Is 35% Window Tint Legal in Connecticut After the 2026 Regulatory Updates?

No. Connecticut prohibits window tinting below 35% visible light transmittance (VLT) on front side windows, rear side windows, and rear windows for passenger vehicles. The state mandates a minimum 35% VLT for all windows except the windshield, which must allow 70% VLT. Violations may result in fines up to $92 for a first offense under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-80a.

Key Regulations for 35% Window Tint in Connecticut

  • Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 35% VLT; darker tints are prohibited. Medical exemptions require prior approval from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
  • Rear Side & Rear Windows: Must also meet the 35% VLT minimum unless the vehicle is a multi-purpose passenger van or SUV, which may have darker rear window tint if factory-equipped.
  • Windshield: Non-negotiable 70% VLT requirement; any tinting or reflective film is illegal. The DMV enforces this strictly, with no exceptions for medical or safety claims.

Local enforcement varies, but the Connecticut State Police and municipal police departments conduct routine traffic stops to verify compliance. Municipalities like Hartford and Bridgeport have reported increased citations in 2024, aligning with the state’s 2026 enforcement expansion plan. Medical exemptions, if granted, require a physician’s certification submitted to the DMV for approval. Aftermarket tinting below 35% VLT is universally prohibited, regardless of vehicle type or intended use.