New Hampshire window tint laws

Verified for 2026 Updated for 2026 Last reviewed January 15, 2026 Tint law enacted 1989
Quick answer

In New Hampshire, front side windows must have 70% 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.

VLT & reflectivity

Tint darkness limits in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, 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

Front side windows 70% VLT or higher
Back side windows 35% VLT or higher
Rear window 35% VLT or higher

SUV / van / truck — VLT limits

Front side windows 70% VLT or higher
Back side windows 35% VLT or higher
Rear window 35% VLT or higher

Reflectivity — sedan

Front side windowsReflective tint not allowed
Back side windowsReflective tint not allowed

Reflectivity — SUV / van

Front side windowsReflective tint not allowed
Back side windowsReflective tint not allowed
Everything else

Windshield, mirrors, colors & certification

Windshield

Aftermarket tint on the windshield is generally not permitted.

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 is not required by statute.

Film certification

Film manufacturer certification is not required by statute.

Medical exemption

Darker tint with a medical exemption in New Hampshire

New Hampshire 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 NH 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.

Full New Hampshire medical exemption guide →

Watch out

Common mistakes drivers make in New Hampshire

  • Tinting front side windows darker than 70% VLT or higher.
  • Using colored tint that can be confused with signal or emergency lighting.
  • Assuming New Hampshire enforces the same rules as a neighboring state.

New Hampshire tint law FAQ

Is 20% tint legal in New Hampshire?

Front side windows in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?

No. New Hampshire applies the same back side and rear window rules to sedans, SUVs, and vans.

Does New Hampshire offer a medical exemption for darker window tint?

Yes. New Hampshire 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.

Have an update or correction? Tell our editors.