FONTANA, CA • CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE 26708
California Window Tint Law: What’s Legal in Fontana, CA
A straight, no-guesswork answer to the question we get asked more than almost any other. Current for 2026.
Short answer: front side windows must let in more than 70% of light when combined with any factory tint (or 88%+ if the aftermarket film is measured alone). Back side windows and the rear window can be as dark as you want. The windshield only allows a non-reflective strip on the top 4 inches. Red, amber, and blue tints are illegal statewide, and the film has to be manufacturer-certified.
Legal Tint Percentages by Window
Windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed only on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
Front Side Windows
Must allow more than 70% VLT combined with factory tint, or more than 88% for aftermarket film alone.
Back Side & Rear Window
Any level of darkness is legal — the most common place drivers go 20% or darker.
Reflectivity, Color & Certification Rules
- Front and back side windows can’t be more reflective than a standard, untinted window on a car, SUV, or van.
- Red, amber, and blue tints are illegal statewide — side windows must stay colorless.
- The film itself has to be manufacturer-certified, and the installer must give you a certificate with the film’s details. Keep it in your glovebox.
Medical Exemptions
If you need darker front windows for a documented medical condition, California allows an exemption under Assembly Bill 1303 (2017), which requires a doctor’s certification.
What Happens If Your Tint Isn’t Legal
Tint that’s too dark or too reflective on the wrong windows can get you pulled over and issued a fix-it ticket, and in some cases a fine if it isn’t corrected. Every installation we do comes with the manufacturer certificate that proves your tint is legal, so you’re never guessing at a checkpoint.
Common Legal Tint Questions
Is 35% tint legal in California?
Not on front side windows if it drops your total VLT below the legal 70% combined threshold. It’s commonly used and legal on back side and rear windows.
Will you get pulled over for 50% tint in California?
On front side windows, yes, if it takes your total VLT below the 70% legal minimum. On rear and back side windows, any darkness is legal.
What is the darkest legal tint in California for cars?
Front side windows: more than 70% VLT combined with factory tint, or 88%+ for aftermarket film alone. Back side and rear windows: any darkness.
Why do police cars get to have illegally tinted windows?
Law enforcement and certain government vehicles operate under separate exemptions written into California vehicle code for safety and operational reasons. Those exemptions don’t extend to civilian vehicles.