North Dakota window tint laws require non windshield windows to allow at least 35% VLT as of August 1, 2025. The windshield must allow at least 70% VLT above the AS-1 line. This marks a change from the prior 50% VLT standard for side windows. This guide covers windshield rules, penalties, and medical exemptions. The rules come from Code Section 39-21-39 of the North Dakota Century Code.
Key Terms Defined
Visible Light Transmission, known as VLT, describes the percentage of outside light that passes through a tinted window. A lower VLT percentage means a darker tint that blocks more light. The AS-1 line is a factory marked line near the top of a windshield showing where legal tinting can begin. Nonreflective sunscreening refers to film that does not create mirror like glare, treated differently under the windshield exception.
What the Law Says
North Dakota Century Code Section 39-21-39 on tinted windows sets the current statewide standard for windshield and window tint darkness. The statute applies to passenger vehicles on North Dakota roads and covers the windshield and all other windows. It also addresses an exception for windows behind the vehicle operator. The rule differs by window position, so drivers should understand each category separately rather than assuming one limit covers the vehicle.
VLT Limits by Window
Front side windows and rear side windows must allow at least 35% VLT under the current version of Code Section 39-21-39. This means at least 35% of outside light must pass through the glass and any applied film combined. Darker tints that block more light are not compliant. The North Dakota Highway Patrol tint percentage FAQ confirms this figure as the current, enforceable limit statewide.
Windshield Tint Rule (AS-1 Line)
The windshield itself must generally remain clear and allow at least 70% VLT. Nonreflective sunscreening is permitted only above the AS-1 line or within the top five inches of the windshield, whichever measurement is lower. This exception does not apply to the rest of the windshield. Drivers cannot apply darkening film across the full windshield, since the statute limits nonreflective material to that narrow top strip only.
Windows Behind the Operator Exception
Windows located behind the vehicle operator may be tinted to any darkness, including full blackout, under a specific condition. This exception applies only if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides that meet the requirements of Code Section 39-21-38. Without compliant mirrors on both sides, the exception does not apply. Vehicles lacking both mirrors must instead follow the standard 35% VLT limit for those windows.
The August 2025 Law Change
North Dakota’s tint law changed through House Bill 1340, passed during the 69th Legislative Assembly’s 2025 regular session. Governor Kelly Armstrong signed the bill, which amended and reenacted subsection 4 of Code Section 39-21-39. The North Dakota Legislative Branch HB 1340 bill overview confirms this amendment took effect August 1, 2025. Many websites still describe the older standard, so drivers should rely on the current statutory text.
What Changed (50% to 35% VLT)
Before August 1, 2025, non windshield windows in North Dakota required at least 50% VLT under the prior statute. House Bill 1340 lowered this minimum to 35% VLT, allowing drivers to legally apply darker tint than before. This change applies to front side windows and rear side windows statewide. Vehicles tinted to meet the older 50% standard remain compliant, since 35% permits greater darkness than before.
What Did Not Change (Windshield Limit)
House Bill 1340 amended only subsection 4 of Code Section 39-21-39, which governs non windshield windows. The windshield requirement of at least 70% VLT, along with the AS-1 line and top five inch nonreflective exception, remained unchanged by this legislation. Drivers should not assume the entire statute shifted toward darker allowances. The windshield rule that existed before August 2025 continues to apply exactly as written in the current statutory language.
The 2026 Ballot Measure
A citizen initiated petition sought to remove all North Dakota window tint restrictions and place the question on the November 2026 ballot. Organizers needed 15,582 valid signatures to qualify for that ballot. The petition fell short of that threshold by the February 2026 deadline. As a result, the measure will not appear on the 2026 ballot, and the current 35% VLT standard under Code Section 39-21-39 remains in force statewide.
Medical Exemptions
The current text of Code Section 39-21-39 does not include a medical exemption process for window tint darkness. Some websites claim North Dakota offers an exemption for documented medical conditions, while others state no such provision exists. Based on the verified statutory language, North Dakota law does not currently provide a medical exemption route for tint darker than the standard 35% or 70% VLT limits.
Penalties or Consequences
A vehicle with tint darker than the legal VLT limits may result in a traffic citation. The law generally allows an officer to stop and cite a vehicle displaying noncompliant window tint under Code Section 39-21-39. Specific fine amounts can vary and were not independently confirmed against a verified statewide fee schedule. Consult a licensed attorney in your state or the North Dakota Department of Transportation for confirmed penalty figures.
Common Misconceptions
Many drivers assume rear windows can always be tinted to any darkness, but this only applies with outside mirrors on both sides. Others believe the windshield can be tinted across its full surface, when only the top five inches or the area above the AS-1 line qualifies. A widespread misconception is that 50% VLT remains the legal minimum. Laws may change, so drivers should check official state sources for updates.
North Dakota’s window tint standard reflects a 2025 legislative update that many informational sources have not yet incorporated. Readers comparing tint options should rely on the current 35% VLT figure for non windshield windows rather than older figures still circulating online. For information about how Lawwalls presents legal topics and the limits of this content, see the Disclaimer page before treating any statement here as individualized legal guidance.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Lawwalls publishes informational content only and does not provide legal services or legal advice.
For legal advice about your specific situation contact a licensed attorney in your state. Laws change and vary by jurisdiction. Verify current rules with official government sources or a qualified lawyer.