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 an Idaho resident, check out the window tint laws in your state below:
Window Tint Reflection in Idaho
Window tint is a useful mechanism for reducing glare and heat by reflecting incoming light. However, Idaho law limits how much reflection your window tint can have. Here’s what you need to know about Idaho’s window tint reflection regulations:
Permitted Tint Reflection for SUVs and Vans
Front side windows: Windows must be 35% reflective or less.
Back side windows: Windows must be 35% reflective or less.
Permitted Tint Reflection for Sedans
Front side windows: Windows must be 35% reflective or less.
Back side windows: Windows must be 35% reflective or less.
Window Tint Darkness in Idaho
Idaho 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 Idaho 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 6 inches of the windshield, or above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Front side windows: Tint must have more than 35% light transmission.
Back side windows: Tint must have more than 20% light transmission.
Rear window: Tint must have more than 35% light transmission.
Permitted Tint Darkness for Sedans
Windshield: Non-reflective tint is only permitted on the top 6 inches of the windshield, or above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Front side windows: Tint must have more than 35% light transmission.
Back side windows: Tint must have more than 20% light transmission.
Rear window: Tint must have more than 35% light transmission.
Other Window Tint Rules in Idaho
While Idaho’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: Idaho allows special tint for medical exceptions (up to 75% on windshield and 20% on other windows).
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 Idaho may result in a traffic infraction.
Please note:
Idaho window tint laws were first put into place in 1992.
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 Idaho
Idaho is the 14th largest state geographically and the 39th largest based on population. It is located in the northwestern area of the United States and is bordered by Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Montana, and Canada’s British Columbia province. Here are a couple of fun facts about Idaho:
Population: 1,595,728 people
Geographic area: 83,570 square miles
Capital: Boise
Cities: Boise, McCall, Wendell, Ketchum, Montpelier, Homedale, Idaho Falls, Nampa, Pocatello, Meridian, Caldwell, Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, Twin Falls, Post Falls, Rexburg, Moscow, Kuna, Eagle, Mountain Home, Chubbuck, Ammon, Hayden, Blackfoot, Garden City, Jerome, Burley, Hailey, Payette, Sandpoint, Rathdrum, Emmett, Star, Rupert, Middleton, Weiser, Preston, Fruitland, American Falls, Shelley, Buhl, Rigby, Gooding, St. Anthony, Kimberly, Orofino, Grangeville, Salmon, Soda Springs, Heyburn.
Counties: Ada, Adams, Bannock, Bear Lake, Benewah, Bingham, Blaine, Boise, Bonner, Bonneville, Boundary, Butte, Camas, Canyon, Caribou, Cassia, Clark, Clearwater, Custer, Elmore, Franklin, Fremont, Gem, Gooding, Idaho, Jefferson, Jerome, Kootenai, Latah, Lemhi, Lewis, Lincoln, Madison, Minidoka, Nez Perce, Oneida, Owyhee, Payette, Power, Shoshone, Teton, Twin Falls, Valley, Washington.
References:
https://www.tinting-laws.com/idaho/