Window tint laws in North Carolina (2026)

The rules, window by window

Windshield

The windshield may be tinted only along the top, not extending more than 5 inches below the top of the windshield or below the AS1 line, whichever measurement is longer; an untinted clear film that does not obstruct vision but reduces or eliminates ultraviolet radiation may be applied to the windshield (G.S. 20-127(b)). The windshield restriction applies without exception (G.S. 20-127(c)).

The standard in the law's own words

The section operates through numeric transmittance and reflectance limits; the windshield clear-film option is conditioned on not obstructing vision.

Reflectivity

The light reflectance of a tinted window shall be 20% or less, and tinted film or other material must be nonreflective (G.S. 20-127(b)(2)-(3)).

Color restrictions

Tinted film or other tinting material shall not be red, yellow, or amber (G.S. 20-127(b)(3)).

Medical exemption

A person photosensitive to visible light due to a medical condition may obtain a medical exception permit by applying in writing to the Drivers Medical Evaluation Program with a physician-completed medical evaluation form. Permits are valid up to 5 years, renewable with medical recertification, limited to four valid permits per person at any one time, and specify the vehicle, windows, and permitted tint levels. A DMV sticker must be placed on the lower left corner of the rear window between the window and the tinting; failure to display it is an infraction with a 200 dollar fine (G.S. 20-127(f)).

Enforcement

Applying non-compliant tint or driving with it is a Class 3 misdemeanor (G.S. 20-127(d)). It is a defense that the tint was removed within 15 days of the charge, evidenced by a DMV or Highway Patrol compliance certificate (G.S. 20-127(e)). Drivers of vehicles with tinted windows must roll down the driver side window (or passenger side, if approached from that side) when a law enforcement officer approaches (G.S. 20-127(g)).

Notes

North Carolina's standard is total light transmission of at least 35% for all windows other than the windshield, measured combined through the tinted window as installed; a window measuring more than 32% on a Commissioner-approved light meter is conclusively presumed compliant (an enforcement tolerance built into G.S. 20-127(b)(1)). Subdivisions (b)(1)-(2) do not apply to: excursion passenger vehicles, motor homes, ambulances, the rear window of property-hauling vehicles, limousines, law enforcement vehicles, out-of-state vehicles compliant where registered, vehicles with medical exception permits, and windows behind the driver of a multipurpose vehicle (a passenger vehicle designed for 10 or fewer passengers that is built on a truck chassis or has features for occasional off-road use; minivans and pickup trucks are multipurpose vehicles, and most SUVs qualify). Vehicles subject to 49 CFR Part 393 follow the federal standard (subsection (b1)). Primary-source note: text verified from the Justia reproduction of the 2025 North Carolina General Statutes including 2025 session law amendments, because ncleg.gov blocked automated fetching; a human reviewer should confirm against ncleg.gov.