Louisiana Window Tint Laws
Louisiana allows 25% VLT on front side windows and car rear side windows and 12% on the car rear window; trucks, SUVs and vans have no darkness limit behind the driver.
Louisiana Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Louisiana Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Louisiana vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Top 5 in. | Top 5 in. |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 25% | 25% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 25% | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 12% | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Louisiana
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
Louisiana Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
R.S. 32:361.1 does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
The windshield strip may not be red or amber (R.S. 32:361.1(C)(2)). No other color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
The installer places a label (max. 1.5 square inches) between film and glass in the lower right corner of the driver's window, with the installer's name and city. The manufacturer must certify to the Office of Motor Vehicles, with independent lab data, that the film complies.
Medical Tint Exemptions
Sworn statement (on the State Police form) signed by a Louisiana-licensed physician or optometrist, with a condition recognized in ICD-9-CM; for photophobia, it must explain why sunglasses are not enough. The applicant signs a notarized release of medical records and provides fingerprints: people convicted of violent or drug crimes are not eligible. Reviewed every 3 years (photosensitive porphyria is valid for as long as the vehicle is owned). It does not cover the windshield below the top 6 inches, except for porphyria. DPS issues a sticker that must always be visible; when the vehicle is sold, the buyer must remove the tint unless they get their own exemption (R.S. 32:361.2).
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Louisiana? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Louisiana, front side windows must allow at least 25% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 25%, and the rear window requires 12%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in Louisiana? +
Under Louisiana law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Top 5 in. (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Louisiana? +
While law enforcement in Louisiana enforces the state vehicle code (La. R.S. 32:361.1 (medical exemption: R.S. 32:361.2)), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in Louisiana? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Louisiana because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 25% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in Louisiana, and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. Louisiana statutes recognize a Included in the percentages ("all tolerances included"). to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Louisiana allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Louisiana permits medical tint waivers for individuals with certified photosensitivity or UV-reactive conditions (such as lupus or porphyria). An official affidavit signed by a licensed physician must be approved and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Louisiana? +
Yes. Louisiana statutes mandate that an identifying certification sticker must be affixed between the tint film and glass (typically on the lower driver-side window) to certify compliance with state regulations.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Louisiana? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
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