By the time you roll down a North Dakota highway in 2026, your windshield’s shade will be under the microscope. The answer is clear: light‑filtering film is legal, but only if it meets the state’s precise visible‑light‑transmission (VLT) thresholds and is installed on the correct panes. Anything outside those limits can result in fines, forced removal, or even a vehicle‑registration hold. Understanding the new numbers and procedural steps is essential for anyone who wants to stay on the right side of the law while enjoying the privacy and heat‑reduction benefits of window tint.
What the New Rules State
Effective July 1 2026, North Dakota amended its motor‑vehicle statutes to align with the Model State Vehicle Code. The revised VLT limits are:
- Windshield – No film or any permanent tinting is allowed, except for a top‑strip of up to 5 percent VLT that does not exceed 6 inches from the top edge.
- Front side windows – Must allow at least 70 percent of visible light to pass through. This is a tightening from the previous 75‑percent requirement.
- Rear side windows and rear windshield – May be tinted to as low as 20 percent VLT, provided the vehicle is equipped with side‑mirror reflectors that meet the 200‑foot visibility standard.
The law also clarifies that “reflective” or “mirror” films that exceed a 30‑percent reflectivity rating are prohibited on any pane. Violations are classified as non‑serious misdemeanors, carrying a maximum fine of $250 per vehicle per inspection. Law‑enforcement officers may issue a citation on the spot, and repeated offenses trigger a mandatory court appearance.
How to Remain Legal
- Choose Certified Film – Purchase tint that includes a manufacturer’s certification label stating the exact VLT percentage. Certified products are listed in the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s 2026 approved‑film registry.
- Professional Installation – Have the tint applied by a licensed installer who is required to submit a post‑installation inspection form to the DMV within 30 days. The form must include the film’s certification label and a signed declaration that the VLT meets legal standards.
- Maintain Mirror‑Reflector Standards – If you opt for the lower 20‑percent rear tint, ensure both side mirrors are adjustable, convex, and meet the 200‑foot visibility distance when tested with a calibrated reflectometer.
- Document Everything – Keep the original certification label, installer’s receipt, and the DMV inspection form in the vehicle’s glove compartment. These documents are admissible proof if you are stopped for a tint violation.
- Stay Informed of Future Changes – The ND legislature reviews tint regulations every two years. Subscribing to the DOT’s quarterly bulletin will alert you to any upcoming amendments before they take effect.
Can I tint my windshield at all?
Only a thin, non‑reflective strip up to 5 percent VLT is permitted, and it may not extend beyond 6 inches from the top edge. Any darker film on the windshield is illegal.
What VLT rating is required for the front side windows?
Front side windows must transmit at least 70 percent of visible light. Films rated 70 percent VLT or higher are compliant.
Are mirrored or reflective films ever allowed?
Reflectivity cannot exceed 30 percent on any pane. Films that produce a mirror finish beyond that limit are prohibited, regardless of VLT.
How are penalties assessed for non‑compliant tint?
First‑time offenses are treated as non‑serious misdemeanors with a fine up to $250. Repeated violations can lead to higher fines and a court hearing that may result in suspension of vehicle registration until the tint is removed.
Do I need to re‑certify my tint if I move the vehicle to another state?
If the vehicle is registered in North Dakota, you must retain the ND certification. Should you register in a state with different tint laws, you will need to meet that state’s requirements, which may involve removal or re‑installation of compliant film.