North Dakota lowered its front-side transmission minimum to 35% on August 1, 2025. The windshield remains at 70% outside the permitted sun strip.
Read the official sources ↓Rules by window
| Window | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Windshield | At least 70% combined transmission. Nonreflective material above the AS-1 line or within the top five inches is excepted. Section 39-21-39(4)–(5). |
| Front side | At least 35% combined light transmission. Section 39-21-39(4). |
| Rear side | No VLT minimum behind the operator if compliant outside mirrors are fitted on both sides; otherwise 35%. |
| Rear window | No VLT minimum behind the operator if compliant outside mirrors are fitted on both sides; otherwise 35%. |
Count the factory tint
The statute measures screening together with the window. Highway Patrol guidance explicitly says to include factory tint. Its current FAQ also confirms the August 1, 2025 effective date and rear-window mirror condition.
Mirrors and visibility still matter
The rear-window exception depends on both outside mirrors meeting section 39-21-38, including a rearward view of at least 200 feet. Section 39-21-39 separately prohibits nontransparent material that obstructs the driver’s clear view.
Do not assume a medical exception
The reviewed tint section does not provide a medical waiver procedure. Get direct confirmation from Highway Patrol before treating a prescription as permission for darker front glass.
Before you rely on this guide
This is general information, not legal advice, a vehicle inspection, or permission to install a particular film. Exceptions and enforcement procedures can depend on your circumstances.
- The reviewed sources do not establish a separate numerical reflectance ceiling, tint-color list or certification-sticker requirement. Nonreflectivity is expressly required for the windshield-strip exception.
The research date shows when the sources were checked. It is not the date the law took effect, and it does not mean this page is monitored continuously. This research preview still awaits human editorial review; we do not claim attorney review.
Official sources
- North Dakota Century Code, chapter 39-21 ↗
Sections 39-21-38 and 39-21-39; current consolidated text specifies 35% front sides, 70% windshield and rear-mirror exception.
- North Dakota Highway Patrol FAQ ↗
Current window tint answer confirms August 1, 2025 change, factory-tint inclusion and unrestricted rear glass with dual mirrors.
- North Dakota HB 1340 official history ↗
Enacted 2025 amendment, signed March 24, 2025.