California Vehicle Code 26708 restricts placing objects or materials on a vehicle's windshield or side windows that obstruct or reduce the driver's clear view. Window tint is the most common source of citations under this section. California law allows tinted front side windows only if they allow more than 70% of light to pass through. Darker tint on the rear window and rear side windows is permitted only if the vehicle has dual outside mirrors. Violations are non-point fix-it citations.
A person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied in or upon the vehicle that obstructs or reduces the driver's clear view through the windshield or side windows.
(a)(2)
This subdivision applies to a person driving a motor vehicle with an object or material, including a transparent material, that is placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield, the side windows to the immediate left and right of the driver, or the rear window.
(b)
This section does not apply to the following: (1) Sunscreening devices or tinted safety glass if the driver's view through the windshield is not obstructed and the devices or glass comply with applicable state and federal motor vehicle safety standards. (2) Side and rear windows that are not required to be transparent under any provision of this code if the device or material meets the following conditions: (A) the light transmittance is more than 70 percent if applied or affixed to the front side windows, and (B) if applied or affixed to rear side or rear windows, there are dual outside mirrors complying with Section 26709.
Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 561, Sec. 17. Effective January 1, 2018.
Fine & Penalty Amounts
Estimated totals include all mandatory state and county penalty assessments. Actual amounts vary by county court.
Violation Range
Est. Total with Assessments
Notes
Window tint violation (standard)
~$196
Fix-it ticket; may be dismissed after tint is removed or corrected.
VC 26708 is typically a correctable violation. After removing or correcting the offending tint or obstruction, you may be able to have the citation signed off and dismissed with a small court fee. Without correction, the total fine is approximately $196 after assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions drivers search for after receiving this citation.
California allows tint on the front side windows only if it allows more than 70% of light to pass through (very light tint). The windshield may have a strip of tint at the top in the AS-1 zone. The rear side windows and rear window may be any darkness, but only if the vehicle has dual outside mirrors. Many aftermarket tints are darker than 70% and therefore violate VC 26708.
Yes, typically. VC 26708 violations are correctable. If you remove the offending tint and get the correction signed off by a law enforcement officer, you can usually submit proof to the court and pay only a dismissal fee rather than the full fine.
No. Window tint violations under VC 26708 are non-point infractions. A conviction does not add DMV points to your driving record.
Yes. If your front side windows allow more than 70% light transmittance, the tint is within the legal limit and you have a factual defense to the citation. You would need documentation from a tint shop or spectrometer reading to demonstrate compliance. Presenting this evidence — through a Trial by Written Declaration or in court — can result in dismissal.
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