California window tint laws are set mainly by California Vehicle Code §26708 (amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 417, SB 506; effective January 1, 2026). In short: material on the windshield, side, or rear windows is restricted, with exceptions for rear side glass, a rear window with dual outside mirrors (≥200 ft rearward view), a compliant sun strip, and clear colorless front-side film when the film has at least 88% visible light transmittance and glass-plus-film meets FMVSS 205 (including 70% light transmittance), plus certificate and UV-A rules. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Want supervised practice on real vehicles and a clear way to explain front vs rear rules in Southern California? Tint Academy’s next Los Angeles hands-on class is December 5–6, 2026 at CoGarage in El Monte.
Tint Academy has trained 6,500+ students over 10 years. For the earlier December class overview, see our Los Angeles window tint course guide (Dec 5–6 at CoGarage). This post focuses on CVC §26708 and how to register.
What California Vehicle Code §26708 Actually Says
Section 26708 sits in Division 12 (Equipment of Vehicles), Chapter 4 (Windshields and Mirrors). The official text on the California Legislative Information site is the source you should read before you install for customers. Key structure:
- (a) General rule: A person shall not drive a motor vehicle with material placed on the windshield or side or rear windows, or with material in or on the vehicle that obstructs or reduces the driver’s clear view through the windshield or side windows (including vision blocked by snow or ice).
- (b) Listed exceptions: Among others, side windows to the rear of the driver ((b)(4)), and the rear window when the vehicle has outside left and right mirrors that each give the driver a view of the highway at least 200 feet to the rear ((b)(8)).
- (c) Windshield sun strip: Transparent material may go on the topmost portion of the windshield if the bottom edge is at least 29 inches above the undepressed driver’s seat (measured per the statute), the material is not red or amber, opaque lettering that distorts vision is not allowed, and glare is not worse than an uncoated windshield.
- (d) Front side windows: Clear, colorless, transparent material may be installed on the windows immediately left and right of the front seat if: the film has a minimum 88% visible light transmittance; the glazing with film meets FMVSS 205, including the specified minimum 70% light transmittance; the material is designed to enhance UV-A blocking; a certificate from the installer or manufacturer is in the vehicle; and torn, bubbled, or worn film that prohibits clear vision must be removed or replaced.
- (e) Medical path: Clear, colorless, transparent material may be installed on the windshield, side, or rear windows under similar 88%/70% rules when the driver has a certificate signed by a licensed dermatologist stating the person should not be exposed to ultraviolet rays because of a medical condition that necessitates that film.
Read the statute: CVC §26708 on leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 417 (SB 506); effective January 1, 2026. Verify the current wording before you tint a customer car.
This is not legal advice. We are not quoting fine amounts. Check CVC §26708 and a qualified local source (or counsel) before installing for customers in California.
Is Window Tint Legal in California?
Yes in part, with clear limits on the front. Rear side windows to the rear of the driver are excepted under (b)(4). The rear window may have material when dual outside mirrors give at least 200 feet of rearward view under (b)(8). Front side windows are tightly controlled under (d): clear colorless film (88% film / 70% glass-plus-film under FMVSS 205), UV-A purpose, and paperwork in the vehicle.
Customers across Southern California ask “how dark can I go?” A professional answer separates three things:
- What §26708 allows or excepts (rear sides, rear with mirrors, sun strip rules, front-side clear film rules, medical path).
- What FMVSS 205 and the certificate requirements demand when you install clear film on the fronts.
- What you are willing to warranty as a shop, including removing non-compliant film later.
Those customer conversations sit next to glass prep and heat shrinking—skills you practise on real vehicles in class. New to the trade? Read how to become a certified window tinter and window tint certification explained.
Watch: Why Students Choose Tint Academy
This Tint Academy video shares student feedback on the hands-on window tint course—training, guidance, and practice that builds confidence for real customer cars.
Los Angeles Window Tint Course: December 5–6, 2026
| Dates | Saturday & Sunday, December 5–6, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day |
| Venue | CO Garage / CoGarage, 4007 Baldwin Ave #5, El Monte, CA 91731 |
| Format | 2-day hands-on window tint certification on real vehicles (~80% hands-on) |
| Film | Scorpion film in class; tool kit + 100 ft ceramic film to keep |
| Experience | None needed — beginners welcome; small classes |
| Tuition | $1,299 USD regular; Early-Bird $996 full pay (message the team); Deposit $350 today / $1,099 total / $749 remaining at class |
What You Learn in Two Days
- Day 1: tint theory, glass prep and contamination control, roll-down windows, quarter and frameless windows, tint removal, sun strips and banners, plus marketing and business basics.
- Day 2: hatchback and sedan rear windows (including heat shrinking), rear-window tint removal, trucks and SUVs, a plotter overview, and pricing and booking customers.
Registration typically includes a professional tool kit, a 100 ft roll of ceramic film you keep, Tint Academy certification, online course access, and mentor support—details on the Los Angeles / El Monte course page. See also what a 2-day window tint training class covers.
Related Reading
- Los Angeles window tint course Dec 5–6 at CoGarage, El Monte
- How to become a certified window tinter
- Window tint certification explained
- Window tint certification hub
How to Register
- Open the Los Angeles window tint training course page.
- Choose Full Pay or Deposit for the December 5–6, 2026 weekend.
- For Early-Bird $996 full-pay pricing, message the team before you register; or hold your seat with a $350 deposit ($1,099 total / $749 remaining at class).
Questions first? Call or text: 321-364-9518 (USA).
California Window Tint Laws FAQ
Is window tint legal in California?
Partly. California Vehicle Code §26708 generally restricts material on the windshield, side, and rear windows, then lists exceptions—including side windows to the rear of the driver, a rear window with dual outside mirrors that show at least 200 feet behind the vehicle, a compliant windshield sun strip, and clear colorless front-side film under the 88%/70% rules with certificates. Always read the current statute; this is not legal advice.
Can I tint my front side windows in California?
Front side windows (immediate left and right of the front seat) are tightly controlled under §26708(d). Clear, colorless, transparent material may be allowed when the film has a minimum 88% visible light transmittance, the glass with film meets FMVSS 205 including 70% light transmittance, the film is designed to enhance UV-A blocking, a certificate is in the vehicle, and worn or damaged film is removed or replaced. Confirm the current code before you install.
Are rear side windows and the back glass treated differently?
Yes under the statute’s exceptions. Side windows to the rear of the driver are excepted under §26708(b)(4). The rear window may have material if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both the left and right that reflect a view of the highway at least 200 feet to the rear ((b)(8)). Still verify the current text and local enforcement before promising a darkness.
What about a windshield sun strip in California?
§26708(c) allows transparent material on the topmost portion of the windshield when the bottom edge is at least 29 inches above the undepressed driver’s seat (measured as the statute describes), the material is not red or amber, lettering does not distort vision, and glare is not worse than an uncoated windshield. Measure carefully; do not invent shortcuts.
When is the next Los Angeles window tint course?
Tint Academy’s next Los Angeles class is Saturday and Sunday, December 5–6, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day at CoGarage, 4007 Baldwin Ave #5, El Monte, CA 91731. Register on the Los Angeles course page.
How much does the Los Angeles window tint course cost?
Regular tuition is $1,299 USD. Early-Bird full pay is $996 (message the team for the discount before registering). You can also reserve a seat with a $350 deposit ($1,099 total / $749 remaining at class). Details are on the live product page.
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