New Mexico tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 20% (mirrors on both sides) |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | 20% |
| Rear window | 20% |
| Windshield | 70% minimum, non-reflective |
| Reflectivity | Non-reflective film only |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | Multipurpose vehicles, RVs and buses: exempt behind the driver |
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 New Mexico?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in New Mexico. 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% | Likely too dark once installed | Likely too dark once installed | Likely too dark once installed |
| 35% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| 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: 25% film or lighter
- Back side windows: 25% film or lighter
- Rear window: 25% 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
Penalty assessment misdemeanor.
Medical exemptions
Keep an affidavit from a New Mexico-licensed physician or optometrist in the vehicle.
Law history
- : Tint statute updated to align with federal standards (HB 286).
The law
New Mexico's tint rules are set by NMSA § 66-3-846.1. 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 New Mexico?
On a sedan, front side windows: 20% (mirrors on both sides). Back side windows: 20%. Rear window: 20%.
Is 20% tint legal in New Mexico?
Front: Likely too dark once installed. Back: Likely too dark once installed. Rear: Likely too dark once installed. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in New Mexico?
Front: Legal. Back: Legal. Rear: Legal. See the 35% film row.
Is tint allowed on the windshield in New Mexico?
70% minimum, non-reflective
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in New Mexico?
Multipurpose vehicles, RVs and buses: exempt behind the driver
What is the fine for illegal tint in New Mexico?
Penalty assessment misdemeanor.
Can I get a medical exemption for window tint in New Mexico?
Keep an affidavit from a New Mexico-licensed physician or optometrist in the vehicle.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: