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North Dakota: Everything You Need to Know

• North Dakota Window Tint Exemption Laws

  North Dakota's window tinting laws are governed under North Dakota Century Code § 39-21-39 (Tinted windows), enforced by the North Dakota Highway Patrol. North Dakota previously issued medical exemptions for window tint but discontinued the program. No new medical exemptions can be obtained under current state law.

  • North Dakota window tint laws were originally enacted in 2003 under NDCC § 39-21-39.

  • A medical exemption program previously existed in North Dakota but has since been discontinued.

  • No state agency currently administers a certification program or accepts new applications for medical window tint exemptions.

  • Tint violations under NDCC § 39-21-39 are classified as moving violations with a $20 fine per offense as of 2019. Multiple windows in violation typically result in a single citation.

  • Dual side mirrors are required if any window behind the driver is tinted.
• Policy Timeline

  2003 – Original Tint Law Enacted

  • North Dakota codifies window tint restrictions under NDCC § 39-21-39, establishing VLT requirements for all vehicle windows. The original statute includes provisions for front windshield tinting, making North Dakota one of the few states to permit tint on the entire windshield at 70% VLT.

  Mid-2000s – Medical Exemption Program Operated

  • North Dakota issues medical exemptions for window tint under NDCC § 39-21-39 for individuals with qualifying photosensitive conditions. The program operates for a period before being discontinued.

  2019 – Enforcement Reclassified

  • The North Dakota Legislature reclassifies window tint violations as moving violations under NDCC § 39-21-39(4), establishing a $20 fine structure. The medical exemption program is no longer in operation by this point.

  2025 – Enforcement Standards Updated

  • North Dakota updates guidance on tint limits for windows behind the driver, clarifying that a minimum 35% VLT applies to other windows unless dual outside mirrors are installed. No medical exemption provision is introduced.

  Present Day – No Active Exemption Program

  • North Dakota remains closed to new medical window tint exemptions. NDCC § 39-21-39 contains no active pathway for new physician certifications or exemption applications.
• Legal Tint Limits

  North Dakota law sets specific tint limits under NDCC § 39-21-39, as updated effective August 1, 2025 per the North Dakota Highway Patrol. Because no medical exemption program exists, these limits apply to all drivers without exception.

  Standard North Dakota Tint Limits:

  • Windshield: At least 70% VLT required below the AS-1 line or below the top 5 inches of the windshield. Non-reflective only.

  • Front Side Windows and Other Windows: Must allow at least 35% VLT as of August 1, 2025. Factory tinting already on the glass must be included in the total VLT calculation.

  • Windows Behind the Operator: Any darkness level is permitted, provided the vehicle is equipped with outside mirrors on both sides.

  • Reflectivity: Reflective tint is not permitted. Tint should not reflect more light than a standard untinted window.

  • Dual Outside Mirrors: Required on both sides if windows behind the operator are tinted.