Yes, 15% window tint is legal in New Mexico for rear windows of passenger vehicles but violates state regulations if applied to front side windows. The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s Motor Vehicle Division enforces statutes aligning with federal safety standards, prohibiting non-compliant tint on driver and front passenger windows. Local jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions, particularly in urban areas like Albuquerque or Santa Fe, where enforcement has intensified ahead of the 2026 federal vehicle safety compliance review.
Key Regulations for 15% Window Tint in New Mexico
- Front Side Windows: Must allow over 20% light transmittance; 15% tint fails this requirement under N.M. Stat. Ann. § 66-3-844(A).
- Rear Windows: Permitted to have 15% tint if the vehicle has side mirrors, per N.M. MVD guidelines updated in 2023.
- Medical Exemptions: Limited to documented conditions; requires prior approval from the MVD, with no retroactive compliance allowed.
Enforcement prioritizes commercial vehicles and rideshare fleets, where 15% tint on front windows triggers citations under local ordinances. The MVD’s 2026 compliance framework may introduce stricter penalties for repeat violations, including mandatory tint removal at the owner’s expense. Vehicles registered out-of-state must comply with New Mexico’s standards within 30 days of residency establishment.