New Hampshire Car Window Tint Laws (Updated)

Car tint laws vary from state to state, so if you’re planning a trip to or through New Hampshire, you may be wondering: what are the car tint laws in New Hampshire?

Quick Answer

In New Hampshire, the following laws are in place for car tint:

• Front windshield – No tint allowed, except for a strip no wider than 6 inches located at the very top of the windshield. This strip must have 35% or more light transmittance.
• Driver and passenger windows – No tint allowed.
• Rear windshield & rear side windows – Light transmittance must be 35% or more.

New Hampshire is one of the stricter states in terms of tint. Here you’ll learn everything there is to know about tint laws in New Hampshire.

Window Tinting in New Hampshire  – What Does The Law Say?

In New Hampshire, the tint laws are stricter than in most states. It’s important to know and understand these laws if you plan to tint your windows.

Can Windows Be Tinted in New Hampshire?

There is only one number that you must know for New Hampshire: 35%. All tints must have 35% or more light transmittance where allowed.

Front windshield, driver window, and passenger window cannot be tinted: The front windshield cannot be tinted except for a 6-inch strip at the very top of the windshield. Even then, it can only have a light transmittance of no less than 35%.

Rear side windows and rear windshield can be tinted: The rear windshield as well as the rear side windows behind the passenger and driver can be tinted. The requirement for light transmittance is 35% or greater.

What Windows Can Be Tinted in New Hampshire?

It’s important to know which windows can and cannot be tinted in New Hampshire. This will undoubtedly help avoid fines and tickets if you are pulled over for other reasons. Here’s what the law says in New Hampshire. For further details, this law is located in Title 21, chapter 266, section 58.

Front Windshield: The front windshield must not be tinted. The exception to this is a strip no wider than 6 inches at the very top of the windshield. This is similar to many tint laws where tint is legal above the AS-1 line. However, in New Hampshire, they specify exactly 6 inches, no matter where the AS-1 line is.

Back Windshield: The rear windshield may be tinted according to New Hampshire law. After-market tint cannot have less than 35% light transmittance. Multipurpose and pickup trucks have an exemption from this if it is pre-market tinted rear windows. There are no specific instructions on if manufacturer stickers are required or not. Medical exemption only applies to the windshield and front side windows of the car.

Driver and Passenger Windows: The window immediately to the left and right of the driver cannot be tinted with any after-market tint. The law does not specify if this is exempt for multipurpose vehicles or trucks. Medical exemptions are acceptable for tinting the driver and passenger window if certain criteria are met.

Back Side Windows: The windows behind the driver and passenger are allowed to be tinted. According to New Hampshire law, the light transmittance for the back side windows must allow 35% or more of light transmittance. Medical exemptions are only allowed for the windshield and front side windows of the car.

Restricted Colors: There are no specific restrictions on colored tint that can be found in the New Hampshire law for tint.

New Hampshire Window Tint Law Medical Exemption

Certain medical conditions may exempt you or someone you know from the tint restrictions in the state of New Hampshire. This applies only to the front windshield and the windows to the immediate left and right of the driver. To stay within the laws of the state, you’ll want to keep the following in mind:

Need a medical waiver: For medical exemptions in New Hampshire, you need a medical waiver signed by a physician. These waivers are valid for two years once granted and can cover up to two vehicles. These are granted to those with conditions that make them vulnerable to the sun such as visual conditions, allergies, melanoma, lupus, and porphyria.

Get the correct tint: Even with a medical waiver, the light transmittance on the windshield and front side windows must still allow a light transmittance of 35% or greater. The law does not specify reflectivity, but it does state that side mirrors are required for vehicles with window tint.

Reapply for waiver: After two years, you’ll have to make sure to reapply for a new waiver. A new application must be signed by a physician within 6 months of applying, along with photocopies of the vehicle(s) registrations.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Car Window Tinting Laws

If you have questions about tint laws in New Hampshire, we’ve got the answers!

What does VLT mean according to New Hampshire State Law? In New Hampshire, the law refers to light transmittance when talking about window tint. It typically comes in percentages. VLT technically means visible light transmission. In the code, it’s referred to simply as ‘light transmittance.’ In the law, it does not define VLT or light transmittance

How much does car window tinting cost in New Hampshire? Window tinting is above-average in price in New Hampshire. In Manchester, New Hampshire for example, the average cost to tint a four-door sedan is $260. The range is typically between $237-281 in New Hampshire, but this can vary depending on where you live.

How dark can your windows be in New Hampshire? The darkness of your windows refers to the VLT %, visible light transmission percentage. The lower this number, the darker your windows will be. For example, 10% VLT is darker than 50% VLT. In New Hampshire, the darkest tint allowed by law is 35% VLT.

Is reflective or colored tint legal in New Hampshire? Tint comes in many different forms, and one part of the installation is the reflectivity of the tint, meaning how ‘mirrored’ it looks. In New Hampshire, tint must be non-reflective. In terms of color restrictions, there is no specific law or code that restricts any colored tint in New Hampshire.

Can you get a ticket for tinted windows in New Hampshire? According to title 21, chapter 266, section 58, subsection IV: “Any natural person or any other person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation.” While this isn’t very specific, it certainly suggests the possibility of a fine or ticket if pulled over.

Wrap Up

Now you know everything there is to know about New Hampshire tint laws. This will certainly help avoid a fine, violation, or ticket in the future!