Is 35% Window Tint Legal in Alabama After the 2026 Policy Reforms?

Yes, 35% window tint is legal in Alabama for the rear windows of passenger vehicles, provided it meets specific reflectivity and darkness thresholds.

Alabama’s 2024 window tint regulations, enforced by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), permit non-reflective tint at 35% light transmittance for rear windows. Front-side windows must allow at least 32% light transmission, while windshields must remain untinted. Violations may result in citations under Ala. Code § 32-5C-2.


Key Regulations for 35% Window Tint in Alabama

  • Front-Side Windows: Must permit ≥32% light transmission; 35% tint exceeds this limit and is illegal for front windows.
  • Rear Windows: 35% tint is permissible if non-reflective and does not exceed 20% reflectivity (measured by ASTM standards).
  • Windshield: Prohibits any tint, including clear films that reduce visibility below 70% light transmittance.

Local jurisdictions, such as Jefferson County and Mobile, may impose additional restrictions via municipal ordinances. ALEA’s 2026 compliance directives emphasize stricter enforcement of reflectivity standards, particularly for commercial vehicles. Medical exemptions require documentation from a licensed physician under Ala. Admin. Code r. 760-X-1-.03.

Compliance verification typically occurs during vehicle inspections or traffic stops, where officers use certified light meters. Failure to meet standards may result in fines up to $100 per violation. Always confirm local amendments, as municipal codes can supersede state regulations.