New Mexico Window Tint Laws 2026
New Mexico's rules are in NMSA 66-3-846.1. Sun screening material on the windows beside the driver, the windows behind the driver and the rearmost window must be nonreflective and allow at least 20% light transmission, and it can be used on those windows only if the vehicle has both a right and a left outside rearview mirror. The windshield may carry material only along the top, not past the ASI line or more than five inches down, whichever is closer to the top. A medical affidavit from a physician or optometrist exempts a vehicle.
Two tint bills passed both chambers and were pocket vetoed: HB 200 (2019) and HB 286 (2023) would have rewritten the windshield rule to a 70% light transmission requirement. Neither became law, so the current statute still limits windshield material to a top strip.
Quick Reference
| Window | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Top strip: ASI line or 5" | Whichever is closer to top |
| Windows beside the driver | 20% VLT minimum | Nonreflective |
| Windows behind the driver and rearmost window | 20% VLT minimum | Needs left and right outside mirrors |
| Rear windows, buses, RVs, MPVs, motor homes, truck tractors | Exempt from 20% | Behind the driver only |
| Medical exemption | Physician or optometrist affidavit | Carry in vehicle |
How the Limits Work
Under NMSA 66-3-846.1, a person may not operate on a street or highway a registered vehicle with sun screening material that doesn't meet the section. For the side wings and windows beside the driver, the side windows behind the driver and the rearmost window, the material must be nonreflective and have a light transmission of not less than 20%. The statute adds that the material shall be used only on the windows of a vehicle equipped with one right and one left outside rearview mirror.
The statute defines nonreflective as designed to absorb light rather than to reflect it. It also says the material is measured when used in conjunction with the safety glazing materials of the windows, so the factory glass counts toward the 20% reading, and a film rated close to 20% can read below it on a meter.
The Windshield
Sun screening material on the windshield must be nonreflective, can't be red, yellow or amber in color, and may be used only along the top of the windshield, not extending downward beyond the ASI line or more than five inches from the top of the windshield, whichever is closer to the top.
Exemptions
The 20% light transmission requirement doesn't apply to the windows behind the driver on truck tractors, buses, recreational vehicles, multipurpose passenger vehicles or motor homes. Motor vehicle glazing that complies with federal motor vehicle safety standards is also exempt, as is sun screening installed before July 1, 1997. The front windows are not covered by the rear exemption.
Legal vs Illegal
Legal
- ✓Nonreflective film at 20% or lighter beside the driver
- ✓Nonreflective film at 20% or lighter behind the driver, with left and right outside mirrors
- ✓A nonreflective top strip on the windshield, within the ASI line or five inches of the top
- ✓Darker tint backed by a physician or optometrist affidavit in the vehicle
Illegal
- ✗Material darker than 20% on the front windows
- ✗Reflective or mirrored material on any window
- ✗Windshield material below the ASI line or more than five inches from the top, or colored red, yellow or amber
- ✗Tinted rear windows without both outside mirrors
Fines and Penalties
A person who violates the section is guilty of a penalty assessment misdemeanor. The statute doesn't state a fine amount, so ask the court named on your citation for the current figure. The section also makes it unlawful to sell or use noncompliant sun screening material, and to install material on a road vehicle without permanently affixing the required manufacturer's label. That label may not exceed one and one-half square inches and must show the manufacturer's name, the manufacture date and the light transmission percentage.
Medical Exemptions
A vehicle is exempt if it is registered to a person, or the person's guardian, who has an affidavit from a physician or optometrist licensed in New Mexico stating that a physical condition makes it necessary to equip the vehicle with the material. The affidavit must be carried in the vehicle at all times. The statute doesn't set a darkness limit for exempt tint.
What Legal Tint Actually Costs in New Mexico
With a single 20% standard on the front and rear, most New Mexico installs use one nonreflective film across the car. Because the statute requires nonreflective material, mirrored films are out, and ceramic film is a common choice for rejecting heat and UV in a high-sun climate. Ask your installer for the manufacturer's label, which the statute requires them to attach.
| Film Type | Sedan | SUV / Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Dyed film | $130 to $250 | $190 to $360 |
| Carbon film | $190 to $310 | $250 to $400 |
| Ceramic film | $220 to $420 | $310 to $570 |
Use the calculator to get an estimate specific to your vehicle before contacting any shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tint Enforcement by City
Albuquerque
New Mexico's largest city. Statewide rules apply.
Santa Fe
The state capital. Statewide rules apply.
Las Cruces
Southern New Mexico, where the same statewide rules apply.
Rio Rancho
Sandoval County, standard statewide rules apply.
Farmington
Northwestern New Mexico, standard statewide rules apply.
Related Reading
Window Tint Laws by State
New Mexico tint law is one piece of a bigger picture. Every state sets its own VLT limits, and they vary more than most drivers expect. Browse the full directory below.
New Mexico tint law reference: NMSA 1978 § 66-3-846.1, Sun screening material on windshields and windows. Laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division or your local court before getting your windows tinted.