Main Points
- Passenger vehicles in New Mexico are allowed up to 20% VLT on all side windows and rear windshields.
- Multi-purpose vehicles are allowed any level of darkness on rear windows but must keep to 20% VLT for front side windows.
- Tinting on the windshield is restricted to the top 5 inches and must be non-reflective.
- If the rear window is tinted, dual side mirrors are required.
- Medical exemptions are available for those with certain medical conditions.
Why It’s Important to Know the Tint Laws
Vehicle owners need to know New Mexico’s window tint laws to ensure they comply and avoid fines. These laws help maintain visibility and safety but also allow for some personal preference. Most importantly, following these laws ensures your vehicle is legally driving and safe for everyone inside.
Summary of Important Rules
New Mexico has particular laws regarding window tinting. These laws determine the permitted darkness and reflectiveness of window tints. Furthermore, if the back window is tinted, dual side mirrors must be used, and some tint colors are limited.
Understanding Window Tint Percentage Laws
First, let’s review the specifics of New Mexico’s window tint percentage laws. Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is the percentage of light that can pass through car windows. This figure is key to determining how dark or light your window tint is allowed to be.
Understanding Visible Light Transmission (VLT)
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is a term used to describe the quantity of light that a window tint allows to pass through. For instance, a window tint with a VLT of 20% will only let 20% of the visible light to pass through, making the window appear pretty dark. On the other hand, a tint with a VLT of 70% will allow 70% of the light to pass through, making the window appear much lighter. You can check out the North Carolina DMV tint laws for more information on related regulations.
Window Tint Percentages for Passenger Cars
For passenger cars in New Mexico, such as sedans and coupes, the window tint can be as dark as 20% VLT on all side windows and the back windshield. This rule is in place to strike a balance between privacy and safety. However, the front windshield can only have non-reflective tint along the top 5 inches.
Multi-Purpose Vehicle Tint Percentages
The rules are a bit different for multi-purpose vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans. These vehicles can have any level of darkness on the rear windows, which allows for more privacy. However, the front side windows must follow a 20% VLT limit to ensure drivers can see well enough while driving.
Other Legal Rules for Window Tinting
| Window Type | Legal Tint Percentage (VLT) |
|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective above AS-1 line |
| Front Side Windows | >20% |
| Back Side Windows | No restrictions |
| Rear Windshield | No restrictions |
| Medical Exemption | Varies (requires physician note) |
Reference:
https://www.cartintlaw.com/new-mexico/
In addition to the VLT percentages, there are several other legal rules in New Mexico related to window tinting. These include rules for tinting windshields, the requirement for dual side mirrors, restrictions on specific colors, and the need for manufacturer certification and identification stickers.
Windshield Tinting Regulations
In New Mexico, the front windshield of any vehicle can only have a non-reflective tint along the top 5 inches. This regulation ensures that drivers have a clear and unobstructed view of the road ahead, which is essential for safe driving.
Requirement for Two Side Mirrors
New Mexico law mandates that if your vehicle’s rear window is tinted, you must have two side mirrors. This requirement is in place so drivers can still see clearly behind them, even if the rear window is heavily tinted. Check out the Colorado DMV tint laws for more details on similar regulations.
Colors That Are Not Allowed
According to New Mexico law, some colors of window tint are not allowed. These colors are red, amber, and blue. This is to avoid any confusion with emergency vehicles and to maintain a standard look for all vehicles on the road.
Manufacturer Approval and Identification Labels
To comply with New Mexico’s rules, every window tint must be approved by the manufacturer. Additionally, a label identifying the legal tinting must be positioned between the film and glass on each tinted window. This allows law enforcement to easily confirm that the tint is legal.
Window Tint Legal Limitations
Aside from the VLT percentages, New Mexico has several other critical legal limitations on window tinting. These encompass regulations on windshield tinting, requirements for dual side mirrors, banned colors, and the necessity for manufacturer certification and identification stickers.
Knowing these restrictions is important to ensure that your vehicle follows state laws and to prevent possible fines or penalties.
Regulations for Windshield Tinting
In New Mexico, the top 5 inches of a vehicle’s front windshield are the only parts that can have a non-reflective tint. This law ensures that drivers can see the road clearly and without any obstructions, which is vital for their safety.
- You can apply non-reflective tint to the top 5 inches of your windshield.
- Just ensure the tint doesn’t go below the AS-1 line, usually marked on the windshield.
These rules are in place to help you maintain visibility and see traffic signals, road signs, and other important visual cues. For more information, check out the South Carolina DMV tint laws.
Please keep in mind that these regulations apply to all types of vehicles, whether passenger vehicles or multipurpose vehicles.
Requirement for Two Side Mirrors
If you have a tinted rear window in New Mexico, you must have two side mirrors. This law is in place to ensure that drivers can see behind them, even if the rear window is very dark due to the tint. You can check out the Colorado DMV tint laws for more information on similar regulations.
Having two side mirrors gives drivers another way to see what’s going on behind them, so they’re not just depending on the rear window.
Colors That Are Not Allowed
According to New Mexico law, there are specific colors of window tint that are not permitted. Specifically, you cannot use red, amber, or blue tints. This is to avoid any confusion with emergency vehicles and to keep a uniform look for all vehicles on the road. You can check out the South Carolina DMV tint laws for more information on window tinting regulations in another state.
If you use banned colors, you may be fined and need to remove and replace the tint to meet state requirements.
Manufacturer Certification and Identification Stickers
In New Mexico, all window tints must be certified by the manufacturer. Each tinted window must have a sticker identifying it as legal tinting. The sticker should be placed between the film and the glass. This makes it easy for law enforcement to check if your tint is legal.
Getting your tint certified and correctly labeled can keep you out of legal trouble and help you dodge fines. Check out the Colorado DMV tint laws for more information on specific state regulations.
Window Tint Medical Exemptions
In New Mexico, individuals with certain medical conditions can have darker window tints than normal. Darker tints can help protect these individuals from harmful UV rays and other light sensitivities.
If you think you’re eligible for a medical exemption, you should know the steps and requirements to get and show the needed paperwork. For more details, you can refer to the Missouri DOR tint laws.
Medical Conditions that Qualify
If you have a medical condition that requires you to be shielded from sunlight, you may qualify for a medical exemption. Some of the most common conditions that are eligible include:
For more details, refer to the New Mexico Tint Laws for specific guidelines.
If you are affected by any of the following conditions:
- Lupus
- Photosensitivity
- Albinism
- Skin cancer
You should speak to your doctor to see if you are eligible for an exemption under New Mexico law.
Getting and Showing a Doctor’s Affidavit
You must get a doctor’s affidavit if you are eligible for a medical exemption. This document should explain the medical need for darker window tint and must be signed by a licensed doctor. For more details on the legal aspects, you can check the New Mexico Tint Laws.
It would be best if you always kept the affidavit in your car. If you’re pulled over, a police officer may ask to see it to check that your window tint is legal.
Tinted Window Insurance Guidelines
Window tinting can affect your car insurance policy. It’s critical to be aware of these guidelines to maintain comprehensive coverage. For more information, refer to this insurance guide.
How Tinting Affects Your Insurance
Most insurance companies have rules about vehicle modifications, including window tinting. If your tint is within state laws, it won’t affect your insurance. But if your tint is too dark or not properly certified, it could cause problems with claims and coverage. For more details, you can check out the New Mexico Tint Laws.
For example, if you have an accident and your window tint is discovered to be illegal, your insurance company may reject your claim or lower your coverage. As a result, it’s essential to follow New Mexico’s tint laws to avoid any adverse effects on your insurance.
Letting Your Insurance Company Know
Anytime you make changes to your car, like installing window tint, it’s important to let your insurance company know. This ensures that your policy is up to date with your car’s condition and that you’re still completely covered.
Please inform your insurance company about the type and VLT percentage of your window tint. This will help avoid confusion or problems if you need to make a claim.
Keeping Up with New Mexico’s Tint Laws
Complying with New Mexico’s tint laws involves several steps. Adhering to these guidelines can prevent fines and keep your vehicle legal on the road.
How to Check if Your Tint is Legal
The first thing you need to do is check the VLT percentage of your tint. The manufacturer usually provides this information, and it can often be found on the packaging or installation documentation. Make sure the VLT percentage meets New Mexico’s requirements:
- Passenger vehicles must have a tint that allows at least 20% visible light transmission (VLT).
- Multi-purpose vehicles can have any tint on the rear windows, but the front side windows must allow at least 20% VLT.
Additionally, you must ensure that the tint on your front windshield is not reflective and covers no more than the top 5 inches. This is important for staying within the law. For more details, check out the Missouri DOR tint laws guide.
Furthermore, if you have tinted your rear window, ensure your car has two side mirrors. This is a legal requirement in New Mexico to ensure visibility.
Consequences for Non-Adherence
If your vehicle fails to comply with New Mexico’s tint laws, you may be subject to penalties. These can range from fines to having to remove the non-adherent tint. In some instances, repeated offenses can result in more serious repercussions.
For instance, you may be fined for a first-time offense, and if you continue to break the law, you could face higher fines or even be required to appear in court. So, ensuring your tint is legal from the get-go is a good idea.
Finding Additional Information
Should you have any questions or require more information about tint laws in New Mexico, you can use a few resources. The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) can be contacted, or their website can be visited for more detailed information. Local law enforcement agencies can also provide guidance and answer any questions.
Here are some helpful links to get you started: Colorado DMV Tint Laws.
What is the darkest legal tint in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, the legal limit for window tint on passenger vehicles is 20% VLT on all side windows and the rear windshield. The rear windows can be as dark as desired for multi-purpose vehicles, but the front side windows must still meet the 20% VLT requirement.
Is there a medical exemption available for darker tints?
Indeed, New Mexico does permit medical exemptions for individuals with specific medical conditions that necessitate protection from sunlight. You must have a physician’s affidavit stating the medical necessity for darker tint, and it must be kept in the vehicle at all times.
Is a sticker necessary to prove my tint is legal?
Indeed, New Mexico mandates that a sticker indicating legal tinting be affixed between the film and glass on each tinted window. This allows law enforcement to confirm rapidly that your tint complies with state regulations.
What are the consequences if my window tint is too dark?
If your tint is too dark and does not comply with New Mexico’s rules, you may be fined and forced to remove it. If you continue to violate these rules, the penalties may become more severe.
Where can I verify that my tint is compliant?
New Mexico MVD tint laws are essential for vehicle owners in the state to understand. These laws specify the allowable window tint percentage and other legal restrictions. Compliance with these regulations ensures road safety and avoids potential fines. Moreover, understanding these guidelines can help make informed decisions about window tinting and its implications on vehicle insurance. You can refer to the Colorado DMV tint laws for a comprehensive overview of similar regulations in other states.
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