North Carolina window tint laws
In North Carolina, front side, back side, and rear windows must allow at least 35% VLT, for all passenger vehicles and SUVs. Non-reflective tint is allowed on the windshield above the AS-1 line. Medical exemptions are available through NCDMV (Form MVR-3A).
Tint darkness limits in North Carolina
In North Carolina, 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.
Side mirrors
Dual outside mirrors are required on vehicles with aftermarket rear-window tint.
Restricted colors
- Red, amber, and yellow tint are not permitted.
Compliance sticker
North Carolina does not require a compliance sticker, but a tint waiver (medical exemption) should be retained in the vehicle.
Film certification
Aftermarket tint film should comply with state reflectivity and VLT standards. Manufacturer certification is not mandated by law.
Penalties & enforcement
Illegal tint in North Carolina is typically an infraction with fines plus a requirement to remove non-compliant film before the next inspection.
Darker tint with a medical exemption in North Carolina
North Carolina offers a tint medical exception via NCDMV using Form MVR-3A. A licensed physician or optometrist must certify a qualifying medical condition. Approved applicants may install film darker than 35% VLT.
Who typically qualifies: Drivers with a medical condition requiring limited exposure to light, certified by a licensed physician or optometrist.
Renewal / expiration: The exception is typically issued for a set period and must be renewed with updated medical documentation.
What you need to apply
- Completed NCDMV Form MVR-3A signed by a licensed physician or optometrist.
- Submission to NCDMV for approval.
- Carry the approved exception document in the vehicle.
Common mistakes drivers make in North Carolina
- Installing film below 35% VLT on any window without an approved medical exception.
- Using tint with more than 20% reflectivity on side windows.
- Installing red, amber, or yellow-tinted film.
- Driving without the approved MVR-3A waiver when relying on the medical exception.
North Carolina tint law FAQ
Is 20% tint legal in North Carolina?
No. North Carolina requires at least 35% VLT on all windows for most vehicles. 20% is too dark without an approved medical exception.
Does North Carolina treat SUVs differently than sedans?
No. North Carolina applies the same 35% VLT rule to front side, back side, and rear windows on both sedans and SUVs.
How do I get a tint medical exception in North Carolina?
Have a licensed physician or optometrist complete NCDMV Form MVR-3A, submit it to NCDMV for approval, and carry the approved waiver in the vehicle.
Is reflective tint legal in NC?
Tint with more than 20% reflectivity is not legal on side windows in North Carolina.
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
North Carolina’s uniform 35% VLT rule and 20% reflectivity ceiling put it among the stricter southeastern states.
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