Drivers in one state can finally celebrate as one particular 30-year ban has finally been lifted. Citizens in the state are celebrating an adjustment that has been made to outdated vehicle regulations. The ban that stood strong since 1993 has been lifted, letting citizens make adjustments to car window tinting. Motor vehicle drivers in the state will have more flexibility and this law reflects the move to more modernized technological standards.
An archaic state law is finally changing since 1993
The initial window tinting laws were first enacted back in 1993 and has since then remained unchanged. Thanks to Louisiana Act No. 143, drivers are allowed more freedom on the roads if they stick to safety requirements. As per the initial rules, there were standards as to how dark or reflective car window tints had to be, more so for sedans.
Penalties of between $150 and $350 were incurred when breaking the set state regulation. As per the previous law, front side window tints were expected to allow more or less 40% of light in, while rear windows needed to ensure that at least 12% of light was allowed in. As such, back windows for SUVs and Sedans could have been darker than front side windows.
In terms of reflection rules, no more than 20% reflectivity was allowed. Some tint colors, such as red and amber, were also banned. Although such laws were in place to ensure better driver visibility, these laws have since been rather outdated.
Louisiana Act No. 143 is introducing a new perspective
The Louisiana Act No. 143 came about on August 1, 2025 and looked at regulation pertaining to window tinting, whereby some key changes were introduced:
- More color variety: A narrower list of banned tinted colors should be considered as drivers now have more colored tints to choose from.
- Lower VLT thresholds: Sedans are now allowed rear window tints of 5% and visible light transmission (VLT) of 12%.
- Medical exemption permitted: Now the Act allows for citizens with medical conditions to apply specific tints best suited for them.
- Certification process more streamlined: Every product no longer needs to be registered individually with the state and this is why new technologies is a better possibility for the state.
These updates to archaic laws aim to strike a balance between driver comfort, vehicle aesthetics, and road safety. The new law also reflects growing public awareness of UV protection, interior preservation, and energy efficiency.
How is the public reacting to the new laws?
Most drivers across the state of Louisiana seem to be elated. More so, those who have to operate vehicles in sunnier areas. Citizens feel that the new law aligns with current standards. Many tinting professionals and auto stores will see an increase in business due to the new law urging drivers to update their customizations.
There are some concerns from law enforcement agencies, however, who note that police will have difficulty in terms of interacting with drivers at traffic stops due to some tinted windows. With the law comes the rule of standardized stickers on the driver’s side window for all legal tints, which will allow officers to check for compliance with the law as per Louisiana Act No. 143.
In Arizona, sweeping bans are being imposed on solo drivers and in Louisiana, the state is looking at giving individual drivers more personal choices.
What does the new era mean for drivers in the state?
Louisiana is finally loosening the tighter grip on window tinting rules, as per the Louisiana State Legislature. The state may very well be embracing technological advancements while maintaining fairness, practicality, and safety in mind. Louisiana is giving state drivers the change to choose what they would like to do 30 years later. This follows another rule enacted whereby slow drivers in Louisiana could be fined up to $350 for driving below the speed limit.
