No. California Vehicle Code §26708 prohibits window tinting below 70% light transmittance for front side windows, making 35% illegal statewide. The California Highway Patrol enforces this under local traffic operations, with 2026 compliance reviews pending stricter enforcement protocols.
Key Regulations for 35% Window Tint in California
- Front Side Windows: Must allow ≥70% light transmittance per CVC §26708; 35% tint violates this threshold.
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is permitted only above the AS-1 line; any darker tinting is prohibited.
- Rear Windows: Permitted up to 35% tint if the vehicle has dual side mirrors, but local CHP divisions may impose additional scrutiny.
Local jurisdictions like Los Angeles and San Francisco have heightened enforcement, with 2026 state mandates requiring digital compliance reporting for commercial fleets. Violations incur fines up to $250 per CVC §40008, with repeat offenses escalating to vehicle impoundment under CHP’s 2024-2026 enforcement directives. Medical exemptions exist but require DMV-approved documentation filed prior to tinting.