Window Tint Penalties by State
Penalties for illegal window tint vary wildly. Some states issue fix-it tickets, while others impose fines over $1,000.
Why Penalties Matter
Beyond the initial fine, illegal tint can result in failed vehicle inspections, points on your license, increased insurance rates, and even jail time in some states for repeat offenders. It is always cheaper to tint within your state’s legal limits than to deal with the consequences.
Penalties for All 50 States
ALAlabama
First offense: up to $100 fine and/or 10 days in jail. Second offense within one year: up to $200 and/or 30 days. Third offense: up to $500 and/or 3 months.AKAlaska
Fines typically range from $100 to $300 per violationAZArizona
Civil traffic violation with fines up to $250 for first offenseARArkansas
Fines typically range from $100 to $250CACalifornia
First offense: "fix-it" ticket (correction required). If not corrected, fines of $25 for first offense, $197+ for subsequent offenses.COColorado
Class B traffic infraction with fines up to $500 and 4 points on licenseCTConnecticut
Fines of $150 for infractions, potential additional court costsDEDelaware
Fines up to $57.50 for first offense, increasing for repeat offensesFLFlorida
Non-moving violation. First offense around $116, second offense is a moving violation with higher fines.GAGeorgia
Misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and possible jail time of up to 12 monthsHIHawaii
Fines up to $250 per violationIDIdaho
Infraction with fines up to $90ILIllinois
Petty offense with fines from $50 to $500INIndiana
Class C infraction with fines up to $500IAIowa
Simple misdemeanor with fines up to $100KSKansas
Fines up to $60 for first offenseKYKentucky
Fines up to $179 per violationLALouisiana
Fines up to $350 per violationMEMaine
Fines from $50 to $250MDMaryland
Fines up to $500 for repeat offensesMAMassachusetts
First offense: $250 fine. Subsequent offenses: up to $500MIMichigan
Civil infraction with fines up to $150MNMinnesota
Petty misdemeanor with fines up to $300MSMississippi
Fines from $25 for first offense up to $200 for subsequent offensesMOMissouri
Fines up to $200 per violationMTMontana
Fines up to $100 per violationNENebraska
Fines up to $100 for first offenseNVNevada
Fines up to $250 per violationNHNew Hampshire
Fines up to $150 per violationNJNew Jersey
Fines from $54 to $108 for first offense, up to $500 for subsequent offensesNMNew Mexico
Fines up to $300 per violationNYNew York
First offense: up to $150. Subsequent: up to $300. Failure to remove: $25/dayNCNorth Carolina
Infraction with fines up to $200NDNorth Dakota
Fines up to $250 per violationOHOhio
Minor misdemeanor with fines up to $150OKOklahoma
Fines from $50 to $500OROregon
Class C traffic violation with fines up to $360PAPennsylvania
Summary offense with fines up to $110RIRhode Island
Fines up to $300 per violationSCSouth Carolina
Fines up to $200 and potential misdemeanor chargeSDSouth Dakota
Class 2 misdemeanor with fines up to $500TNTennessee
Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $50TXTexas
Class C misdemeanor with fines from $20 to $200UTUtah
Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $750VTVermont
Fines up to $250 per violationVAVirginia
Traffic infraction with fines up to $250WAWashington
Traffic infraction with fines up to $136WVWest Virginia
Misdemeanor with fines up to $200WIWisconsin
Forfeiture of up to $175 per violationWYWyoming
Fines up to $200 per violationHow to Avoid Tint Tickets
- • Know your state laws — Use our state-by-state guide before getting tinted.
- • Get professional installation — Reputable shops know the legal limits. Find one at tintingnearme.com.
- • Keep documentation — If your tint is legal, keep receipts showing VLT percentage.
- • Get a medical exemption if you need darker tint — See our medical exemption guide.
- • Be aware when traveling — Read about crossing state lines with tinted windows.