Arizona Window Tint Laws & Regulations

TaxiHack is reader-supported. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

The laws related to tinting car windows in Arizona have been active since the 90s and have been governing how much light is required to pass through the windows of any car and how reflective they should be.

Arizona window tint laws currently stand that the front side windows must use at least 33% VLT for all vehicles, while the rest are up to the owner.

They must not be 35% reflective and have their tint above the AS 1 line on the windshield.

This is just the basic gist of the rules.

For a much more in-depth look and to address any common concerns you may have, read the rest of the article and get all the information you need.

How Much Tint Darkness Is Legal In Arizona?

Finding out what percentage tint is legal in Arizona

Keeping all of your windows above 33 VLT should be more than enough for you to get tinted windows and abide by the laws of the state of Arizona.

If you are not aware, VLT is the amount of light that has to enter your car’s windows and has to be above a certain threshold depending on the state.

Tint Darkness Limit For SUVs And Vans

Some states have different rules for SUVs and vans and different rules for other cars and sedans.

This is not the case in Arizona, where all of the cars have virtually the same rules when it comes to tinting their windows.

The windshields must have a non-reflective tint that has to be above the manufacturer’s AS 1 line.

The front side windows are where the main chunk of the rules are enforced, as they need to have 33 VLT.

The rear and backside windows do not have restrictions and can use whatever VLT value they want.

Tint Darkness Limit For Sedans

As mentioned above, Sedans have the same rule set as SUVs; however, for clarity’s sake, let’s go over them on a per-window basis.

1. Front Windshield

Owners are required to use a non-reflective tint. This tint cannot go below the AS 1 line, which the manufacturer sets.

2. Front-Seat Side Windows

If you drive a sedan, you must ensure that the front seat side windows have a VLT of at least 33. Any lower will cause an infraction and get you in hot water with the authorities.

3. Rear Window

The state of Arizona is lenient with the rear windows and does not require its people to have them under a certain VLT specification.

4. Back Seat Side Windows

Like the rear windows, you can have whatever darkness for your back seat side windows, allowing you to use whatever tint you want.

Window Tint Reflection And Tint Colors

  • The state of Arizona allows windows to have tints of every color except two distinct colors.
  • These colors are red and amber.
  • The front windows of all car bodies, Sedan, SUV, or otherwise, cannot be more than 35% reflective.
  • The back side windows of all the cars have the same rules as the front windows, with the limit being 35%.
  • There is a 3% Leigh way given to this 35% rule which allows users to have slightly more reflective tints, but this is more of a buffer than anything else and should be used.

Medical Exemption Of Window Tint Laws In Arizona

While the rules are set in stone for everyone, if you have a medical condition, you can use darker window tints and even the colors, which are not allowed in Arizona.

This is only possible if you are medically required to be shielded from the sun’s rays, such as patients with skin cancer.

To apply for this exemption, you must fill out a form or an online application, both of which will be reviewed and processed accordingly.

This exemption will be for the vehicles you own and any other vehicles you may frequent. You should have proof of your exemption handy if the police ever stop you.

Get A Certified Sticker From The Company

Some states are strict with their laws on window tints and require that the tints follow a specific set of rules set by the state.

To that end, the state asks manufacturers to provide a sticker that certifies that the tint abides by the state’s rules.

In Arizona, however, there is no such need for any certifications.

Neither do the manufacturers have to confirm whether the tint is up to the state’s standards, and neither does the owner have to identify the legal tinting.

This makes the entire procedure of getting window tints a lot easier and reduces the requirements of the people driving with tinted windows in Arizona.

Other Window Tint Law Rules And Regulations In Arizona

  • If you have tinted windows, you are legally required to have dual side mirrors on your car.
  • You are not required to have any sorts of stickers to identify the legality or certification of your window tint.

Apart from these 2, most of the laws around window tint laws are fairly straightforward, and you should have no problem understanding them and following them like a proper law-abiding citizen.

Cost Of Car Window Tint In Arizona

Many factors go into how much the window tint will cost, sometimes, it depends on the type of tint you are looking for, and sometimes it is based on the car itself.

Regardless of both of these factors, Arizona’s costs for getting tinted windows are much higher when compared to other states.

Basic tints can start as little as $220 and grow by $100 if you want better UV blocking.

While these are merely basic window tints, sometimes you want to get something a bit higher quality.

The best window tints which utilize the latest technology, have a lifetime warranty, and offer the best clarity will cost anything upwards of $420 and can even cross the $500 range, so make sure to know exactly what you want when getting your windows tinted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is 15% Tint Legal In Arizona?

Unless you are applying them in the backside and the rear windows, 15% tints are not allowed in Arizona.

As long as your front side windows and windshield have 33 VLT, the rest of the windows can go as low as you want them to.

Q2. Are 5% Tints Legal In Arizona?

Similar to the question above, 5% tints are only legal if you apply them on your car’s backside and rear windows.

If you apply them on the front side windows, you will be breaking the rules.

Q3. Is Limo Tint Legal In Arizona?

Limo tint is usually very dark, and as a result, it should not be used on the front side windows, as it would be illegal.

This is because the threshold would no doubt fall below 33 VLT. This tint, however, is completely legal on other windows of the car.

Q4. Can I Get Pulled Over For Tint In Arizona?

If the officer suspects that you are using a tint that is darker than it should be, they can easily pull you over and give you a ticket.

They will then use a tint meter to check how dark your tint is. If you are medically exempt, you can relay it to the police with proof.

Q5. How Much Is A Tint Ticket In Arizona?

Regardless of any prior infractions, you will be charged $250 for getting a tint ticket.

You will be asked to remove the tint and provide proof of its removal. Otherwise, you may be subject to another fine.

Conclusion

Arizona tint laws are very reasonable to the average person.

Having a 33% VLT requirement is usually more than enough for a lot of people and having this limited to only the front side windows makes it much more convenient for people who are sensitive to the sun’s rays.

Medical exemptions and other sets of rules set by the state are also fair and make it a great way for people to enjoy the benefits of tinting their windows without being stopped by the traffic police.

Now that you know all these rules, you should not worry about getting pulled over when driving a car with tinted windows.