window tint law permits you to tint the top five inches of your windshield and up to 20% tint darkness on your front-seat side windows. The backseat and rear windows also have a limit of 20%.

Tinted windows provide additional privacy, can improve the appearance of your vehicle, and may even improve your ability to see while driving.

But for the sake of safety and protection, many states have tinting restrictions. Windows that are too dark might reduce your ability to see, leading to an accident. Here's what the rules are in New Mexico.

What is the visible light transmission percentage?

The visible light transmission (VLT) percentage refers to how much light a window tint film lets pass through your car windows. Each state sets different legal limits.

A higher VLT means that more light can pass through the film:

A 75% tint lets 75% of the light through

A 5% tint (also known as “limo tint”) only lets 5% of light through

What is the New Mexico window tint law?

Window tint laws in New Mexico were enacted in 1997 to limit the extent to which you can tint your windows. New Mexico holds different laws for sedans versus SUVs and vans.

The limits for sedans are as follows:

Front windshield: You are permitted to have non-reflective tint above the top five inches or the manufacturer's AS-1 line

Front-seat side windows: More than 20% of light must penetrate

Back-seat side windows: More than 20% of light must penetrate

Rear window: More than 20% of light must penetrate

The limits for SUVs and sedans are as follows:

Front windshield: You are permitted to have non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top five inches

Front-seat side windows: Must allow more than 20% of light in

Back-seat side windows: No limit, but dual side mirrors are required if any side or back windows are tinted

Rear window: No limit, but dual side mirrors are required if any side or back windows are tinted

You are not allowed to tint your windows red, amber, or yellow.

Additionally, you must have a sticker identifying the tinting is within legal limits between the film and glass on every tinted window. The manufacturer also needs to certify the tint. If you’re not sure if your manufacturer works with certified film, just ask.

Medical exemptions

New Mexico offers medical exemptions for window tints if your physician or optometrist deems it necessary. To request an exemption, you’ll need a signed letter from your physician.

If you are given an exemption, you must have a physical copy of the certificate in your vehicle at all times.

Penalties for violating the window tint law

If you’re pulled over for violating the window tint law in New Mexico, you’ll be charged with a petty misdemeanor and receive a fine of up to $75. While this may not affect your car insurance rates, it will go on your New Mexico driving record.

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