If you’re considering adding tint to your vehicle windows in California, one of the most common questions you’ll encounter is: Is 35% tint legal in California? While 35% tint is a popular shade across many states, California’s tint laws are more restrictive than most. Understanding what’s legal—and how to go darker if needed—can help you avoid tickets, fines, and unnecessary stress.
This blog breaks down what California law says about 35% tint, where it’s allowed, and how you can legally install it (or darker) on your vehicle with a California medical window tint exemption. We’ll also show you how ForeverTint makes it easy to get legally approved if you need more protection than the standard limits allow.
What does 35% tint mean?
Window tint is measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which indicates the percentage of visible light allowed to pass through the window. A 35% tint allows 35% of the light in and blocks the remaining 65%. It provides noticeable privacy and sun protection without making the glass extremely dark.
Many drivers like 35% tint because it reduces glare and heat while still allowing decent visibility. However, just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s automatically legal in California.
California’s current tint laws
According to the California Vehicle Code Section 26708, the legal limits for window tint on passenger vehicles are:
- Windshield: Only non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches.
- Front side windows: Must allow 70% or more of light through.
- Rear side windows and rear windshield: Any darkness is allowed if the vehicle has dual side mirrors.
So, is 35% tint legal in California for the front side windows? The answer is no—not under standard law.
35% tint does not meet the required 70% light transmittance for front side windows. If you install 35% tint on your front windows without a medical exemption, you risk being pulled over, ticketed, or asked to remove the film.
Where is 35% tint legal on a vehicle?
While 35% tint is illegal on front side windows in California (without exemption), it is legal on:
- Rear side windows
- Back windshield (as long as your vehicle has both side mirrors)
These windows can be tinted as dark as you want, and 35% is well within legal range for these areas.
What if you need 35% tint for medical reasons?
If you have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to sunlight, such as lupus, photosensitivity, skin cancer, migraines, or eye disorders like photophobia, California offers a solution: a medical window tint exemption.
This exemption allows you to install 35% tint—or even darker—on windows that would otherwise be restricted, including the front side windows.
To qualify, you must obtain a written medical certification from a licensed physician or optometrist stating that:
- You have a condition requiring protection from sunlight or UV exposure.
- The use of darker window tint is medically necessary.
Once you have this documentation, you are legally allowed to install tint darker than 70% on your front side windows.
How to get a medical window tint exemption in California
ForeverTint makes the exemption process simple, fast, and completely online. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Visit the ForeverTint website
Go to https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/ and choose California as your state to begin the exemption process.
Step 2: Purchase the tint exemption service
You’ll be guided through a short form and check out securely online. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, no worries—ForeverTint offers a full refund if you’re not approved.
Step 3: Complete a phone consultation
Within 24 hours, you’ll receive a call to schedule a brief 5–10 minute phone consultation with a licensed California physician. There’s no video or in-person appointment needed.
Step 4: Receive your exemption certificate
If approved, your medical exemption certificate will be emailed to you, usually within 1 to 2 business days. This document is your legal protection and must be kept in your vehicle.
What happens if you’re pulled over?
If you’re pulled over for having 35% tint on your front side windows, and you don’t have a medical exemption, you may receive a ticket or be required to remove the tint.
However, if you do have a valid medical certificate from ForeverTint:
- Show your exemption paperwork to the officer.
- Explain that your tint is medically prescribed.
- In most cases, the officer will verify the certificate and let you go.
Even if a ticket is issued in error, your certificate can be used in court to dismiss the citation.
Why people choose 35% tint
Many drivers prefer 35% tint because it offers a balanced mix of visibility and sun protection. It blocks:
- A significant amount of UV rays
- A moderate amount of heat
- Glare from sunlight and headlights
For drivers with health conditions or light sensitivity, 35% is often the ideal level—dark enough to offer comfort, but not so dark that it compromises visibility.
With a valid medical exemption, you don’t have to compromise. You can legally enjoy the benefits of 35% tint on any window of your vehicle.
Why use ForeverTint?
ForeverTint is California’s trusted provider of medical tint exemptions. Here’s why drivers choose ForeverTint:
- Quick turnaround – Certificates are usually delivered within 24–48 hours.
- Licensed physicians – All consultations are with California-licensed doctors.
- Simple process – Everything is handled online or over the phone.
- Full refund guarantee – No risk if you’re not approved.
- Legally compliant – Certificates are written to meet California law standards.
With ForeverTint, you can enjoy the comfort and protection of 35% tint legally—without the worry of tickets or tint removal.
Final thoughts: Is 35% tint legal in California?
To answer the question directly: 35% tint is not legal on front side windows in California under normal circumstances. However, it is legal on rear side windows and the back window, and it can be legally used on front side windows if you have a valid medical exemption.
If you need 35% tint for medical comfort, glare reduction, or UV protection, ForeverTint can help you get approved quickly and legally.
Ready to make your Tint exemption purchase?
Take the next step toward safer, more comfortable driving. If you’re medically sensitive to sunlight and want 35% tint on your front windows legally, ForeverTint is your solution.
Visit https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/ to start the process and get your legal tint exemption today.
