Car Window Tinting in Brentwood, CA

What's legal on each window

California Vehicle Code section 26708 sets the limits, and they apply the same way to sedans, SUVs and trucks. VLT (visible light transmission) is the percentage of light that gets through; lower means darker.

Summary of California Vehicle Code 26708 for passenger vehicles. Red, amber and blue tints are not allowed on any window.

Window	California limit	Common choice
Windshield	Non-reflective strip on the top 4 inches (or above the AS-1 line)	Sun strip in a darker shade
Front side windows	70% VLT minimum, film and glass combined	Clear or very light ceramic for heat rejection
Rear side windows	Any darkness	20% to 35%; 5% for "limo" privacy
Back glass	Any darkness, with left and right side mirrors	Matched to the rear sides

Red, amber and blue films are not allowed on any window. Many SUVs and trucks already have dark factory privacy glass in the back, so a front-and-windshield-strip job is common. Full detail, including medical exemptions and tickets, is in our California tint law guide.

Types of window film

Film	How it works	Heat rejection	Trade-offs
Dyed	Dye layer absorbs light	Low	Cheapest; can fade toward purple over time
Metallic	Metal particles reflect heat	Moderate	Shiny look; can interfere with phone, GPS and toll tags
Carbon	Carbon particles block infrared	Moderate to good	Matte finish, won't fade purple, no signal interference
Ceramic	Non-metal ceramic particles block infrared	High, even in light shades	Costs more; best choice for legal front windows

Because the front windows have to stay light, the shade does little for heat there. Infrared rejection does. That's why ceramic tint is popular in hot inland areas like East Contra Costa.

How a tint job works

Meter and plan. Factory glass is checked so the front windows end up legal.
Clean. Glass and gaskets are deep-cleaned; any old film is removed first.
Cut. Film is cut to your windows, often from computer-cut patterns, so it reaches close to the edges.
Shrink. Curved back glass needs the film heat-shrunk to its shape.
Install and squeegee. Film goes on the inside of the glass with a slip solution, which is pressed out.
Cure. Leave windows up for several days; minor haze clears as water evaporates.

After new glass: re-tint and sun strips

A replaced side window or back glass arrives untinted, and a new windshield won't have your old sun strip. Matching new glass to the rest of the car is a small job if it's planned with the replacement. See windshield tint and sun strips.

What it usually costs

Sedan, dyed or carbon	$200–$350
Sedan, ceramic	$350–$500
SUV or truck, ceramic	$400–$650
Windshield sun strip	$50–$100

Published national ranges, not a quote. The provider confirms your exact price before any work. Sources: LM Car Detailing tint price guide (2026). How we use price data

More by vehicle and film: window tint cost in Brentwood.

Common questions

How dark can I tint my front windows in California?

The driver and front-passenger windows must let at least 70% of visible light through with the film and factory glass combined. Because factory glass already blocks some light, that usually means a very light film, often rated around 88% or lighter. A good installer meters the glass first.

How long before I can roll the windows down?

Usually three to five days, longer in cool or damp weather. Haze or small water pockets in the first days are normal while the film cures and should clear on their own.

Does tint interfere with my phone, GPS or FasTrak toll tag?

Metallic films can. Carbon and ceramic films contain no metal and don't interfere with cell, GPS, radio or toll transponder signals.

Can tint be done at my house?

Some providers tint on site; others prefer a shop because dust and wind show up under film. Ask how your provider works. Either way, the car needs to stay dry for the first day.

Will tint void my car's warranty?

No. Aftermarket film doesn't void a vehicle warranty. The film itself carries its own manufacturer warranty against bubbling, peeling and color change, which varies by brand and line.