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 Illinois resident, check out the window tint laws in your state below:

Window Tint Reflection in Illinois

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

Permitted Tint Reflection for SUVs and Vans

Front side windows: Windows must be non-reflective.

Back side windows: Windows must be non-reflective.

Permitted Tint Reflection for Sedans

Front side windows: Windows must be non-reflective.

Back side windows: Windows must be non-reflective.

Window Tint Darkness in Illinois

Illinois 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 Illinois 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.

Front side windows: Tint must have more than 50% 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 6 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 addition to these laws, Illinois has several other tint darkness laws to know about:

All windows besides the windshield and front side windows can have unlimited tint.

All windows can have up to 35% VLT except the windshield.

Front side windows can have up to 50% VLT, given that the front side windows are not tinted.

If driving a vehicle with factory-installed window tint on any of the back windows, the front side windows must have more than 50% VLT.

Other Window Tint Rules in Illinois

While Illinois 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: Illinois allows special tint for medical exceptions. For more information, see Illinois state law

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 Illinois may result in a petty offense and $50-$500 fine. Subsequent offenses may result in a Class C misdemeanor with a $100-500 fine.

Tint Variance: Illinois allows up to 5% tint variance.

Please note: 

Illinois window tint laws were first put into place in 2009. 

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 Illinois

Illinois is the 25th largest state geographically, but the 5th largest state based on population. It is located in the midwestern region of the United States, and is considered one of the United States’ most influential states, both politically and culturally. It is home to the Port of Chicago, which connects Illinois to other ports through the Great Lakes, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mississippi River. Here are a couple of fun facts about Illinois:

Population: 12,875,255 people

Geographic area: 57,914 square miles

Capital: Springfield

Cities: Aurora, Chicago, Joliet, Naperville, Rockford, Springfield, Peoria, Elgin, Waukegan, Cicero, Champain, Bloomington, Decatur, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Schaumburg, Bolingbrook, Palatine, Skokie, Des Plaines, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Berwyn, Mount Prospect, Wheaton, Normal, Hoffman Estates, Downers Grove, Glenview, Belleville, Elmhurst, DeKalb, Moline, Lombard, Buffalo Grove, Urbana, Bartlett, Crystal Lake, Quincy, Streamwood, Carol Stream, Romeoville, Plainfield, Rock Island, Hanover Park, Carpentersville, Wheeling, Park Ridge, Calumet City, Addison, Glendale Heights, Pekin, Northbrook, Elk Grove Village, Danville, St. Charles, Woodridge, North Chicago.

Counties: Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, McHenry, Winnebago, St. Clair, Madison, Champaign, Sangamon, Peoria, McLean, Rock Island, Tazewell, Kendall, LaSalle, Kankakee, Macon, DeKalb, Vermilion, Adams, Williamson, Jackson, Whiteside, Boone, Coles, Ogle, Knox, Henry, Grundy, Macoupin, Stephenson, Franklin, Marion, Livingston, Jefferson, Woodford, Clinton, Fulton, Lee, Morgan, Bureau, Christian, Effingham, Randolph, Monroe, McDonough, Logan, Montgomery, Iroquis, Saline, Jersey, Jo Daviess, Shelby, Perry, Fayette, Douglas, Crawford, Hancock, Edgar, Union, Bond, Warren, Lawrence, Wayne, Piatt, DeWitt, Mercer, Pike, Clark, Richland, Massac, Carroll, Moultrie, Washington, Mason, White, Ford, Greene, Clay, Cass, Menard, Marshall, Johnson, Wabash, Cumberland, Jasper, Hamilton, Alexander, Schuyler, Henderson, Brown, Edwards, Pulaski, Putnam, Stark, Gallatin, Scott, Calhoun, Pope, Hardin.
 

References: 

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