Tint too dark? That’s a quick way to get pulled over in Las Vegas.

Between the intense sun and the desire for privacy, it’s tempting to go full blackout. But Nevada has strict window tint laws, and if your film doesn’t meet state regulations, you could end up with a fine, or worse, have to strip and redo the whole job.

So what’s legal? What isn’t? And how dark can you go without getting hassled?

Let’s clear it up.

What Are the Legal VLT Limits in Nevada?

Let’s start with the basics: VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission. It’s the percentage of light that can pass through your window. The lower the number, the darker the tint.

In Nevada, legal VLT limits vary by window location, not by vehicle type.

Here’s a breakdown of the current Nevada tint laws:

Important Note: These percentages are based on total VLT, meaning they account for both the window glass and the film combined. Most factory glass already blocks some light, so a 35% film on factory-tinted windows might drop you below legal limit something we always measure at Diamond Garage before installing.

Can I Tint My Windshield in Nevada?

Sort of. But only the top portion.

Nevada allows a non-reflective strip across the top 6 inches of your windshield, or down to the AS-1 line (whichever is more visible). Anything below that is illegal even if it’s clear, even if it blocks heat.

That means full windshield tinting is technically not legal in Nevada. But there’s a nuance here.

Many of our clients want infrared ceramic film on their entire windshield not to darken it, but to reject heat and UV without changing visibility.

We get it. Vegas heat is extreme.

Just know that even clear IR-blocking films could be flagged during a traffic stop or inspection if they extend below the AS-1 line, regardless of how light they are.

We’re happy to walk you through options and show you what’s safest, most effective, and least likely to get you cited.

Will I Get a Ticket if I Go Too Dark?

It depends but it’s definitely a risk.

Whether you’re cruising the Strip, parking in Summerlin, or commuting near UNLV, darker-than-legal tint while unlikely, can potentially get you pulled over.

How They Check Your Tint

Officers carry VLT meters short for Visible Light Transmission. These clip onto your window and digitally measure how much light passes through. If your front windows are under 35% VLT, you’re over the legal limit in Nevada.

What Happens If You Get Pulled Over?

• First offense? It’s typically a fix-it ticket (not a moving violation).
• You’ll be required to remove or replace the film to comply with the law.
• Then you’ll need to show proof—either at a DMV inspection station or local police department—so they can verify your windows are legal.
• Repeat offenses or extremely dark tints may lead to fines, but the charge still won’t add points to your license or affect your driving record.

So while a ticket is annoying, it’s not going to impact your insurance or driver status.

A Few Things That Can Trip You Up

• Factory tint counts toward your total VLT. SUVs and trucks usually come with darker factory glass in the rear. Adding film to already-darker glass can push the total VLT lower than you’d expect.
• Modern cars can mislead you. Teslas, sedans, and newer vehicles often have light-colored glass, which can make legal tint look darker—especially at night.
• Visual appearance is subjective. Two cars with the exact same film may look totally different based on cabin color, window size, and even how clean the glass is.

At Diamond Garage we meter every car before we tint. We’ll show you how your windows read on a real police-style VLT meter and walk you through the legal limits vs. your aesthetic or heat-rejection goals. Then it’s your call.

Whether you’re aiming for privacy or top heat rejection, we’ll show you the options and let you make the call.

What About Medical Exemptions?

Nevada does allow medical exemptions for darker front window tint, but they’re not automatic.

To apply, you’ll need:

• A completed window tint medical exemption form
• A doctor’s statement citing a medical condition affected by sunlight (lupus, photosensitivity, skin cancer risk)
• DMV approval

Even then, you’ll receive a certificate not a blanket pass and you may still be questioned if pulled over. We don’t recommend relying on this unless you truly qualify and go through the official process.

What We Recommend (If You Want to Stay Legal and Cool)

Want to reduce heat and protect your interior but don’t want to risk a ticket? Here’s what we suggest:

• 35% ceramic film on your front windows (maximum heat rejection without crossing the legal line).
• 5–20% film on rear windows and back glass (totally legal and gives you privacy where you need it).
• 6-inch strip of ceramic film across the top of your windshield (cuts glare without breaking the law).
• Ceramic film only because it blocks infrared heat (up to 93%) without having to go darker.

This combo gives you the best of both worlds: legal compliance + real performance. Plus, ceramic tint won’t interfere with your GPS, Bluetooth, or radar systems.

Follow the Law Without Sacrificing Comfort

The Vegas sun is no joke but neither are the tint laws.

You can absolutely stay cool, compliant, and protected with the right film and the right install.
Understanding Las Vegas window tint regulations up front saves you time, money, and the headache of citations later.

If you’re not sure what’s legal, or want to test your current tint, stop by the shop. We’ll take a meter reading and walk you through what’s allowed.

Need Help Choosing a Legal Tint Setup?

We’ve got real film samples, live demo displays, and years of experience installing legal, high-performance ceramic tint in Vegas.

3652 N Rancho Dr, Ste 101 Las Vegas, NV 89130
Call or text: (775) 471-6860

Ready to stay cool (and compliant)? Stop by the shop or give us a call. 

Let’s help you beat the heat without breaking the law.