Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers | August 27, 2025 | Car Accidents
North Carolina allows vehicles to have tinted windows. However, the state regulates vehicle tinting using minimum Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages. The restrictions for window tinting balance a driver’s rights and public safety. The laws apply statewide, including in Durham, and are governed by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV).
North Carolina General Statute §20-127 provides window tinting restrictions. These rules apply to vehicles operated on state roads and public vehicle areas.
Tinting for Front Windshields
The tint on the windshield cannot extend below the AS1 line or five inches below the top of the windshield, whichever is longer. This tint must also comply with the light transmission requirements for all other windows, as discussed below.
The law allows an untinted clear film to be applied to the windshield. This kind of tint eliminates or reduces ultraviolet radiation from entering the vehicle. However, the clear film must not obstruct vision.
Tinting for All Other Windows
The law also has requirements for tinting other windows, including:
- The total light transmission of a tinted window must be at least 35%. A tinted window with a light transmission of more than 32% as measured by an approved light meter is presumed to meet this requirement.
- The light reflectance of window tinting cannot exceed 20%.
- Materials used for window tinting cannot include yellow, red, or amber.
- The tinting film must be nonreflective.
Other restrictions may apply. It is wise to consult with the relevant authorities to find out what requirements apply to your vehicle.
Medical Exceptions to North Carolina Window Tinting Laws
North Carolina has medical exceptions for darker tints when a driver has a condition that results in light sensitivity. Qualifying individuals can file an application with the NCDMV for a permit. You must obtain a permit for the medical exception and display a medical exception sticker. Permits must be kept in the vehicle and are not interchangeable.
What Are the Penalties for Violating North Carolina Window Tint Laws?
Window tinting violations are not criminal charges. Those are considered non-moving traffic violations. Therefore, you can be issued a traffic citation if your windows do not meet the requirements under North Carolina’s window tint laws.
The penalty for improperly displaying a medical exemption sticker or failing to display the sticker is typically a fine. Other violations of window tinting laws could also result in fines and court costs. In addition, you may be required to remove non-compliant window tint, which adds additional costs.
Illegal tint may also attract unwanted attention from law enforcement. Officers can pull over vehicles for violations of North Carolina window tint laws. Repeated violations could lead to a misdemeanor charge.
Update of Inspection Laws in North Carolina for Window Tinting
North Carolina recently amended its vehicle inspection laws. As of December 1, 2025, drivers may no longer be subjected to an annual vehicle inspection for window tint. However, the laws generally remain the same regarding restrictions on window tints. Vehicle owners can still face penalties if the window tint violates the law.
Could Window Tinting Impact a Car Accident Settlement Amount?
A party responsible for causing a car accident can be held liable for economic and non-economic damages. If another driver causes the crash, you can file a lawsuit for loss of income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
However, North Carolina is a pure contributory fault state for car accident claims. If a victim is found to be at fault for causing an accident, they are typically barred from receiving damages for their injuries and losses. For example, suppose a jury decides that you are 10% at fault for causing your car crash. In that case, you may receive no money for your damages.
This rule could become relevant if a defense lawyer tries to argue that your illegal window tint reduced your visibility.
Contact Our Durham Car Accident Lawyers at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for Help with Window Tint Laws
Car accident claims can become complicated. Parties generally begin blaming each other and denying claims based on contributory fault. Experienced Durham car accident lawyers understand these issues. Call Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for a free case review to discuss the details of your claim.
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have twelve convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
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1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
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300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
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2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
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Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greensboro Office
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(336) 516-9066
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
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Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529
(800) 525-7111
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807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 397-8624
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 889-406