S. 32:361.1(D)(4)). The 20% reflectance limit still applies to them.

Publicly owned law-enforcement vehicles, including Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement vehicles, are exempt (R.S. 32:361.1(C)(4)).

Can I get a medical or security exemption?

Yes. Medical exemptions are covered by R.S. 32:361.2 and are approved by Louisiana State Police. Security exemptions are covered by R.S. 32:361.3 and require a notarized Department of Public Safety form and a background-check consent. With either exemption, windshield tint is still limited to the top 6 inches (light-sensitive porphyria is the only exception, and only with specific physician authorization). See our Medical Exemption page below for how to apply.

Can I tint my windshield?

Only a transparent strip, not red or amber in color, across the topmost portion of the windshield, extending no more than five inches down from the top (R.S. 32:361.1(C)(2)). Beyond what the law allows, no material may be placed on the windshield or front side windows that obstructs or reduces the driver's clear view, alters the color, or reduces light transmission (R.S. 32:361.1(B)).

Which vehicles does the law cover, and where are the definitions?

The law applies to vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 1994 (R.S. 32:361.1(H)). Tint applied on or before December 31, 1993 that met the law at the time is exempt if the owner keeps a certificate in the vehicle and shows it to police on request (R.S. 32:361.1(I)).

Definitions of distributor, installer, light transmission, luminous reflectance, manufacturer, seller and sun screening device are in R.S. 32:361.1(A)(1)–(7).

// Medical exemption

Louisiana Window Tint Medical Exemption

Have a medical condition involving the effects of the sun? Learn how the R.S. 32:361.2 exemption works and how to apply through Louisiana State Police.

Learn More

// Sources

Read the law

R.S. 32:361.1 · Tint limits R.S. 32:361.2 · Medical exemption R.S. 32:361.3 · Security exemption Act 143 of 2025 (HB 119)

This page is a plain-language summary for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and enforcement practices can change; check the current statute or ask law enforcement if you're unsure. Last reviewed September 2026.

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// Contact

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// Contact Info

Address

Prestige Films
300 Cardinal Drive
Lafayette, Louisiana 70508

Phone

+1 (337) 345-5860

Opening Hours

Monday

07:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Louisiana Window Tint Laws

Updated for Act 143 of 2025

Front side windows: 40% → 25% VLT

How dark can tint be?

Tint lawquestions

Louisiana Window Tint Medical Exemption

Read the law

Legal tint,done right.

Get a Quote.

+1 (337) 345-5860

Tint law
questions

Legal tint,
done right.