Louisiana Car Window Tint Laws (Updated)

Car tint laws can vary from state to state, and even from window to window. If you’re thinking about tinting your car in Louisiana, you may be wondering what the car tint laws are?

Quick Answer

Louisiana car tint laws are as follows:

• Front windshield – No tint allowed except for uppermost 5 inches.
• Front side windows – Must allow light transmittance of at least 40%.
• Rear side windows – Must allow light transmittance of at least 25%.
• Rear windshield – Must allow light transmittance of at least 12%
• Reflectivity – All tint must have 20% or less reflectivity.

In the following sections, we’ll take a look at each window and break down exactly what the law says about tinting material.

Window Tinting in Louisiana – What Does the Law Say?

If you want to avoid fines and the hassle of being pulled over, learn which windows can be tinted in Louisiana, and how dark they can be. It’s also a good idea to understand restricted colors and the allowance (or lack thereof) of reflective tint.

Can Windows Be Tinted in Louisiana?

So, can windows be tinted in Louisiana? The answer is yes, but there are certain percentages that you need to follow to remain legal.

Front Windshield: The front windshield must remain clear and transparent. The only exception is the uppermost five inches of the windshield, which can be tinted. However, it cannot be tinted with the color red or amber and it must be nonreflective.

Other Windows: Every other window except the front windshield can be fully tinted to a certain percentage of light transmission. Medical exemptions and multipurpose vehicles are exempt from these tint laws.

What Windows Can Be Tinted in Louisiana?

In the state of Louisiana, all windows can be tinted to a certain degree except the front windshield. The way the law is worded in code 32, these tint percentages include the variances allowed by the state, which is typically 3%. So keep that in mind if you’re trying to squeeze out a few more percentages in your tint. When they say 25%, they mean 25%!

Front Windshield: The front windshield may be tinted along the uppermost five inches of the windshield. The tint in this area must be non-reflective, no matter what percentage you use. It also cannot be amber or red. Below this five-inch line, the windshield must be clear and transparent so as not to obstruct the driver’s view.

Back Windshield: The back windshield is allowed to be tinted. Typically the back windshield and back side windows are allowed the same tint percentage, but this is not the case in Louisiana. The back windshield must allow at least 12% light transmittance and cannot have a reflectivity of more than 20%.

Driver and Passenger Windows: The windows located to the immediate left and right of the driver are allowed to be tinted. As is typical with most state laws, the light transmittance must be higher on these windows for driver safety. Tint must allow at least 40% light transmittance and no more than 20% reflectivity.

Back Windows: The windows located behind the driver and passenger can be tinted. Usually, it’s the same percentage as the rear windshield, this is not the case in Louisiana. The rear side windows must allow at least 25% light transmittance and no more than 20% reflectivity to be considered legal.

Restricted Colors: According to Code 32 of Louisiana state law, the only restricted colors for tint are red and amber.

Louisiana Window Tint Law Medical Exemption

Many states allow for darker window tint if the person operating the vehicle, or someone that is often transported in the vehicle, has a medical condition related to light sensitivity. Louisiana allows for medical exemption, but the process is far more strenuous than most states. Here’s what to know:

Obtain an affidavit: To start the process, you’ll need to get an affidavit that is prepared by the office of state police.

Must be signed by a physician: The affidavit must then be signed by a licensed physician or optometrist stating the medical condition which requires darker tint.

Sign a release of medical records: To get approved, you must sign a notarized release for all medical records related to the exemption

Must be reviewed every three years: If you obtain an exemption, it may be subject to review every three years.

Not available to convicted criminals: Anyone who has been convicted of a violent crime or drug offense is not eligible for a medical exemption.

Must undergo a background check: You must be willing to submit a full set of fingerprints and agree to undergo a background check for any criminal activity.

Display decal: Once you are finally approved, you must display a decal at all times, and keep the affidavit in the vehicle at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Car Window Tinting Laws

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about car window tinting in Louisiana.

What does VLT mean according to Louisiana state law? According to the state of Louisiana, VLT refers to “the ratio of the amount of total light to pass through the product or material, including any glazing material, to the amount of total light falling on the product or material and the glazing.”

How much does car window tinting cost in Louisiana? On average, the cost to tint a four-door sedan in Louisiana is about $214, which is pretty average. The price can range anywhere from $195-$232. This will depend on where you live and how professional you want your tint to be.

How dark can your windows be in Louisiana? Darkness refers to the percentage of light transmittance, or VLT. In Louisiana, your front side windows must allow 40% or more light. The back side windows must allow 25% or more light, and the rear windshield must allow 12% or more light transmittance.

Is reflective or colored tint legal in Louisiana? Both reflective tint and colored tint are legal in Louisiana, but there are stipulations. The reflectivity of your tint must be no more than 20% reflective. This gives your tint a mirrored or metallic appearance. In terms of colored tint, amber and red are both prohibited colors.

Can you get a ticket for tinted windows in Louisiana? In Louisiana, if you are pulled over for having tint that is too dark you may receive a fine. For the first offense, you can be fined up to $150. For the second offense, $250 or less, and for the third and subsequent offense, $350 or less.

Wrap Up

Window tint can help protect you from the dangerous rays of the sun. But keep in mind the tint laws in your state to save yourself time, money, and legal trouble.