Iowa Window Tinting Laws

Car window tinting laws in Iowa were enacted in 1983. We have provided all the necessary information about your car's window tint, including how dark or reflective the tint is allowed in your state. There are also additional car window tinting rules and regulations in Iowa so make sure you read all about it below.

Window tint darkness in Iowa

The percent of visible light allowed through your car windows is called VLT: Visible Light Transmission. The percentage of light allowed through your film and glass in Iowa is very specific and different for sedan cars and SUV cars or vans.

Tint darkness for sedans:

Windshield: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
Front Side windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Tint darkness for SUV and vans:

Windshield: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
Front Side windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Window tint reflection in Iowa

Window tint can reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat. Iowa window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint so make sure you pay attention to this as well.

Tint reflection for sedans:

Front Side windows: Not excessive reflectiveness, law is not specific.
Back Side windows: Not excessive reflectiveness, law is not specific.

Tint reflection for SUV and vans:

Front Side windows: Not excessive reflectiveness, law is not specific.
Back Side windows: Not excessive reflectiveness, law is not specific.

Other Iowa window tint rules and regulations:

Iowa does have several other important laws, rules and regulations pertaining to window tinting. They include the following:

Side Mirrors: No restrictions on side mirrors in Iowa.
Restricted Colors: No colors of tint are explicitly prohibited from use.
Certificates: Manufacturers of film are not required to certify the film they sell in the state.
Stickers: No sticker to identify legal tinting is required.
Medical Exceptions: Iowa doesn't permit darker window tinting due to medical exemptions since July 2012.

Keep in mind that Iowa tinting laws and regulations may be interpreted differently in your county or place of residence. We always recommend double-checking our information with your local DMV or law enforcement authorities.

State of Iowa Info

Iowa is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". Iowa was a part of the French colony of New France. After the Louisiana Purchase, settlers laid the foundation for an agriculture-based economy in the heart of the Corn Belt. In the latter half of the 20th century, Iowa's agricultural economy made the transition to a diversified economy of advanced manufacturing, processing, financial services, Information Technology, biotechnology, and green energy production. Iowa is the 26th most extensive in land area and the 30th most populous of the 50 United States. Its capital and largest city is Des Moines. Iowa has been listed as one of the safest states in which to live.

Capital: Des Moines

Population: 3,074,186

Area: 56,272 sq mi (145,743 km2)

Cities ▼

Cities in Iowa: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Ames, Sioux City, Dubuque, Davenport, West Des Moines, Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Council Bluffs, Ankeny, Urbandale, Mason City, Fort Dodge, Bettendorf, Marshalltown, Coralville, Ottumwa, Burlington, Decorah, Muscatine, Mystic, Pella, Panora, Okoboji, Waukee, Clinton, Adel, Storm Lake, Marion, Le Claire, Keokuk, Defiance, Clive, Clear Lake, Fairfield, Indianola, Malcom, North Liberty, Delphos, Le Mars, Pioneer, Waverly, Johnston, Altoona, Fort Madison, Boone, Oskaloosa, Orange City

Counties ▼

Counties in Iowa: Adair, Adams, Allamakee, Appanoose, Audubon, Benton, Black Hawk, Boone, Bremer, Buchanan, Buena Vista, Butler, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clarke, Clay, Clayton, Clinton, Crawford, Dallas, Davis, Decatur, Delaware, Des Moines, Dickinson, Dubuque, Emmet, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Fremont, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Henry, Howard, Humboldt, Ida, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Kossuth, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Lucas, Lyon, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Mills, Mitchell, Monona, Monroe, Montgomery, Muscatine, O'Brien, Osceola, Page, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Sac, Scott, Shelby, Sioux, Story, Tama, Taylor, Union, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Winnebago, Winnishiek, Woodbury, Worth, Wright

Wikipedia

State website

Tint law references:

Iowa Code Title VIII, Subtitle II, Section 321.438: Windshields and windows. (.pdf file)

Iowa Administrative Code - IAC Rule 761.450.7 - Front windshields, windows or sidewings

Iowa Department of Transportation - Window Tinting Standards