Ohio permits 50% transmission beside the driver and 70% on the windshield, with a separate upper-strip exception.
Read the official sources ↓Rules by window
| Window | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Windshield | At least 70% combined transmission; no red or yellow. A top strip above the AS-1 line or five inches, whichever boundary is higher, is exempt from this chapter. |
| Front side | At least 50% combined transmission; no red or yellow. Rule 4501-41-03(A)(3). |
| Rear side | No numerical VLT minimum in rule 4501-41-03(A)(4); reflectorized material is prohibited. |
| Rear window | No numerical VLT minimum; both outside rearview mirrors are required below the rule’s 50% transmission threshold, which includes ±3% tolerance. |
Reflection and labels
Rule 4501-41-03 prohibits reflectorized material on regulated glazing. For 1990-model-year and newer vehicles, identifying labels go between film and glass in the lower-left window corner, viewed from outside.
Manufacturer certification
Rule 4501-41-04 requires manufacturer certification to the Department of Public Safety. Labels identify the manufacturer and transmission percentage; the maximum label size is 1½ inches square. Request compliant film and labeling from the installer.
Medical affidavits
Rule 4501-41-05 provides an exemption for a qualifying physical condition documented by an Ohio-licensed physician or optometrist. Registration must be in the affected person’s name or that of their parent, legal guardian or spouse. The affected person or driver must carry the affidavit whenever in the vehicle.
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.
- This ordinary-vehicle summary does not cover separate school-bus or commercial-vehicle requirements.
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
- Ohio Administrative Code 4501-41-03 ↗
Core glazing rules, installed measurement, color, reflection, mirrors and labels; effective November 22, 2014, current page updated February 18, 2026.
- Ohio Administrative Code chapter 4501-41 ↗
Rule 4501-41-04 sets manufacturer certification and label content/dimensions.
- Ohio Administrative Code 4501-41-05 ↗
Medical affidavit, registration relationship and factory-glazing exceptions; current page updated February 18, 2026.