Hawaii tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 35% |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | Any darkness (mirrors on both sides) |
| Rear window | Any darkness |
| Windshield | Above the AS-1 line or top 4 inches |
| Reflectivity | No mirrored or colored finishes |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | Vans, minivans and trucks: same exemption behind the driver with mirrors on both sides |
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 Hawaii?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in Hawaii. 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 | Legal with mirrors on both sides | Legal |
| 15% | Not legal | Legal with mirrors on both sides | Legal |
| 20% | Not legal | Legal with mirrors on both sides | Legal |
| 35% | Likely too dark once installed | Legal with mirrors on both sides | Legal |
| 50% | Legal | Legal with mirrors on both sides | Legal |
| 70% | Legal | Legal with mirrors on both sides | 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: Any film
- Rear window: Any film
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
Hawaii's tint law doesn't set a specific fine. Amounts are set by the court where the ticket is issued.
Medical exemptions
Contact the Hawaii DMV or state police for current medical exemption rules before installing darker tint.
Meter tolerance
Hawaii allows a tolerance of 6% when officers meter a window. A tolerance covers meter error. It isn't extra room to go darker.
Inspection
Hawaii's safety inspection stations were notified of the 2025 changes.
Law history
- : Windows behind the driver exempt on most vehicles with mirrors on both sides; mirrored and colored finishes banned (Act 129).
The law
Hawaii's tint rules are set by HRS § 291-21.5 (as amended by Act 129, 2025). 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 Hawaii?
On a sedan, front side windows: 35%. Back side windows: Any darkness (mirrors on both sides). Rear window: Any darkness.
Is 20% tint legal in Hawaii?
Front: Not legal. Back: Legal with mirrors on both sides. Rear: Legal. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in Hawaii?
Front: Likely too dark once installed. Back: Legal with mirrors on both sides. Rear: Legal. See the 35% film row.
Is tint allowed on the windshield in Hawaii?
Above the AS-1 line or top 4 inches
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in Hawaii?
Vans, minivans and trucks: same exemption behind the driver with mirrors on both sides
Did Hawaii change its tint law recently?
Act 129 (May 29, 2025) removed limits behind the driver for most vehicles with mirrors on both sides.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Other state references:
Data set last updated: