OH · tint law reference

Ohio window tint laws

Last verified September 14, 2026 · Ohio Admin. Code 4501-41-03; Ohio Rev. Code § 4513.241

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.

Ohio window tint limits by window and vehicle type
Window Sedans SUVs, vans & trucks
Windshield At least 70% light transmittance (plus or minus 3%) and not red or yellow in color. Material applied along the top of the windshield that does not extend downward beyond the AS-1 line or five inches from the top, whichever is closer to the top, is not regulated by the rule at all. At least 70% light transmittance (plus or minus 3%) and not red or yellow in color. Material applied along the top of the windshield that does not extend downward beyond the AS-1 line or five inches from the top, whichever is closer to the top, is not regulated by the rule at all.
Front side 50% VLT or lighter 50% VLT or lighter
Back side No VLT limit No VLT limit
Rear No VLT limit No VLT limit

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

    Outright ban, not a percentage cap: "No reflectorized materials shall be permitted upon or in any front windshield, side windows, sidewings or rear window" (O.A.C. 4501-41-03(D); identical language in R.C. 4513.241(F)).

    Colors

    Red and yellow are prohibited on the windshield (4501-41-03(A)(2)) and on the side windows to the immediate right or left of the driver (A)(3). No color restriction is stated for the other windows.

    Medical exemption

    None. R.C. 4513.241 contains no personal medical exemption. Division (B) only permits rules for people who already owned a non-conforming vehicle on November 11, 1994 (or on a rule's effective date) or who establish Ohio residency and must register a non-conforming vehicle. The other carve-outs are factory tinting compliant with FMVSS 205, school buses transporting children with disabilities, school buses to be sold and operated out of state, and law enforcement vehicles.

    Stickers & certification

    All sunscreening material must carry a legible label showing the manufacturer's name and the percentage level of light transmission, permanently installed between the material and the glass, placed in the lower left-hand corner of the window as viewed from outside (4501-41-03(F)). Applies to all motor vehicles from the 1990 model year onward.

    Measurement tolerance

    Plus or minus 3% (stated inline with each percentage in 4501-41-03(A)(2)-(A)(4)).

    Penalties

    Minor misdemeanor for operating/leasing/renting a non-conforming vehicle (R.C. 4513.241(C)), for a manufacturer/remanufacturer/distributor supplying one (E)(2), and for violating the reflectorized-material ban (F). Installing non-conforming glass or material (D) is a fourth-degree misdemeanor and creates civil liability to the vehicle owner for damages, costs, and attorney fees; a repeat offender who is a registered motor vehicle repair operator or licensed dealer faces registration or license suspension for up to 180 days.

    Notes

    Rule 4501-41-03(A)(4) is an exception that permits ANY sunscreening material on any window other than the windshield and the two front side windows — so the rear side windows and the rear window may be any darkness, on every body style. The single condition attached is that outside left and right rear view mirrors are required if the material is applied to the REAR WINDOW and brings it below 50% (plus or minus 3%); no mirror condition attaches to the rear side windows. The rule draws no sedan/SUV distinction. Both secondary sources agree that back side and rear windows may be any darkness; both wrongly report that no tint colors are banned.

    Ohio tint questions

    What is the darkest legal tint in Ohio?

    For a sedan in Ohio, front side windows must let at least 50% of light through, no number is stated for the back side windows, and none for the rear window. Lower VLT means darker glass, so those percentages are floors, not targets, and the meter reads the film and the factory glass together.

    Is 20% tint legal in Ohio?

    No, not on the front side windows. Ohio requires at least 50% VLT there and 20% is darker than that, before you even account for the factory glass, which makes the reading darker still. Behind the driver the statute states no VLT number, so 20% may be allowed on the back side and rear windows — read the notes on this page and confirm with the DMV.

    Can I tint the windshield in Ohio?

    Ohio's rule for the windshield: At least 70% light transmittance (plus or minus 3%) and not red or yellow in color. Material applied along the top of the windshield that does not extend downward beyond the AS-1 line or five inches from the top, whichever is closer to the top, is not regulated by the rule at all.

    Does Ohio allow a medical exemption for darker tint?

    What the source says: None. R.C. 4513.241 contains no personal medical exemption. Division (B) only permits rules for people who already owned a non-conforming vehicle on November 11, 1994 (or on a rule's effective date) or who establish Ohio residency and must register a non-conforming vehicle. The other carve-outs are factory tinting compliant with FMVSS 205, school buses transporting children with disabilities, school buses to be sold and operated out of state, and law enforcement vehicles. Confirm the current process with the agency named before you have film installed.

    Do I need a tint sticker or certificate in Ohio?

    All sunscreening material must carry a legible label showing the manufacturer's name and the percentage level of light transmission, permanently installed between the material and the glass, placed in the lower left-hand corner of the window as viewed from outside (4501-41-03(F)). Applies to all motor vehicles from the 1990 model year onward.

    Nearby states

    Where this comes from

    Statute cited: Ohio Admin. Code 4501-41-03; Ohio Rev. Code § 4513.241

    Checked against the state's own statute or DMV page on September 14, 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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