Idaho Tint Laws

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Idaho Tint Laws

Idaho tint laws were first enacted nearly three decades ago back in 1992. In the subsequent years, rules governing vehicle tint in the state have changed several times, usually in response to new window film products and technologies available as the science behind and production of tint improves.

To understand how dark window tint can be in Idaho, you need to understand the concept of visible light transmission, or VLT as it is usually abbreviated. VLT refers to the amount of light in the visible light spectrum that can pass through the tint and effectively means how clear or dark the window is made. The lower the number, the less light passes through, and the darker the window, so a 25% VLT tint is much darker than a 75% VLT, for example.

You also need to understand that some window tints that are of legal VLT are still banned because of reflectivity, or how much they act like mirrors reflecting away visible light. So VLT is not the only factor that establishes window tint legality in Idaho.

Unlike you find in most states, where laws differ based on vehicle type, in Idaho cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans are all governed by the same window tint rules, so going forward note that any term, from vehicle to automobile to car, applies to ant privately owned auto registered in the state of Idaho regardless of type or size.

 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.

CLICK ON INDICATORS TO VIEW TINT LAWS FOR SPECIFIC WINDOWS

laws for suvs, trucks, & vans

Front Windows

All Vehicles

35% Tint (VLT%)

Rear Passenger Windows

Includes rear window and rear passenger

Any shade of tint can be used for trucks, SUVs, and vans ONLY

Rear Window

Includes rear window and rear passenger windows

Any shade of tint can be used for trucks, SUVs, and vans ONLY

Windshield Visor

ALL VEHICLE TYPES

Any shade of tint can be used from the AS1 Line up. This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.

laws for sedans & coupes

Front Windows

ALL VEHICLE TYPES

Includes Trucks, SUVs, Vans, Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks

35% Tint (VLT%)

Rear Passenger Windows

for Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks

20% Tint (VLT%)

Rear Window

for Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks

35% Tint (VLT%)

Windshield Visor

ALL VEHICLE TYPES

Any shade of tint can be used from the AS1 Line up. This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.

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% of Tint or Visible light transmission (VLT) is the measurement used to assess the amount of light passing through a piece of glass. This is the percent of visible light that passes through the film and glass to give you a net transmission percentage. The lower the VLT%, the darker the window.

Law Enforcement uses a tint meter which measures the Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of window film and glass for illegal tint. 

Windshield: Several states allow medical exemptions for drivers or passengers who frequently travel in the vehicle. These exemptions usually require a licensed physician in that state to sign a waiver. Please visit your states .gov site for details. 

AS-1 Line: This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.

 

Idaho Statutes section 49-944. Standards for windshields and windows of motor vehicles — prohibited acts — penalty.


U.S. Exemption For VLT

Click above to download the Nationwide Medical Exemptions Window Tinting Directory.

If you’re driving a truck or SUV built in the last decade, chances are it’s equipped with factory tinted glass on all windows behind the front doors.

Many owners of vehicles like this often choose to only have the front windows tinted to match the back because they believe that they are already set with the rear windows.

UV Protection

While this factory tint improves the looks of the vehicle, and offers rear passengers some privacy, it does very little to help reduce the heat entering through the glass or protect them from the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

Heat Rejection

The same also goes for heat rejection. Some assume that the level of heat rejection they will on the front glass is already present in the rear glass because of the factory tint. Nothing can be further from the truth. Other than having the tinted look, these windows do very little to stop the heat.

To find out what options you have to protecting your passengers and vehicles interior, click here.