Quick reference · Arizona

Arizona window tint reference card

A print-ready, glovebox-sized summary of Arizona's 2026 window tint rules. Everything an officer or shop might ask, in one scannable page.

Verified for 2026 Last reviewed January 15, 2026 Arizona

Arizona AZ · 2026
Sedan
  • Front side: 33% VLT or higher
  • Back side: Any VLT allowed
  • Rear: Any VLT allowed
SUV / Van / MPV
  • Front side: 33% VLT or higher
  • Back side: Any VLT allowed
  • Rear: Any VLT allowed

Same as sedan rules.

Windshield
Non-reflective tint is permitted on the windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Reflectivity (front)
No more than 35% reflective
Reflectivity (back)
No more than 35% reflective
Side mirrors if back tinted
Dual outside mirrors are required if rear-window tint obscures visibility.
Restricted colors
Red and amber are restricted for tint because they could be confused with emergency-vehicle lighting.
Sticker requirement
Arizona does not require a compliance sticker on the vehicle.
Manufacturer certificate
Arizona does not require manufacturer certification of aftermarket tint film.
Medical exemption
Available. Arizona allows a medical exemption that permits darker tint when supported by written documentation from a licensed physician or optometrist. The documentation should be kept in the vehicle.
Penalty (typical)
Illegal tint in Arizona is generally a civil violation with fines that vary by jurisdiction. Non-compliant film must be removed.
During a traffic stop

What to show the officer

  • Your film manufacturer’s certificate or installation receipt, kept in the glovebox. (Arizona does not require manufacturer certification of aftermarket tint film.)
  • Post-installation VLT reading receipt if you have one (tint shops will print it free on request).
  • If you hold a Arizona medical tint exemption, carry the official permit, physician form, or ID card in the vehicle at all times.
  • Know the ±3% meter tolerance. If your window reads 33% VLT or higher, a reading of (minimum − 3%) or higher is within tolerance. See our Arizona meter tolerance page.
Before tinting

Pre-install checklist

  • Confirm your vehicle’s classification (passenger car vs MPV/SUV) via the door-jamb label.
  • Choose a VLT at or above the 33% VLT or higher minimum for front side windows.
  • Verify the film meets the Arizona reflectivity cap.
  • Use a manufacturer-certified installer (3M Pro Dealer, LLumar SelectPro, SunTek Pro Tint, or Solar Gard). See how to find a good tint shop.
  • Require a printed post-install VLT reading for every window.
  • Store the manufacturer certificate + installer warranty with vehicle registration.
Primary sources

Arizona official references

Using the reference card

Why you should carry a printed tint reference card

A single-page, printed reference card in the glovebox is the cheapest insurance you can carry against a wrongful tint stop in Arizona. During a roadside conversation with an officer, being able to hand over a concise document that:

  • Cites the current Arizona VLT minimums for your vehicle class,
  • Lists the reflectivity cap,
  • References the state statute or administrative code,
  • Shows your film brand, VLT, and install date,

… accomplishes several things at once. It demonstrates that you understand the law, it narrows the question to a straightforward reading, and it gives the officer something to anchor their notes on. Many stops end in a warning once the officer sees that the driver has done their homework.

Glovebox kit

What else to keep with your reference card

A complete glovebox tint-documentation kit for Arizona includes:

  1. This reference card, printed single-sided on letter or A4 paper.
  2. Your installer’s original invoice showing film brand, model, rated VLT for each window, and install date. This establishes what was installed and proves the work was done by a professional.
  3. The manufacturer warranty certificate (3M, LLumar, SunTek, Solar Gard, XPEL, etc.). This lets the officer verify the film is a legitimate named product, not an uncertified import.
  4. A copy of your most recent VLT meter reading if you have one — taken by the installer at install or by a tint shop any time the film was re-measured.
  5. Medical exemption documentation, if applicable. Either the state-issued permit/sticker or the signed physician certification.
  6. Vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Standard glovebox items, but confirm they are current and accessible.

Store all these documents in a single labeled envelope. If you are stopped, you hand the officer the envelope, not a stack of loose papers.

Keeping it current

When to update your reference card

  • After each state legislative session (January–June typically), check whether the Arizona tint statute has been amended. Our state pages are updated on a 6-month review cycle — the footer of your state page shows when it was last reviewed.
  • After any new tint install or film replacement, re-print the card with the updated film brand, VLT, and install date.
  • Annually on your inspection date (in states with annual inspection), print a fresh card while you are gathering the other documents for inspection.
  • After you move or register the vehicle in a new state, print the new state’s reference card immediately — old cards become misleading the moment you cross state lines with updated plates.

Arizona reference card FAQ

What is the minimum legal tint in Arizona?

On a passenger car front side window, 33% VLT or higher. Back side and rear window rules may differ &mdash; see the table on this page or the full <a href="/states/arizona/">Arizona tint law page</a>.

Can I print this reference card?

Yes. Use your browser's Print function (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P). The card is optimized for letter-size paper and is glovebox-friendly.

Is this card a legal document?

No. It is a summary reference for quick checks during officer interactions and shop visits. Law enforcement and courts rely on the actual statute text. See the <a href="#references">official references</a> section for the primary sources.

How often is this card updated?

We review Arizona window tint law and this card at least annually. Last reviewed: 2026-01-15. Material changes since that date may not yet be reflected; always confirm before installing.