Illinois Window Tint Law: How Dark Can You Legally Go?

Illinois tint limits for front side windows, rear windows and the windshield, the fines, and how the medical exemption works. Explained by a Chicago tint shop.

Illinois tint law is set by 625 ILCS 5/12-503. The short version: the windshield gets a strip at the top, the front side windows have a limit that depends on how dark the back is, and the windows behind the driver have more room. Here's how it breaks down for drivers in Chicago.

Front side windows

The windows next to the driver and front passenger can go down to 35% light transmittance, as long as none of the windows behind the driver are darker than 35%. If the rear windows are between 30% and 35%, the front sides have to stay at 50% or lighter. Officers allow a 5% variance when they meter the glass.

Windshield

Only a nonreflective tint strip along the top of the windshield, no more than 6 inches down. A full windshield tint is not legal in Illinois without a medical exemption.

Rear side and back windows

The rules behind the driver depend on the vehicle type. Many SUVs, vans and pickups can go darker in the back as long as the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides. Cars generally need to follow the 35% pairing above. Tell us what you drive and we'll walk you through the exact numbers for your vehicle.

What happens if your tint is too dark

A first violation is a petty offense with a fine between $50 and $500. A second violation is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine between $100 and $500, and the court can order you to bring the windows into compliance.

The medical exemption

Drivers with certain medical conditions that require shielding from the sun can run darker tint with a physician certification and a Secretary of State tint plate or sticker. We broke down the full process in our guide to the Illinois medical exemption.

Getting it right the first time

We meter and match your shade to Illinois law before the film goes on, and our ceramic window tint blocks heat and UV even at legal shades. A lighter ceramic film often keeps a car cooler than a darker cheap one.

This is general information, not legal advice. Check the Illinois Vehicle Code or the Secretary of State for the latest rules.

Quick answers

What is the darkest legal tint in Illinois?

On the front side windows, 35% light transmittance when the rear windows are 35% or lighter. The windshield can only have a nonreflective strip on the top 6 inches.