Idaho Window Tinting Laws for Caldwell, Boise, Middleton, Star, Nampa, Meridian etc.

Car window tinting laws in Idaho were enacted in 1992.

We have provided all the necessary information about your car’s window tint, including how dark or reflective the tint is allowed in your state.

There are also additional car window tinting rules and regulations in Idaho so make sure you read all about it below.

Window tint darkness in Idaho

The percent of visible light allowed through your car windows is called VLT: Visible Light Transmission.

The percentage of light allowed through your film and glass in Idaho is very specific and differs for sedans and SUV.

Tint darkness for sedans:

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 6 inches.
• Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Back Side windows: Must allow more than 20% of light in.
• Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

Tint darkness for SUV and vans:

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 6 inches.
• Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Back Side windows: Must allow more than 20% of light in.
• Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

Window tint reflection in Idaho

Window tint can reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat.

Idaho window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint so make sure you pay attention to this as well.

Tint reflection for sedans:

• Front Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
• Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.

Tint reflection for SUV and vans:

• Front Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.
• Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective.

Other Idaho window tint rules and regulations:

Idaho does have several other important laws, rules and regulations pertaining to window tinting. They include the following:

• Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if back window is tinted.
• Restricted Colors: No colors of tint are specified as banned.
• Tint Variance: State laws allow 3% light transmission tolerance.
• Certificates: Film manufacturers are not required to certify the film they sell in this state.
• Stickers: No sticker to identify legal tinting is required.
• Medical Exceptions: Idaho allows medical exemptions for special tint (75% on windshield and 20% on other windows).
• Penalties: Traffic infraction.

Other Idaho Car Window Tint Rules to Know

Under 2021 Idaho tint laws, there are no restrictions on the colors of window tint you can use on your vehicle. While many states ban red, orange, and amber tints, in Idaho you may use any color of window tinting provided it does not have a reflective surface rated at more than 35% reflectivity.

Idaho tint rules do not require the use of stickers that establish the tint as following the law be applied on tinted windows and window film manufacturers are not required to certify the window tint they sell in the state, nor are installers required to do so. Thus being sure your tint is legal under Idaho law is on your shoulders.

The rules governing window tint in Idaho allow for a three percent variance in window tint VLT, so that even, for example, a rear side window that was tested and found to allow 17% VLT would not result in a citation. It’s still best practices to use window tint that meets the stated regulations, though.

Idaho Window Tint Violations

Window tint violations in Idaho are treated like a traffic infraction under Idaho state law statute 49-944. This means they are civil violations, not criminal issues. You can be issued a ticket of varied cost, and with repeated infractions your fines will go up, but you will never face jail time or other more serious repercussions due to window tint violations in Idaho.

Your window tint ticket cost will be assessed by a court and in most cases will not affect your license status or insurance rates, but they are still best avoided and can be easily avoided because Idaho state window tint laws for cars are not complex and are not particularly harsh or limiting.

What if you get pulled over for window tints?

Depending on the officer that pulled you over, you may get a warning, a fix-it ticket or a traffic violation ticket. You may be required to show proof that your tint was removed from your front windows and the charges may be dropped or reduced. If you purchase fix-it ticket insurance from us, we will remove the tint from your front windows and then reinstall any shade you wish of equal or lesser value. This insurance is valid for up to 1 year after initial installation and covers 1 incident. 

Please note: The accuracy, completeness, adequacy or currency of the content is not warranted or guaranteed. We are not lawyers or a law firm and we do not provide legal advice. We recommend you consult a lawyer or other appropriate professional if you want legal advice.

808 Customs: Premium Automotive Window Tinting Services In Idaho