Idaho tint limits at a glance
| Window | Darkest allowed | Max reflectance |
|---|---|---|
| Front side windows & front vents | 35% VLT (±3%) | 35% (±3%) |
| Rear window (back glass) | 35% VLT (±3%) | 35% (±3%) |
| Side windows behind the driver | 20% VLT (±3%) | 35% (±3%) |
| Windshield | No film below the AS-1 line (top 6″ if no AS-1 mark) | |
VLT (visible light transmission) is the percentage of light the film lets through — lower numbers are darker. A 35% film lets 35% of the light through.
What the law actually says
Idaho Code 49-944(1) starts this way: It is unlawful for any person to place, install, affix, or apply any window tinting film or sunscreening device to the windows of any motor vehicle, except as follows
— and then lists the limits above. Two things follow from that wording:
- It applies to the installer. A shop in Idaho can't legally put on film darker than these limits, even if you ask.
- It applies to drivers and sellers too. Subsection (2) says no one may operate on public highways, sell, or offer to sell a vehicle with windows that don't comply.
A violation is an infraction under subsection (6).
The windshield and the AS-1 line
The AS-1 line is a small mark etched near the top corners of most windshields. Film can go above it — that's the "sunstrip" or "eyebrow" — but not below it. If your windshield has no AS-1 mark, the limit is a line six inches below the top of the exposed glass.
That means a full-windshield film, even a light or clear one, isn't allowed under the general rules. The only exception is the medical exemption below.
The medical exemption
Subsection (4) allows darker tint for a driver or passenger who has written verification from a licensed physician that they must be protected from sunlight or heat for medical reasons. That paper has to stay in the vehicle. With it, the limits become:
- Windshield: 70% VLT or lighter (±3%)
- Other windows: 20% VLT or lighter (±3%)
- Reflectance: still 35% max
Factory privacy glass
Subsection (5) says the statute doesn't prohibit glass the manufacturer installed as standard or optional equipment. That's why many SUVs and trucks come with dark rear glass from the factory. Adding film on top of factory privacy glass is a different story — the combined result has to meet the limits.
Why 35% film can measure darker on your car
Automotive glass blocks some light on its own. A 35% film on typical glass can meter a few points darker than 35%. The ±3% tolerance exists for this reason, and it's why we pick films and shades that stay legal once they're on the glass.
How Elevate handles it
Our standard setup is one matched 35% shade across the front doors, rear doors and back glass — legal in Idaho and the cleanest look. If you want something darker on the rear doors, 20% is legal there. Our tint builder flags anything outside Idaho's limits before you send a quote. Driving in another state? Tell us and we'll check its limits first.
This page summarizes Idaho Code 49-944 as published by the Idaho Legislature. It's general information, not legal advice. Read the statute itself at legislature.idaho.gov.