2018 Hawaiʻi Auto Window Tinting Laws

VLT, or Visible Light Transmission, is the percent of visible light allowed through your car windows. The percentage of light allowed through your film and glass in Hawaii is very specific and different for sedans, SUV’s, and vans.

Tint Darkness for Sedans:

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
• Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.

Tint darkness for SUV’s and Vans:

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
• Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Back Side windows: You can use any darkness.
• Rear Window: You can use any darkness.

Your auto window tint installer must issue a certificate of compliance to you, and the certificate must remain in your vehicle at all times.

Window Tint Reflection in Hawaii

Window tint can reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat. Hawaii window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint so make sure you pay attention to this as well.

Tint Reflection for Sedans:

• Front Side windows: No metallic or mirrored appearance.
• Back Side windows: No metallic or mirrored appearance.

Tint Reflection for SUV’s and Vans:

• Front Side windows: No metallic or mirrored appearance.
• Back Side windows: No metallic or mirrored appearance.

Other Hawaii Window Tint Rules and Regulations:

Hawaii does have several other important car tint laws, rules, and regulations pertaining, which include the following:

• Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if back window is tinted.
• Restricted Colors: No specified colors of tint are banned.
• Tint Variance: 6%.
• Certificates: Film manufacturers are not required to certify the film they sell in this state.
• Stickers: No sticker to identify legal tinting is required by Hawaii law.
• Medical Exceptions: Hawaii law does NOT allow medical exemptions that would allow you use special tint.
• Penalties: $250 – $500.