Illinois tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 35% (50% if rear windows are darker than 35%) |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | 35% (30% if front is 50%) |
| Rear window | 35% (30% if front is 50%) |
| Windshield | Non-reflective strip on top 6 inches |
| Reflectivity | Non-reflective film only |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | Factory privacy glass in back: 50% front |
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 Illinois?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in Illinois. 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
First offense: petty offense, $50 to $500. Second offense: Class C misdemeanor, $100 to $500.
Medical exemptions
An Illinois physician's statement, renewed every 4 years, with a copy filed with the Secretary of State. The vehicle gets distinctive plates or a plate sticker.
Meter tolerance
Illinois allows a tolerance of 5% when officers meter a window. A tolerance covers meter error. It isn't extra room to go darker.
For Illinois tint shops
Installers can only apply exempt tint to vehicles with the medical plates or sticker, and must keep the physician's statement on file.
The law
Illinois's tint rules are set by 625 ILCS 5/12-503. 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 Illinois?
On a sedan, front side windows: 35% (50% if rear windows are darker than 35%). Back side windows: 35% (30% if front is 50%). Rear window: 35% (30% if front is 50%).
Is 20% tint legal in Illinois?
Front: Not legal. Back: Not legal. Rear: Not legal. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in Illinois?
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 Illinois?
Non-reflective strip on top 6 inches
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in Illinois?
Factory privacy glass in back: 50% front
What is the fine for illegal tint in Illinois?
First offense: petty offense, $50 to $500. Second offense: Class C misdemeanor, $100 to $500.
Can I get a medical exemption for window tint in Illinois?
An Illinois physician's statement, renewed every 4 years, with a copy filed with the Secretary of State. The vehicle gets distinctive plates or a plate sticker.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: