AL · tint law reference

Alabama window tint laws

Last verified September 13, 2026 · Ala. Code § 32-5-215; Ala. Code Title 32, Ch. 5C (window tinting); ALEA Admin. Code 760-X-1-.17

Legal tint limits at a glance

VLT is the share of light the window must let through — a lower number is darker film, and the reading includes the factory glass.

Alabama window tint limits by window and vehicle type
Window Sedans SUVs, vans & trucks
Windshield Non-reflective, transparent material on upper 6 inches only Same as sedan: upper 6 inches, non-reflective/transparent only
Front side 32% VLT or lighter 32% VLT or lighter
Back side 32% VLT or lighter No limit stated
Rear 32% VLT or lighter No limit stated

Dual side mirrors required if the rear is tinted? Yes — this state requires dual outside mirrors when the rear window is tinted.

Is my tint legal here?

Film darkness and glass darkness multiply. Enter the film you are considering and the VLT of the bare glass to get the number a meter would read.

70 for tinted OEM glass, 80 for clear

Net VLT 14% 20% film × 70% glass

    Pass/fail compares net VLT against the limits on this page only. Some states apply a measurement tolerance — see Measurement tolerance below — and none of this replaces a meter reading on your own glass.

    The rest of the rule

    Reflectivity

    Maximum 20% light reflection on all tinted windows

    Colors

    Not explicitly specified in the ALEA regulation text found

    Medical exemption

    yes - physician certification via ALEA Medical Records Unit (334-676-7396)

    Stickers & certification

    Compliance sticker required, affixed by authorized tinting dealer

    Measurement tolerance

    ±3%

    Penalties

    Not detailed on the ALEA page reviewed

    Notes

    SUVs/vans/multi-purpose vehicles may use darker tint behind the driver per federal law (FMVSS 205 allowance) but outside mirrors both sides required in that case. Underlying statute Ala. Code 32-5-215 (identifiability requirement) predates and is separate from the numeric VLT rules in Title 32 Ch. 5C / ALEA regs.

    Alabama tint questions

    What is the darkest legal tint in Alabama?

    For a sedan in Alabama, front side windows must let at least 32% of light through, back side windows at least 32%, and the rear window at least 32%. Lower VLT means darker glass, so those percentages are floors, not targets, and the meter reads the film and the factory glass together. SUVs, vans and trucks are listed separately: front side 32%, back side no stated number, rear no stated number.

    Is 20% tint legal in Alabama?

    No, not on the front side windows. Alabama requires at least 32% VLT there and 20% is darker than that, before you even account for the factory glass, which makes the reading darker still. The back side windows have a 32% floor, so 20% is too dark there too.

    Can I tint the windshield in Alabama?

    Alabama's rule for the windshield: Non-reflective, transparent material on upper 6 inches only

    Does Alabama allow a medical exemption for darker tint?

    What the source says: yes - physician certification via ALEA Medical Records Unit (334-676-7396) Confirm the current process with the agency named before you have film installed.

    Do I need a tint sticker or certificate in Alabama?

    Compliance sticker required, affixed by authorized tinting dealer

    Nearby states

    Where this comes from

    Statute cited: Ala. Code § 32-5-215; Ala. Code Title 32, Ch. 5C (window tinting); ALEA Admin. Code 760-X-1-.17

    Checked against the state's own statute or DMV page on September 13, 2026. Laws change; if you find a newer rule, email admin@getpeelboard.com.

    Legal disclaimer: general information, not legal advice; verify with your DMV.

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