In North Dakota, legal tint is measured by VLT — the percentage of light the filmed glass lets through. The numbers below are the darkest tint the law allows at each window position, labeled VLT MAX: install film darker than the listed VLT and the vehicle is out of compliance. Figures are compiled from official North Dakota state sources; laws change, so confirm the current statute before you tint.
| Window | Darkest Legal (VLT MAX) | Reflectivity |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | 70% — §39-21-39(4): an object, material, or tinting in conjunction with the windshield must have a light transmittance of at least 70%. Separately, subsection 5 excepts nonreflective sunscreening or tinting material above the AS-1 line or within the top 5 inches of the windshield from subsection 4. | |
| Front side windows | 35% — §39-21-39(4): a window other than the windshield requires at least 35% light transmittance, film and glass combined. This is the figure HB 1340 set effective August 1, 2025 (previously 50%). | |
| Back side windows | 35% on the face of subsection 4 — but subsection 4 does not apply to windows behind the operator if the vehicle is equipped with outside mirrors on both sides that meet §39-21-38. The guide prints the 35% figure and states the dual-mirror exception alongside it. | |
| Rear window | 35% on the face of subsection 4 — but excepted by the same dual-mirror provision as the back side windows. |
How to Read These Numbers
- Windshield: The windshield rule controls the strip at the top of the glass and how far film or a visor band may extend down. Most states allow a non-reflective strip above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: Front side windows — driver and front passenger — are the most tightly regulated and the ones checked first at a traffic stop or inspection.
- Back side windows: Rear side windows are usually allowed darker than the fronts, and on SUVs, trucks and vans they are sometimes exempt from the passenger-car limit.
- Rear window: The rear window rule often interacts with side mirrors: darker rear glass typically requires dual outside mirrors.
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North Dakota Tint Law Questions
What is the darkest legal tint in North Dakota?
For front side windows, North Dakota allows tint down to 35% — §39-21-39(4): a window other than the windshield requires at least 35% light transmittance, film and glass combined. This is the figure HB 1340 set effective August 1, 2025 (previously 50%). — the VLT MAX. Rear windows may allow darker film; check the table above for each position.
What happens if my tint is darker than North Dakota allows?
Over-dark tint can draw a citation and, in many states, a fix-it order requiring the film to be removed and the vehicle re-inspected. Laws also change — verify the current statute before tinting.