Understanding the window tint laws in the state where you live is important. Every state has different rules and regulations, and staying informed of your state’s window laws can help you avoid fees and other penalties. If you’re a Hawaii resident, check out the window tint laws in your state below:

Window Tint Reflection in Hawaii

Window tint is a useful mechanism for reducing glare and heat by reflecting incoming light. However, Hawaii law limits how much reflection your window tint can have. Here’s what you need to know about Hawaii’s window tint reflection regulations: 

Permitted Tint Reflection for SUVs and Vans

Front side windows: Tint with a mirrored or metallic appearance is not allowed.

Back side windows: Tint with a mirrored or metallic appearance is not allowed.

Permitted Tint Reflection for Sedans

Front side windows: Tint with a mirrored or metallic appearance is not allowed.

Back side windows: Tint with a mirrored or metallic appearance is not allowed.

Window Tint Darkness in Hawaii

Hawaii regulates how dark the tint on your vehicle windows can be based on a measurement called Visual Light Transmission, or VLT. VLT is the percentage of visible light allowed through your car windows. The permitted VLT in Hawaii depends on the type of vehicle that you drive. Here’s what you need to know:

Permitted Tint Darkness for SUVs and Vans

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is only permitted on the top 4 inches of the windshield.

Front side windows: Tint must have more than 35% light transmission.

Back side windows: No restrictions.

Rear window: No restrictions.

Permitted Tint Darkness for Sedans

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is only permitted on the top 4 inches of the windshield.

Front side windows: Tint must have more than 35% light transmission.

Back side windows: Tint must have more than 35% light transmission.

Rear window: Tint must have more than 35% light transmission.

In Hawaii, window tint installers are required to provide customers with a certificate of compliance. Drivers must store this certificate in the vehicle at all times.

Other Window Tint Rules in Hawaii

While Hawaii’s window tint laws mainly pertain to how dark and reflective the tint can be, there are other policies you should be familiar with too. 

Certificates: Film does not have to be certified by the state.

Stickers: Stickers are not required to identify legal tinting.

Medical Exceptions: Hawaii does not allow medical exceptions for special tint.

Side Mirrors: If your back windows are tinted, dual side mirrors are required.

Restricted Colors: All window tint colors are permitted.

Penalties: Failure to comply with tint laws in Hawaii may result in a $250-$500 fee for personal vehicles, and a $500-$1000 fee for business vehicles.

Tint Variance: Hawaii allows tint variance up to 6%.

Please note: 

Hawaii window tint laws were first put into place in 1989. 

The information in this article was last updated in 2023.

Some rules may vary by county, so it’s important to check with your local law enforcement or DMV for more detailed guidelines.

Facts About Hawaii

Located in the central Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is known for its natural beauty, diverse terrain, and popularity as a tourist destination. It is the only state consisting of only islands, and was the last state to join the United States. Here are a couple of fun facts about Hawaii:

Population: 1,392,313 people

Geographic area: 10,931 square miles

Capital: Honolulu

Cities: Honolulu, East Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, Kailua, Waipahu, Kaneohe, Mililani Town, Kahului, Ewa Gentry, Mililani Mauka, Kihei, Makakilo, Wahiawa, Schofield Barracks, Wailuku, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Royal Kunia, Halawa, Waimalu, Waianae, Nanakuli, Kailua, Lahaina, Waipio, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapaa, Kalaoa, Kaneohe Station, Maili, Aiea, Waimea, Waihee-Waiehu, Ahuimanu, Holualoa, Ocean Pointe, Makaha, Haiku-Pauwela, Pukalani, Waikele, Napili-Honokowai, Makawao, Hickam Housing, Lihue, Kula.

Counties: Hawaii, Maui, Kalawao, Honolulu, Kauai.
 

References: 

https://www.tinting-laws.com/hawaii/