Beginning August 1, a new Louisiana law will permit vehicle owners to apply darker tint to their windows, marking a change to existing state regulations on window visibility.
The new law, passed during the 2024 legislative session, adjusts the permissible level of light transmission through vehicle windows, particularly for front side windows. Previously, the law required front side windows to allow at least 40 percent of light to pass through. Under the revised law, the legal limit has been lowered to 20 percent light transmission, allowing for significantly darker tint.
Lawmakers supporting the measure cited concerns about driver safety, excessive sun exposure, and privacy. However, the law still includes exceptions for law enforcement visibility and public safety. Windshields must remain largely untinted, aside from a non-reflective strip across the top, and vehicles will still be subject to inspection for compliance with reflective and color standards.
Motorists planning to update their window tint are encouraged to verify that any modifications meet the updated guidelines and to retain proper documentation in case of traffic stops or inspections.
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and local law enforcement agencies will begin enforcing the new tint levels on August 1.
