North Carolina tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 35% |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | 35% |
| Rear window | 35% |
| Windshield | Top 5 inches or above the AS-1 line; clear UV film allowed |
| Reflectivity | 20% max; no red, yellow or amber |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | Multipurpose vehicles, including minivans and pickups: 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 North Carolina?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in North Carolina. 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
Class 3 misdemeanor. The charge can be dismissed if the tint is removed within 15 days and you show a DMV or Highway Patrol certificate.
Medical exemptions
Apply to the DMV's Drivers Medical Evaluation Program. Permits last 5 years, up to 4 per person, and include a sticker placed under the film on the rear window.
Meter tolerance
North Carolina allows a tolerance of Meter readings above 32% are presumed compliant when officers meter a window. A tolerance covers meter error. It isn't extra room to go darker.
Inspection
Since December 1, 2025, tint is no longer checked at the annual inspection.
For North Carolina tint shops
Installers can't apply tint that fails the limits to a vehicle subject to NC inspection. Doing so is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
Driving in from another state
Vehicles registered in another state that meet that state's rules are exempt.
Law history
- : Tint removed from annual inspection, and drivers must lower tinted windows when an officer approaches (SB 43).
The law
North Carolina's tint rules are set by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-127. 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 North Carolina?
On a sedan, front side windows: 35%. Back side windows: 35%. Rear window: 35%.
Is 20% tint legal in North Carolina?
Front: Not legal. Back: Not legal. Rear: Not legal. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
Top 5 inches or above the AS-1 line; clear UV film allowed
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in North Carolina?
Multipurpose vehicles, including minivans and pickups: exempt behind the driver
What is the fine for illegal tint in North Carolina?
Class 3 misdemeanor. The charge can be dismissed if the tint is removed within 15 days and you show a DMV or Highway Patrol certificate.
Can I get a medical exemption for window tint in North Carolina?
Apply to the DMV's Drivers Medical Evaluation Program. Permits last 5 years, up to 4 per person, and include a sticker placed under the film on the rear window.
Did North Carolina change its tint law recently?
Since December 1, 2025, tint is no longer checked at annual inspection, and drivers must lower tinted windows when an officer approaches.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: