In Vermont, window tinting is legal but only if it meets the new 2026 specifications that limit how much visible light may pass through the glass. The state now permits a minimum 50 percent VLT (Visible Light Transmission) on the front side windows, while the rear and back‑side windows may be as low as 35 percent VLT. Any tint outside these thresholds, or that blocks the manufacturer’s windshield markings, is a traffic violation. The updated rules, adopted in January 2026, aim to improve road safety while still allowing drivers the privacy and UV protection many desire.
What the 2026 Rules Require
The 2026 amendment to Vermont Statutes (V.S.A. § 480A) standardizes VLT percentages for all passenger vehicles. Front side windows must let in at least half of the outside light; this is measured with a calibrated photometer. Rear side and back windows may be darker, down to 35 percent VLT, but only if the vehicle’s rearview mirror provides an unobstructed view of the roadway. Additionally, the tint film cannot interfere with the windshield’s “AS‑1” or “AS‑2” safety markings, and on any vehicle equipped with an automatic dimming rear‑view mirror, the mirror must remain functional.
How to Verify Compliance
- Purchase film that displays a VLT rating certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
- Have a licensed auto‑glass professional install the film, ensuring no bubbles or gaps that could affect the measurement.
- Obtain a post‑installation VLT test from a certified inspection station; the DMV now requires a printed report for registration renewal when tint is present.
Keeping the test report in the vehicle is advisable, as law‑enforcement officers may request it during a traffic stop.
Penalties for Non‑Compliant Tint
Violating the VLT limits is classified as a civil infraction. First‑time offenders face a $150 fine, a mandatory removal of the tint, and a possible registration hold until the vehicle passes a corrective inspection. Repeated violations can increase the fine to $300 and may result in points on the driver’s record, affecting insurance premiums.
Medical Exemptions
Vermont allows a medical exemption for drivers whose condition requires additional UV protection, such as lupus or certain eye disorders. To obtain an exemption, a licensed physician must submit a signed statement to the DMV, and the vehicle will receive a special “Medical Tint” placard. Even with an exemption, the front side windows must still meet the 50 percent minimum VLT to maintain road‑visibility standards.
Enforcement and Inspection
Starting July 2026, the Vermont State Police began random roadside checks using handheld photometers. Officers receive training to distinguish between legal and illegal tint levels. In addition to routine traffic stops, the DMV will conduct annual compliance checks during vehicle registration renewals, especially for out‑of‑state vehicles entering Vermont with pre‑installed tint.
Can I tint my windows lower than 35 percent VLT on the rear side?
No. The law caps rear‑side tint at 35 percent VLT. Anything darker is an automatic violation, regardless of vehicle type.
Do C‑trucks and vans have different VLT limits?
Yes. Commercial trucks and vans are allowed a uniform 35 percent VLT on all side and rear windows, but the front side windows still require at least 50 percent VLT.
Is a professional installation required?
While the law does not mandate a professional installer, a certified installation ensures the film adheres to VLT specifications and avoids bubbles that could affect the measurement.
How often must I retest my tint?
Only when the vehicle is re‑registered, after a transfer of ownership, or if an officer challenges the tint. No routine annual retest is required.
What happens if I lose the VLT certification report?
You may request a repeat VLT test from any authorized inspection station. Until a new report is produced, you could be cited if stopped by law enforcement.