How long have people been tinting their car windows? Quite a while!
The first professional car window tint was invented in 1966, and car window tinting is more popular than ever.
The car window tinting industry is part of a non-commercial group called the International Window Film Association (IWFA), and many states, including Louisiana, have passed statewide tint laws.
So, what are the Louisiana tint laws?
How strictly are they enforced by either the state police or the DMV?
Specifically, can you get pulled over for tint in Louisiana?
If you’re looking to tint your car windows in Louisiana, you’re not alone.
Car window tinting is necessary for much of the South due to high temperatures that can overwork an automobile’s AC, fade a car’s upholstery, and subject passengers to harmful UV rays.
In 1993, Louisiana became the 20th state to pass laws on vehicle window tinting.
Louisiana tint laws include how dark, or reflective, the tint can be.
But the state has more specific rules and regulations on car tinting. Let’s take a look at some of those below.
Louisiana Tint Laws on VLT
VLT means Visible Light Transmission, or the percentage of light that must pass through a vehicle’s tinted windows according to state law.
You can refer to the tint laws listed for Louisiana on this updated IWFA chart.
The state’s VLT rules are different for passenger vehicles versus multi-purpose vehicles—it’s best to know what the VLT rules in Louisiana are for your vehicle type.
Passenger Vehicles and VLT
On passenger vehicles (compact cars, hatchbacks, coupes, and sedans), non-reflective tint is allowed on the front windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line (the top 5 inches).
Front seat window tints (on driver’s and passenger’s side) must allow 40% of light to pass through.
Backseat window tint must allow 25% of light to pass through. Rear windshield tinting must allow 12% of light to pass through.
Multi-Purpose Vehicles and VLT
Louisiana’s laws for tinting the front windshield and front windows on multi-purpose vehicles (trucks and SUVs) are the same as passenger vehicles:
- front windshields with non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line (the top 5 inches)
For front seat tinted windows, 40% of light must pass through.
But the tint laws are different on back seat windows and rear windshields on multi-purpose vehicles in Louisiana—there isn’t a limit to how dark the rear windshield or back window tint must be.
Medical Exemptions for Louisiana Tint Laws
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections issues a special permit decal for darker tinted car windows to registered vehicle owners, spouses, or family members with medical conditions including lupus, porphyria, albinism, melanoma, or an allergy to sunlight.
These medical conditions generally require the vehicle owner to have a darker tint on their car windows, as indicated on the special permit decal.
This permit must be kept visible on the front windshield, and a medical affidavit must also be kept in the vehicle.
Any medical exemption granted for Louisiana’s tint laws is subject to review every few years.
Anyone convicted of a violent crime or drug offense is ineligible for a medical exemption.
If you have a permit for medical exemption of Louisiana tint laws and decide to sell the vehicle or transfer ownership, you will be required to remove the darker tint on your car windows.
Can You Get Pulled Over for Tint in Louisiana?
If you follow the specific VLT rules for your vehicle type or have obtained a permit for a valid medical exemption of the state’s tint laws, you’re doing the right thing and shouldn’t have a problem with the authorities.
But the state does have other rules and regulations that you should consider before tinting your vehicle’s windows.
Be sure to check into any additional laws to ensure that you are correctly following all rules and regulations for the state of Louisiana.
FAQs About Car Window Tinting in Louisiana
Here we aimed to answer some of the most common questions about window tinting in Louisiana.
Are Colored Car Window Tints Illegal in the State?
Louisiana tint laws prohibit specific colors such as red and amber colored car tints.
All other tint colors are acceptable.
What Is Window Tint Certification?
The tint laws in Louisiana specify that car window tint manufacturers must sell and install window tinting or film certified by the state.
It’s a good idea to ask your car window tint dealer to make sure they use certified film.
How Can I Ensure the Car Window Tint Is Certified?
Car window tint dealers in Louisiana can guarantee that they use certified film by providing a sticker for your car window that identifies legal tinting.
They should be placing this sticker on the driver’s side window, between the film and the glass.
How Much Is Car Window Tinting in Louisiana?
It’s best to shop around for quotes on car window tinting because the costs can vary, from under $200 to almost $250 for a four-door passenger vehicle.
Remember to look for a dealer that sells certified film and check local reviews for dealers with affordable rates and excellent customer service.
What Are the Penalties for Breaking Louisiana’s Tint Laws?
For the first offense of the state’s tint laws, you will face a $150 penalty.
Second offenses go up in price significantly—it’s a $250 penalty if you’re charged again.
Subsequent offenses face a $350 penalty for each additional charge.