If you’re a driver in California looking to protect yourself from harsh sun exposure or simply hoping for a little more privacy, one of the most common questions you’ll ask is: What is the darkest legal tint in California? The answer is important, because California has some of the strictest window tint laws in the country—and violating them can result in citations, forced removal of the tint, and fines.
But what if you need a darker tint for medical reasons? Fortunately, California does allow for exceptions under certain conditions. This is where a medical window tint exemption comes in—and ForeverTint makes the process of getting one legally, quickly, and conveniently online.
In this blog, we’ll explore what the law says, reference expert legal insight from the Corrales Law Group, and explain how a medical tint exemption allows you to go darker—legally.
Understanding California’s Window Tint Laws
California Vehicle Code § 26708 governs the state’s window tint regulations. The law outlines exactly how much tint is permitted on each section of your vehicle.
According to the Corrales Law Group, here are the baseline legal limits:
- Windshield: You may only have non-reflective tint on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
- Front side windows: Must allow 70% or more of visible light through.
- Rear side windows and rear windshield: Can have any darkness for passenger vehicles, as long as you have dual side mirrors if the rear window is tinted.
These restrictions apply to most drivers. California enforces these laws through traffic stops, inspections, and visual assessments. Officers may also use tint meters to measure the percentage of light passing through your windows.
So, if you’re asking “What is the darkest legal tint in California?” the answer depends on the location of the window and whether you have a valid medical exemption for tint.
What counts as too dark?
Any tint on the front side windows that lets in less than 70% of light is illegal unless you have a medical exemption.
For comparison:
- A 70% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) film is barely noticeable and is the lightest available.
- 20% to 35% VLT is darker and commonly used on rear windows (where it’s legal).
- Anything below 20% is very dark and absolutely not legal on front windows unless you have a tint exemption.
If your vehicle has film darker than the legal limit without a medical exemption, you risk:
- Getting pulled over
- Receiving a citation
- Being ordered to remove the tint
- Paying fines or attending court
Can you go darker with a tint exemption?
Yes. California allows individuals with certain medical conditions to install darker window tint on front side windows and even the windshield—within reasonable limits—as long as they have a signed medical exemption from a licensed physician.
This exemption must:
- Clearly state the medical condition
- Justify the need for darker window tinting
- Be issued by a California-licensed medical doctor or optometrist
- Be kept in the vehicle and shown to law enforcement if requested
ForeverTint makes it easy to get this documentation through a short phone consultation with a licensed physician, with certificates issued digitally within 24–48 hours.
What medical conditions qualify?
According to California tint law and common exemptions granted through ForeverTint, conditions that may qualify for darker tint include:
- Lupus
- Melanoma or other skin cancers
- Chronic migraines
- Photosensitivity (including medication-induced sensitivity)
- Photophobia and light sensitivity related to eye disorders
- Post-surgical eye recovery
These conditions often require additional UV protection or reduced glare. A standard 70% tint simply isn’t enough. That’s why California allows people with qualifying health needs to legally go darker—if they have proper documentation.
What the Corrales Law Group says
According to the Corrales Law Group’s blog on California window tint law, there is no tolerance for front window tints darker than 70% VLT unless a person has a documented medical need. They also confirm that California law does not require submission to the DMV for tint exemptions—the certificate just needs to be present in the vehicle and shown to law enforcement during stops or inspections.
This aligns with the process offered by ForeverTint. Once approved by a licensed physician, you receive a valid exemption certificate that meets California’s requirements. You don’t need to send paperwork to the state or undergo complicated administrative steps.
Why a medical tint exemption is the best solution
If you’re looking to legally go darker than 70% on your front windows—or add protective tint to your windshield—the only way to do it in California is by obtaining a medical exemption. With ForeverTint, this process is:
- Fast – Most exemptions are approved and delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
- Easy – All consultations are done via phone, with no in-person or video calls required.
- Legal – All documentation is physician-issued, California-specific, and fully compliant.
- Risk-free – If you’re not approved, ForeverTint offers a full refund.
Once you receive your signed certificate, you can legally install darker tint and keep the certificate in your vehicle as proof of your California medical tint exemption. This protects you from citations while giving you the sun protection you medically require.
What happens if you’re stopped by law enforcement?
Even with a legal exemption, it’s important to be prepared. If you’re pulled over:
- Remain calm and respectful.
- Inform the officer that you have a medical exemption.
- Present your exemption certificate from your glovebox or phone.
Most officers are familiar with the law and will simply verify your certificate before concluding the stop. If the officer is unfamiliar or issues a citation anyway, you can use your certificate to contest the ticket in court, and it will usually be dismissed.
Final thoughts on the darkest legal tint in California
To answer the question “What is the darkest legal tint in California?” — it depends. For most people, the limit is 70% VLT on front side windows and non-reflective tint on the top 4 inches of the windshield. However, with a valid medical exemption, you can legally go darker on those windows as needed for your health.
If you have a medical condition that makes sunlight exposure uncomfortable or dangerous, you don’t have to compromise your comfort or risk breaking the law. ForeverTint makes the exemption process fast, legal, and stress-free.
Ready to make your Tint exemption purchase?
If you’re ready to install darker window tint legally in California, ForeverTint is here to help. Start the process online and receive your legally valid exemption certificate within days.
Visit https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/ to get started today and enjoy glare-free, compliant driving.
