Iowa window tint laws
In Iowa, front side windows must have 70% VLT or higher, back side windows must have any darkness, and the rear window must have any darkness for passenger cars, SUVs, and vans. Medical exemptions are available for darker tint.
Tint darkness limits in Iowa
In Iowa, 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
A non-reflective tint strip at the top of the windshield is permitted as long as it does not extend into the driver’s clear view.
Side mirrors
Dual outside mirrors are recommended whenever 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 is not required by statute.
Film certification
Film manufacturer certification is not required by statute.
Darker tint with a medical exemption in Iowa
Iowa 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 Iowa DOT.
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 Iowa
- Tinting front side windows darker than 70% VLT or higher.
- Using colored tint that can be confused with signal or emergency lighting.
- Assuming Iowa enforces the same rules as a neighboring state.
Iowa tint law FAQ
Is 20% tint legal in Iowa?
Front side windows in Iowa must allow at least 70% 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 Iowa?
No. Iowa applies the same back side and rear window rules to sedans, SUVs, and vans.
Does Iowa offer a medical exemption for darker window tint?
Yes. Iowa 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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