Connecticut tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 35% |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | 35% |
| Rear window | 35% |
| Windshield | Top strip, bottom edge at least 29 inches above the driver's seat |
| Reflectivity | 27% max front, 21% max rear |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | Check statute |
Percentages are the minimum visible light transmission with the film installed, including the factory glass. A lower number means darker tint.
Is 5%, 20%, 35% or 50% tint legal in Connecticut?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in Connecticut. Factory glass blocks some light, so a film reads darker once it's installed.
| Film rating | Front side windows | Back side windows | Rear window |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 15% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 20% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 35% | Likely too dark once installed | Likely too dark once installed | Likely too dark once installed |
| 50% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| 70% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
'Likely too dark once installed' means the film rating meets the limit, but on typical factory glass the combined reading usually falls under it. Meter the window to be sure.
Choosing a film that stays legal
Assume factory side glass passes about 80% of light.
- Front side windows: 45% film or lighter
- Back side windows: 45% film or lighter
- Rear window: 45% film or lighter
Factory privacy glass on many SUVs already reads well under 30%, so any film added over it will read darker still. Always meter after the install.
Fines and penalties
Infraction. A driver cited must remove the tint and report to police within 60 days, and repeat offenses can lead to impoundment.
Medical exemptions
Apply in writing to the DMV commissioner with documentation from a Connecticut-licensed physician or optometrist.
Meter tolerance
Connecticut allows a tolerance of 3% when officers meter a window. A tolerance covers meter error. It isn't extra room to go darker.
For Connecticut tint shops
Each tinted window needs a compliance sticker (1 square inch max) in the lower left corner. Shops must post the legal standards, penalties and film samples at the service counter.
The law
Connecticut's tint rules are set by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-99g. Read the source
This page is a reference for drivers and installers, not legal advice. Enforcement can vary by city and county.
Frequently asked questions
How dark can you legally tint your windows in Connecticut?
On a sedan, front side windows: 35%. Back side windows: 35%. Rear window: 35%.
Is 20% tint legal in Connecticut?
Front: Not legal. Back: Not legal. Rear: Not legal. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in Connecticut?
Front: Likely too dark once installed. Back: Likely too dark once installed. Rear: Likely too dark once installed. See the 35% film row.
Is tint allowed on the windshield in Connecticut?
Top strip, bottom edge at least 29 inches above the driver's seat
What is the fine for illegal tint in Connecticut?
Infraction. A driver cited must remove the tint and report to police within 60 days, and repeat offenses can lead to impoundment.
Can I get a medical exemption for window tint in Connecticut?
Apply in writing to the DMV commissioner with documentation from a Connecticut-licensed physician or optometrist.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: