Window tint laws in Rhode Island (2026)

The rules, window by window

Windshield

The front windshield may not be covered or treated with nontransparent or sunscreen material, window application, reflective or non-reflective film unless an exemption applies; transparent material is permitted on the uppermost six inches along the top of the windshield (R.I. Gen. Laws 31-23.3-2 and 31-23.3-4).

The standard in the law's own words

31-23.3-2 is a blanket prohibition on covering or treating the windshield, the side windows adjacent to and immediately rear of the operator's seat, and the rear window, unless a 31-23.3-3/31-23.3-4 criterion applies.

Reflectivity

The prohibition in 31-23.3-2 expressly covers reflective film as well as non-reflective film; no separate numeric reflectance limit is stated in the chapter as read.

Medical exemption

A vehicle registered to a person (or their legal guardian) who has an affidavit signed by a physician or optometrist licensed in Rhode Island certifying that a physical condition makes darker sunscreening necessary is exempt; the Division of Motor Vehicles issues an identification sticker for the driver's side window on application with the affidavit (R.I. Gen. Laws 31-23.3-4).

Enforcement

Installers must affix a label (up to 1.5 square inches) in the lower left corner of the front window with the installer's name and light transmittance percentage; the DMV administrator is authorized to set measurement standards by regulation (31-23.3-3). RI DMV guidance lists a 250 dollar fine for violations.

Notes

The 70 percent values recorded here come from the exemption in 31-23.3-4: material with a total visible light transmittance of not less than 70 percent measured perpendicular to the glass is permitted on the windshield, the front side windows, the side windows immediately to the rear of the operator's seat, and the rear window (rear window use requires two outside mirrors giving the driver a clear view behind). The statute states total (combined) transmittance. Rear windows of trucks, buses, trailers, mobile homes, campers, multipurpose vehicles, charter buses, funeral vehicles, and limousines may carry sunscreen material with proper dual mirrors; law enforcement vehicles and vehicles meeting 49 CFR 571.205 are also exempt, and an executive-security exemption exists with local police chief permission.