In California, 30 percent tint is not legal on front side windows, but it is legal on rear side windows and rear windshield. California Vehicle Code Section 26708 requires front side windows to allow at least 70 percent of visible light in, meaning 70 percent VLT, which is very light, almost clear, and windshields can only have tint on the top 4 inches. 30 percent tint allows only 30 percent of light through, blocking 70 percent, which is much darker than the 70 percent minimum, so it is illegal on front side windows. On rear side windows and rear windshield, California allows any darkness, including 5 percent limo tint, as long as the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides, so 30 percent is completely legal on rear windows. Many people in California still install 30 or 35 percent on front windows because it looks good and provides better privacy and heat rejection than 70 percent, but it is technically illegal and gives officers reason to stop you and issue a fix-it ticket. The ticket is usually correctable, requiring removal and a small dismissal fee. So if you want to stay fully legal in California, you must have 70 percent or lighter on front side windows, and you can have 30 percent on rear windows without issue.
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