Alabama Window Tint Law

Alabama window tint law allows tinting on the top six inches of your windshield and up to 32% tint on the front side windows.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Edited by R.E. Fulton
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Alabama
window tint law allows you to tint the top 6 inches of your windshield. Any tint on a vehicle’s front side windows must allow at least 32% of light transmission into the cabin.
Tinting windows has long been a popular practice for people wanting more privacy when they drive. Tinting can enhance the look of their vehicle and even improve visibility. However, many states place safety limits on tinting for the good of the driving public, since windows that are too dark can hinder your visibility and possibly lead to an accident.

What is the visible light transmission percentage?

The visible light transmission (VLT) percentage indicates how much light can get through a
window tint
film and the car window it adheres to. Each state sets its own legal limit. 
A higher VLT means more light can get through the tint film. For example, a 32% tint allows 32% of the light to pass through. In contrast, a 5% tint (known as “limo tint”) only allows 5% of light to pass through the film.
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What is the Alabama window tint law?

Alabama’s window tint law limits the tint darkness of windows on sedans to the following specifications:
  • Front windshield: Non-reflective tint on the windshield’s top six inches only
  • Front-seat side windows: More than 32% light must be able to pass through tint film
  • Back-seat side windows: More than 32% light must be able to pass through tint film
  • Rear window: More than 32% light must be able to pass through tint film
For trucks and SUVs, the tint darkness laws are as follows:
  • Front windshield: Non-reflective tint on the windshield’s top six inches only
  • Front-seat side windows: More than 32% light must be able to pass through tint film
  • Back-seat side windows: Any amount of tint is permitted
  • Rear windshield: Any amount of tint is permitted
For tint reflection, Alabama’s laws are as follows for sedans, trucks, and SUVs: 
  • Front side windows: No more than 20% reflective
  • Back-seat side windows: No more than 20% reflective
In the state of Alabama, there are no restrictions on tint colors.
All tint film sold by manufacturers in Alabama must be certified, so make sure your tint dealer is selling you certified film. As well, a sticker or label of compliance with Alabama’s tint law must be visible between the film and each window tinted.

Exceptions

The following are exceptions to Alabama’s window tint law:
  • Adjustable sun visors placed forward of a vehicle’s side windows and not attached to window glass
  • Any signs or stickers placed in a seven inch square on the lower corner of both front and/or rear windshields
  • Any destination, direction, or termination signs on a passenger common carrier vehicle so long as the signs do not interfere with driver’s ability to see oncoming traffic
  • Any transparent item (so long as it is not red or amber in color) placed on the upper six inches of the front windshield
  • Any federal, state, or local sticker required by law to be placed on any of a vehicle’s windshields or windows
  • Any vehicle with windows tinted before factory delivery or allowed under federal law

Medical exemptions

The following are medical exemptions to Alabama’s window tint law:
  • If a person requests an exemption to be shielded from the sun for medical reasons, Alabama’s Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) can issue an exemption for any vehicle owned by this person, or a vehicle in which the person is a regular passenger
  • Such an application must be supported in writing by a doctor licensed to practice medicine in Alabama
  • The exemption for people with light-sensitive porphyria applies to all areas of the windshields and windows, as supported by the doctor’s written statement
  • Each person granted an exemption will receive a decal issued by the ALEA, and it must be affixed to the windshield of any and all vehicles operated by the person with the exemption
  • There will be a small fee for the decal, and proceeds will go to the design and production of future decals

Penalties for violating the window tint law

If you violate Alabama’s window tint law, the penalties are as follows:
  • First conviction: Maximum $100 fine and/or 10 days in prison
  • Second conviction within a year: Maximum $200 fine and/or 30 days in prison
  • Third conviction within a year: $500 and/or up to three months in prison  
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FAQs

On average, you’ll have to pay anywhere from $100 and $300 to tint your car windows in Alabama. However, prices will vary depending on your vehicle and where the tinting work is done.
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