Hawaii window tint laws
In Hawaii, front side windows must have 35% VLT or higher, back side windows must have 35% VLT or higher, and the rear window must have 35% VLT or higher for passenger cars, SUVs, and vans. Medical exemptions are available for darker tint.
Tint darkness limits in Hawaii
In Hawaii, the amount of light that must pass through your windows is set by statute. Darker film has a lower VLT percentage. The rules below apply to aftermarket window film; factory tint on back windows is usually permitted regardless of percentage.
Sedan — VLT limits
SUV / van / truck — VLT limits
Reflectivity — sedan
Reflectivity — SUV / van
Windshield, mirrors, colors & certification
Windshield
Non-reflective tint is permitted on the windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
The AS-1 line is a factory-etched mark near the top of most windshields.
Side mirrors
Dual outside mirrors are required if rear-window tint limits visibility.
Restricted colors
- Red, amber, and other colored tint that resembles emergency or signal lighting is prohibited.
Compliance sticker
A compliance sticker identifying the tint film is required.
Film certification
Tint film must be certified by the manufacturer for use in the state.
Darker tint with a medical exemption in Hawaii
Hawaii offers a medical window-tint exemption for drivers with a qualifying medical condition. A physician certification is typically required. Applicants should confirm the current process with the Hawaii County DMV.
Who typically qualifies: Drivers with a licensed physician’s certification of a medical condition requiring limited exposure to sunlight.
What you need to apply
- Physician certification of medical necessity.
- Submission to the issuing state agency per current instructions.
- Carry documentation in the vehicle while operating it.
Common mistakes drivers make in Hawaii
- Tinting front side windows darker than 35% VLT or higher.
- Using colored tint that can be confused with signal or emergency lighting.
- Forgetting to display the compliance sticker where required.
Hawaii tint law FAQ
Is 20% tint legal in Hawaii?
Front side windows in Hawaii must allow at least 35% of light through on a sedan. Tint darker than that is not legal without a medical exemption.
Are SUV and van rules different from sedan rules in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii applies the same back side and rear window rules to sedans, SUVs, and vans.
Does Hawaii offer a medical exemption for darker window tint?
Yes. Hawaii offers a medical tint exemption for drivers with a qualifying, physician-certified condition. See the Medical Exemption section for details.
Official references
Sources below are the primary official documents we consulted for this page. If you notice an outdated link or discrepancy, please report it to our editors.
Editor’s notes
Baseline entry. Our editorial team is re-verifying all fields line-by-line against state statute and agency guidance. See our sources methodology page for details.
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