Utah window tint laws require front side windows to allow at least 35% VLT under Utah Code Section 41-6a-1635, amended effective May 7, 2025. A violation carries a $60 fine as a non-moving infraction with no mandatory court appearance. This guide covers the windshield rule, front and rear window limits, penalties, and the medical exemption question, sourced from the Utah Highway Patrol and the Utah State Legislature.
What VLT Means And Why It Matters
VLT stands for visible light transmission, the percent of light that passes through combined glass and film. A higher VLT number means more light passes through, so the tint looks lighter. A lower number means less light passes through, so the tint looks darker. This causes confusion, since readers often assume a higher percentage means a darker film. Utah Code Section 41-6a-1635 sets minimum VLT percentages for each window.
Windshield Tint Rules In Utah
Utah law permits non-reflective tint only above the AS-1 line, a factory-etched marking near the top of the windshield. Below that line, the windshield must remain clear so a driver keeps full forward visibility. Some sources describe this rule as covering the entire windshield, which is not accurate. The Utah Highway Patrol window tint requirements page confirms this AS-1 line rule as part of the current inspection standard statewide.
Front Side Window VLT Requirement
Front side windows, meaning the driver and front passenger windows, must allow at least 35% VLT under the current statute. This figure took effect May 7, 2025 following a 2025 General Session amendment, and it replaced an older 43% figure that many published guides still incorrectly repeat. The Utah 2025 H.B. 112 enrolled bill documents this amendment directly, including the effective date and the underlying statutory change itself.
Rear Side And Rear Window Rules
Utah law generally allows darker tint on rear side windows and the rear window compared to front side windows, provided the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides. This mirror rule exists because a driver loses rear visibility through darker rear glass and must compensate using side mirrors. The statute treats front side windows as the primary visibility concern, which is why the 35% threshold applies to that window position.
Who The Tinting Law Applies To
Utah Code Section 41-6a-1635 applies to individual vehicle owners and drivers operating on Utah roads. Separately, federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards apply to manufacturers, distributors, dealers, importers, and repair businesses, a distinct carveout named within the statute text. This matters because readers sometimes believe the same standards bind manufacturers and drivers identically. In practice, the 35% VLT rule is the relevant threshold for a private individual driving a personal vehicle.
Fine And Infraction Classification
A window tint violation under Utah Code Section 41-6a-1635 carries a $60 fine according to the Utah Courts 2026 Uniform Fine Schedule. This classification is a non-moving traffic infraction, meaning it concerns a vehicle equipment condition rather than driving behavior, and it does not require a mandatory court appearance. The Utah Courts 2026 Uniform Fine Schedule lists this figure, correcting competitor estimates that range between $50 and $500.
Change To Available Penalties In 2025
The 2025 amendment through H.B. 112 removed a peace officer’s ability to request license or registration suspension specifically for a tint violation. Previously, enforcement options extended beyond a standard citation and fine in some circumstances tied to this offense under the older statute. Under the current version, a tint violation results only in the infraction and its fine rather than broader licensing consequences. Most guides do not mention this change.
Medical Exemption Status In Utah
Utah does not have a formal statutory medical exemption process for window tint, unlike permit systems found in several other states. Some competitor content incorrectly describes a standardized medical exemption application through a state agency, which is not supported by the statute itself. Any accommodation for a medical condition would be discretionary rather than a codified legal right under current law. Confirm current practice directly with the Utah Highway Patrol.
Common Misconceptions About The Current Law
The most significant misconception in published guides is the continued citation of a 43% front side VLT figure, the rule before the 2025 amendment took effect. This outdated number appears across many tint law guides, risking a reader relying on stale, superseded information. A second error describes illegal tint as a misdemeanor, when Utah classifies it as a non-moving infraction resolved by a fine, not a criminal charge.
Verifying Current Rules Before You Install Tint
Because Utah’s window tint statute changed as recently as 2025, verifying current percentages against primary sources remains important before any installation or vehicle inspection. Laws and enforcement practices may change further over time, and official state sources reflect the most current standard at any given moment. For questions about a specific vehicle, a licensed attorney in your state is the appropriate resource, and further background appears on the Disclaimer page.
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.