Iowa tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 50% |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | Any darkness |
| Rear window | Any darkness |
| Windshield | 70% minimum |
| Reflectivity | Check statute |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | Same as cars |
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 Iowa?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in Iowa. 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 | Legal |
| 15% | Not legal | Legal | Legal |
| 20% | Not legal | Legal | Legal |
| 35% | Not legal | Legal | Legal |
| 50% | Likely too dark once installed | 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: 65% 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
Iowa's tint law doesn't set a specific fine. Amounts are set by the court where the ticket is issued.
Medical exemptions
Contact the Iowa DMV or state police for current medical exemption rules before installing darker tint.
Law history
- : Front side limit lowered from 70% to 50% and written into statute (HF 766).
The law
Iowa's tint rules are set by Iowa Code § 321.438 (as amended by HF 766). 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 Iowa?
On a sedan, front side windows: 50%. Back side windows: Any darkness. Rear window: Any darkness.
Is 20% tint legal in Iowa?
Front: Not legal. Back: Legal. Rear: Legal. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in Iowa?
Front: Not legal. Back: Legal. Rear: Legal. See the 35% film row.
Is tint allowed on the windshield in Iowa?
70% minimum
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in Iowa?
Same as cars
Did Iowa change its tint law recently?
Front side limit changed from 70% to 50% on July 1, 2026.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: