Idaho Window Tint Laws (May 2023)

It is crucial that anyone tinting their windows follows Idaho state regulations regarding window tinting. Being aware of the Idaho state window tinting laws cover will reduce the likelihood of problems you might face if you were unaware. The sunny conditions in some states make window tints a necessity.

The Arkansas State Window Tinting laws were brought into existence in 1992. Since then the state of Idaho has been very specific about its rules made for its people.

In this article, we have tried to do justice to this topic by providing you with all the possible information you need to be aware of before buying a car with tinted windows or before you decide to tint your car windows. Information like how reflective or dark the tint should be, and the other various rules and regulations are mentioned too. For more, continue to read further…

Check out other States Window Tint Law :-

What is VLT?

VLT(Visible Light Transmission) is the light percentage allowed by the window tint film to travel through your car windows. Each and every state has dissimilar allowable terms for it. In the state of Idaho the proportion of light allowed to pass through passenger vehicle window films and multi-purpose vehicle window films is different.

HIGH VLT= MORE AMOUNTS OF LIGHT TO PASS THROUGH YOUR WINDOW TINT FILMS.

LOW VLT= LESS AMOUNT OF LIGHT TO PASS THROUGH YOUR WINDOW TINT FILMS.

For instance, an 83% tint will allow only 83% of light to pass through whereas a 10% tint will allow only 10% of light to travel through the window tint film. 

Legal tint limit: Passenger Vehicles

  • Front Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or the top 6 inches.
  • Front seat side windows: up to 35% tint darkness allowed
  • Back seat side windows: up to 35% tint darkness allowed
  • Rear window: up to 35% tint darkness allowed 

Legal Tint Limit: Multi-purpose Vehicles

  • Front Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or the top 6 inches.
  • Front seat side windows: up to 35% tint darkness allowed
  • Back seat side windows: up to 20% tint darkness allowed
  • Rear window: up to 35% tint darkness allowed 

The light percentage allowed through your window film and glass in the state of Idaho is very strict. The lint limits vary for passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles.

Tint reflection 

The one main reason for having window tints is so that it helps reflect light which then further in the process reduces glare as well as heat. Depending on the vehicle type as well as the type of tint, Idaho state law allows only a certain level of reflection with a tint.

Tint reflection: Passenger Vehicles 

  • Front side windows: the tint reflection should not be more than 35% reflective in Idaho.
  • Back side windows: the tint should not be more than 35% reflective in Idaho.

Tint reflection: Multi-purpose Vehicles

  • Front side windows: the tint should not be more than 35% reflective in Idaho.
  • Back side windows: the tint should not be more than 35% reflective in Idaho. 

Other Rules and Regulations

Besides the basic laws that you have come across already, there are some other rules and regulations that you need to pay good attention to, in order to avoid any form of negative situations. It is important to consider the laws as well as these particular rules and regulations altogether before you decide to get your car windows tinted. These rules and regulations may vary in other states. 

  • Do I need to have side mirrors in Idaho? If the back window is tinted then dual side mirrors are required in the state of Arkansas.
  • Is colored tint illegal in Idaho? Coloured tint is legal in Idaho. All tint colors are allowed in the state of Idaho. 
  • What are the Window Tint Certification rules in Idaho? The tint film manufacturers do not have to certify the film they sell in the state of Idaho.
  • Do I need a certified sticker from the company installing my window tint in Idaho? There is no need to have a sticker in order to identify illegal tinting in the state of Idaho.
  • Are there any medical exemptions in Idaho for window tint? The state of Idaho does allow medical exemptions. Idaho allows medical exemptions for special tint (75% windshield and 20% on the other windows).
  • What are the penalties like in the state of Idaho? Violation of the tinting laws is an infraction with a penalty of $67. The police make use of a device to test the window tint. But without the device the police can make a decision if the Window Tint meets with the laws of the state or not. It’s a practical rule. 
  • Are tinted headlights illegal in Idaho? You cannot have headlights that are covered with any material that is too reflective or non-transparent. The Idaho code 49-905(5) says: no person shall have for sale, sell, or offer for sale any motor vehicles with head lamps that are in violation of the laws mentioned.
  • Are coloured headlights legal in Idaho? The Idaho code 49-91 reads: color of clearance lamps, side markers lamps and reflectors. Front clearance lamps and market lamps as well as reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect Amber color. Only police vehicles can display blue lights, globes or lenses.