North Dakota tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 35% |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | Any darkness (mirrors on both sides) |
| Rear window | Any darkness (mirrors on both sides) |
| 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 North Dakota?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in North Dakota. 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 with mirrors on both sides |
| 15% | Not legal | Legal with mirrors on both sides | Legal with mirrors on both sides |
| 20% | Not legal | Legal with mirrors on both sides | Legal with mirrors on both sides |
| 35% | Likely too dark once installed | Legal with mirrors on both sides | Legal with mirrors on both sides |
| 50% | Legal | Legal with mirrors on both sides | Legal with mirrors on both sides |
| 70% | Legal | Legal with mirrors on both sides | Legal with mirrors on both sides |
'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
North Dakota's tint law doesn't set a specific fine. Amounts are set by the court where the ticket is issued.
Medical exemptions
Contact the North Dakota DMV or state police for current medical exemption rules before installing darker tint.
Law history
- : Front side limit lowered from 50% to 35% (HB 1340).
The law
North Dakota's tint rules are set by N.D. Cent. Code § 39-21-39. 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 Dakota?
On a sedan, front side windows: 35%. Back side windows: Any darkness (mirrors on both sides). Rear window: Any darkness (mirrors on both sides).
Is 20% tint legal in North Dakota?
Front: Not legal. Back: Legal with mirrors on both sides. Rear: Legal with mirrors on both sides. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in North Dakota?
Front: Likely too dark once installed. Back: Legal with mirrors on both sides. Rear: Legal with mirrors on both sides. See the 35% film row.
Is tint allowed on the windshield in North Dakota?
70% minimum
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in North Dakota?
Same as cars
Did North Dakota change its tint law recently?
Front side limit changed from 50% to 35% in 2025.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: