North Dakota Window Tint Laws 2026
North Dakota's rules are in NDCC 39-21-39. Tint on the windshield must allow at least 70% light transmittance, and tint on any other window must allow at least 35%. The 35% rule doesn't apply to windows behind the operator if the vehicle has compliant outside mirrors on both sides. A 2025 law, HB 1340, lowered the non-windshield limit from 50% to 35%.
Older guides still say 50%: before HB 1340, the limit for windows other than the windshield was 50%. The bill passed the House 89 to 2 and the Senate 41 to 6 and was signed in March 2025. If a shop or site quotes 50%, it is out of date.
Quick Reference
| Window | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | 70% VLT minimum | Top strip exempt |
| Windows other than the windshield | 35% VLT minimum | Since HB 1340 |
| Windows behind the operator | No limit | Needs outside mirrors both sides |
| Top of windshield | AS-1 line or top 5" | Nonreflective only |
| Medical exemption | None found | Not in statute |
How the Limits Work
Under NDCC 39-21-39(4), an individual may not operate a motor vehicle with any object, material or tinting displayed, affixed or applied on the front windshield or any window unless it meets a light transmittance standard. In conjunction with the windshield, it must allow at least 70%. In conjunction with a window other than the windshield, it must allow at least 35%.
The statute says the material is measured in conjunction with the window, so the glass counts toward the reading. A film rated close to 35% can meter below it once it sits on factory-tinted glass, which is why installers measure the finished window.
The Windshield
The 70% requirement doesn't apply to nonreflective sunscreening or window tinting material above the AS-1 line or within the top five inches of the windshield. Below that strip, nothing may be applied that brings the windshield under 70%.
Rear Windows
The 35% limit doesn't apply to windows behind the operator if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides that meet the requirements of NDCC 39-21-38, which requires a mirror positioned so the driver can see the highway at least 200 feet behind the vehicle. That covers the rear side windows and the back window. If a vehicle lacks compliant mirrors on both sides, those windows fall back to the 35% rule.
Legal vs Illegal
Legal
- ✓35% or lighter on the front side windows
- ✓Any darkness behind the operator, with compliant outside mirrors on both sides
- ✓A nonreflective strip above the AS-1 line or in the top five inches of the windshield
Illegal
- ✗Front side windows darker than 35% overall
- ✗Any film that brings the windshield under 70% below the top strip
- ✗Dark rear windows on a vehicle without compliant mirrors on both sides
What the Statute Doesn't Cover
Section 39-21-39 states a light transmittance figure and nothing else. It sets no reflectance limit, doesn't name banned colors, and doesn't require an installer label or certificate. It also contains no medical exemption, and the rest of chapter 39-21 has none for window tint. If you need darker tint for a medical reason, the statute gives no permit to apply for, so confirm with North Dakota law enforcement before you tint.
Obstruction Rule
Separate from the tint percentages, NDCC 39-21-39(1) bars driving with any sign, poster or other nontransparent material on the windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows that blocks the driver's clear view of the highway or an intersecting highway. Even a legal film doesn't cover stickers or covers that obstruct the view.
Fines and Penalties
Section 39-21-39 doesn't state a penalty. The general equipment rule in NDCC 39-21-46 makes it unlawful to drive a vehicle you know is equipped in violation of the chapter, and the fee for a violation is set under the state fee schedule in NDCC 39-06.1-06. I couldn't confirm a tint-specific amount, so check the figure on your citation or with the court.
A Ballot Measure Didn't Qualify
A 2025 to 2026 initiated measure aimed at letting drivers use any tint level did not collect enough signatures to reach the ballot. It changed nothing, so the HB 1340 limits are the law.
What Legal Tint Actually Costs in North Dakota
With 35% allowed on the front and no limit behind the driver, a common setup is a 35% film up front with a darker film on the rear glass, if the car has mirrors on both sides. Ceramic film is a popular choice for glare off snow and summer sun. Have the installer meter the finished front windows, because the factory glass counts toward the 35% reading.
| 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.
Free Tint Cost CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
Tint Enforcement by City
Fargo
North Dakota's largest city. Statewide rules apply.
Bismarck
The state capital. Statewide rules apply.
Grand Forks
Eastern North Dakota, where the same statewide rules apply.
Minot
North central North Dakota, standard statewide rules apply.
West Fargo
Cass County, standard statewide rules apply.
Related Reading
Window Tint Laws by State
North Dakota 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.
North Dakota tint law reference: N.D.C.C. § 39-21-39, Windshields and windows, as amended by 2025 HB 1340. Laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the North Dakota Highway Patrol or your local law enforcement before getting your windows tinted.