New Jersey window tint laws

Verified for 2026 Updated for 2026 Last reviewed January 15, 2026 Tint law enacted 1951
Quick answer

In New Jersey, front side windows must have no tint allowed, 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.

VLT & reflectivity

Tint darkness limits in New Jersey

In New Jersey, 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 Not allowed
Back side windows Any VLT allowed
Rear window Any VLT allowed

SUV / van / truck — VLT limits

Front side windows Not allowed
Back side windows Any VLT allowed
Rear window Any VLT allowed

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 Jersey

New Jersey prohibits aftermarket tint on the front side windows. Back side and rear windows may be any darkness. Medical exemptions are available through the NJ MVC.

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 Jersey medical exemption guide →

Watch out

Common mistakes drivers make in New Jersey

  • Tinting front side windows darker than no tint allowed.
  • Using colored tint that can be confused with signal or emergency lighting.
  • Assuming New Jersey enforces the same rules as a neighboring state.

New Jersey tint law FAQ

Is 5% tint legal in New Jersey?

New Jersey does not set a numeric VLT limit on sedan front side windows in the way most states do. See the summary above for specifics.

Are SUV and van rules different from sedan rules in New Jersey?

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

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

Yes. New Jersey 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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