Short answer: In Illinois, front side windows can be tinted to 35% only if every window behind the driver is 35% or lighter; if the rear windows are darker, the front sides must stay at 50%. Windshield tint is limited to the top 6 inches. A first ticket is a petty offense with a fine of $50 to $500.
Last reviewed: November 13, 2026. Source: 625 ILCS 5/12-503.
Illinois window tint limits at a glance
| Window | Illinois limit |
|---|---|
| Windshield | Nonreflective tint along the top only, no more than 6 inches down |
| Front side windows | Nonreflective film, 35% or 50% minimum depending on the rear windows (see below) |
| Rear side windows | No percentage set by the statute; side mirrors required if treated |
| Rear window | No percentage set by the statute; side mirrors required if treated |
| Reflectance | Front side and windshield film must be nonreflective |
| Meter tolerance | 5% variance when police measure |
| Penalty | First offense: petty offense, $50 to $500. Repeat: Class C misdemeanor, $100 to $500 |
Front side windows: how dark can you go?
Illinois ties the front side windows to the windows behind the driver:
| If the windows behind the driver are… | Front side windows may have film down to… |
|---|---|
| All 35% or lighter | 35% |
| All 30% or lighter (but some under 35%) | 50% |
| Factory-installed tinted glass | 50% |
The darkest legal front side tint in Illinois is therefore 35%, and only when the rear windows are 35% or lighter. Police meters get a 5% variance.
Windshield
Nonreflective tinted film may run along the top of the windshield, no more than 6 inches down. Other signs, stickers and tint on the windshield are generally prohibited.
Rear windows and mirrors
The statute does not set a light-transmission percentage for the windows behind the driver. A vehicle with treated rear windows must have side mirrors that meet Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/12-502). Keep in mind that darker rear windows lower the limit for your front side windows.
Medical exemption
People with conditions such as lupus, albinism or light sensitivity from a brain injury can qualify for an exemption from the windshield and front-window rules. It requires a certified statement from an Illinois-licensed physician, kept in the vehicle and renewed every 4 years, and comes with distinctive plates or plate stickers from the Secretary of State. No exemption is granted if sunglasses or other eye protection would be enough.
Penalties
A first violation is a petty offense with a fine of $50 to $500. A second or later violation is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of $100 to $500. The court will also require you to bring the windows into compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Is 35% tint legal in Illinois?
Yes on the front side windows, if none of the windows behind the driver is darker than 35%.
Is 5% tint legal in Illinois?
Not on the front side windows or windshield. Very dark rear windows also mean your front side windows can’t have film below 50%.
Are Chicago’s tint rules different?
No. The state law applies in Chicago and the rest of Illinois.
Can I tint my windshield in Illinois?
Only the top 6 inches, with nonreflective film.
