New Mexico Window Tinting Laws
Car window tinting laws in New Mexico were enacted in 1997.
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 New Mexico so make sure you read all about it below.
Window tint darkness in New Mexico
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 New Mexico is very specific and different for sedan cars and SUV cars or vans.
Tint darkness for sedans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches is allowed.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 20% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Must allow more than 20% of light in.
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 20% of light in.
Tint darkness for SUV and vans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches is allowed.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 20% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
Window tint reflection in New Mexico
Window tint can reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat.
New Mexico 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: No reflection permitted.
- Back Side windows: No reflection permitted.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
- Front Side windows: No reflection permitted.
- Back Side windows: No reflection permitted.
Other New Mexico window tint rules and regulations:
New Mexico does have several other important laws, rules and regulations pertaining to window tinting. They include the following:
- Side Mirrors: Dual side mirrors are required if any side or back windows are tinted.
- Restricted Colors: Red, amber and yellow colors are not permitted.
- Certificates: Manufacturers of film need to certify the film they sell in the state. Ask your dealer if they are using certified film.
- Stickers: The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on every tinted window.
- Medical Exceptions: New Mexico allows medical exemptions for special tint.
- Penalties: Petty misdemeanor with up to $75 fine.
Keep in mind that New Mexico 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.
Our information about window tint laws in New Mexico was last updated in 2024.
Tinting laws in New Mexico were enacted in 1997.
In case any of our info provided is not up to date or correct be sure to contact us so we can fix it. Thanks!
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State of New Mexico Info
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States.
New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States.
New Mexico is the 5th most extensive, the 36th most populous, and the 6th least densely populated of the 50 United States.
Capital: Santa Fe
Population: 2,115,877
Area: 121,589 sq mi (315,194 km2)
Cities in New Mexico: Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Taos, Roswell, Rio Rancho, Alamogordo, Silver City, Ruidoso, Carlsbad, Farmington, Gallup, Clovis, Truth or Consequences, Hobbs, Las Vegas, Taos Ski Valley, Socorro, Red River, Española, Raton, Deming, Cloudcroft, Artesia, Los Lunas, Tucumcari, Angel Fire, Abiquiú, Pecos, Grants, Hatch, Aztec, Bernalillo, Tijeras, Sunland Park, Chama, Belen, Jemez Springs, Mesilla, Weed, Santa Rosa, Pie Town, Corrales, Lordsburg, Portales, New Mexico, Cimarron, Fort Sumner, Vermejo Park Ranch, Questa, Elephant Butte
Counties in New Mexico: Bernalillo, Catron, Chaves, Cibola, Colfax, Curry, De Baca, Dona Ana, Eddy, Grant, Guadalupe, Harding, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Los Alamos, Luna, McKinley, Mora, Otero, Quay, Rio Arriba, Roosevelt, Sandoval, San Juan, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Sierra, Socorro, Taos, Torrance, Union, Valencia
Tint law references:
New Mexico Statutes section 66-3-846.1: Sun screening material on windshields and windows