What is the darkest tint you can get away with in California?

In California, the darkest tint you can legally have is defined by California Vehicle Code Section 26708, and what you can get away with depends on enforcement tolerance. Legally, front side windows must allow at least 70 percent of light in, meaning 70 percent VLT, which is very light, almost clear, and windshields cannot have tint below the top 4 inches, except for a clear UV film. Rear side windows and rear windshields can be any darkness, including 5 percent limo tint, as long as you have dual side mirrors. So legally the darkest on front windows is 70 percent, which is barely noticeable. In practice, many people in California run darker tints like 50 percent, 35 percent, or even 20 percent on front side windows and get away with it, but it is technically illegal and gives officers probable cause to stop you. What you can get away with often depends on location, vehicle type, and officer discretion. In Los Angeles and urban areas, darker tints are common and enforcement is less strict unless you are stopped for another reason, but in some counties CHP may be stricter. The safest darkest you can get away with without frequent issues is around 50 percent to 35 percent on fronts, but legally only 70 percent is compliant.