San Jose window tint laws can feel confusing because most of the rules come from California law, not the city. If you want XPEL tint for heat relief, glare control, and interior protection, you still need to keep the glass legal, mainly on the windshield and the front side windows.

XCare Auto Films is in Fremont, CA (45277 Fremont Blvd STE 7, Fremont, CA 94538) and we install XPEL window film for people coming from San Jose, CA and nearby South Bay areas. Want help picking a shade plan that fits the law and your comfort goals? Call (510) 993-9833 or book here: https://xcareautofilms.com/contact-us/.

San Jose window tint laws in plain language
Front side windows: what California allows
The 88% film rule and the 70% glass rule
The certificate requirement
Rear side windows and rear window: what you can do
Windshield tint: what is allowed
Top strip rules
Mounting areas for devices
Medical and visual condition options
How VLT works: film plus factory glass
Choosing XPEL tint while staying legal in San Jose, CA
A quick checklist before you tint
Service areas near San Jose, CA
FAQs
Sources

San Jose window tint laws in plain language

San Jose window tint laws come down to a few real-life rules most vehicle owners care about:

Front side windows (the two windows by the front seats): California only allows clear, colorless, transparent film that meets strict light-transmission rules and paperwork rules.
Windshield: A tint strip at the top can be legal if it follows the size and reflection rules in the code.
Rear side windows (behind the front seats): California law lists these as exempt from the main restriction.
Rear window: You can tint the rear window if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides that meet the view requirement in the code.

Now here’s the thing: San Jose window tint laws are not only about shade. They also cover reflection, visibility, and what paperwork must stay in the vehicle.

If you want us to walk you through options for your exact vehicle, call (510) 993-9833 or schedule here: https://xcareautofilms.com/contact-us/.

Front side windows: what California allows

San Jose window tint laws get strict on the front side windows. California Vehicle Code § 26708 has a section that allows a very light film on the front side windows, but only if the film is clear, colorless, and transparent and meets the light requirements.

The 88% film rule and the 70% glass rule

This part trips people up.

California Vehicle Code § 26708 says the film on the front side windows must have a minimum visible light transmittance of 88%. It also says the glass with the film applied must meet FMVSS No. 205, which includes a minimum light transmittance of 70%. That is written directly into the code section.

That combination matters because factory glass already blocks some light. Adding film lowers total light transmission, even when the film looks “almost clear.”

So what can you do with XPEL tint on the front side windows in San Jose, CA?

You can choose a very light, nearly clear XPEL film plan that stays within the rules.
You should avoid anything that darkens the front side windows beyond what the code allows.

If you want a window tint service page for options we offer:

Window Tint: https://xcareautofilms.com/services/window-tint/
Ceramic Window Tint: https://xcareautofilms.com/services/ceramic-window-tint/

The certificate requirement

San Jose window tint laws also require paperwork for the front side windows when film is used.

California Vehicle Code § 26708 says the person operating the vehicle must have a certificate in the vehicle. The certificate must be signed by the installer (or the film maker in owner-installed cases) and must state the windows meet the subdivision rules. The certificate must also identify the installer and the film maker by full name and street address.

This is one reason many people prefer a professional install. You want the tint to look clean, and you also want the paperwork handled right.

Next steps: If you want a legal front-window plan with paperwork, call (510) 993-9833 or book here: https://xcareautofilms.com/contact-us/.

Rear side windows and rear window: what you can do

San Jose window tint laws are much more flexible once you move behind the front seat.

California Vehicle Code § 26708 lists side windows to the rear of the front seat as not covered by the main restriction. That is why darker privacy tint is common on rear doors and cargo windows.

For the rear window, the code also has an allowance tied to mirror setup. It says the rear window can be tinted if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides that provide a view to the rear for the required distance.

What this means for XPEL tint:

Many people choose a darker shade on the rear side windows for privacy and sun relief.
You can still keep the front side windows legal with a very light film, then go darker on the rear.

If you want to look at tint deals:

Window Tint Deals: https://xcareautofilms.com/deals/window-tint-deals/

Windshield tint: what is allowed

San Jose window tint laws are tight on the windshield.

California Vehicle Code § 26708 does allow transparent material on the top portion of the windshield if the conditions in the code are met. The code also limits color and reflection.

Top strip rules

California Vehicle Code § 26708 allows transparent material on the top portion of the windshield if:

the bottom edge is at least a stated measurement above the driver seat reference point in the code,
the material is not red or amber,
it does not reflect glare into other vehicle occupants more than the windshield does on its own,
lettering rules are followed.

Many vehicle owners call this a “visor strip” or “brow tint.” If you want to keep it simple, this is the windshield option most people stick to without any medical paperwork.

If you want to talk about windshield options we offer, start here:

Windshield Tinting: https://xcareautofilms.com/services/windshield-tinting/

Mounting areas for devices

San Jose window tint laws also mention allowed mounting areas for certain devices on the windshield, like toll and traffic management devices and GPS units, within the size boxes described in the code section.

This matters because a clean windshield layout reduces clutter and keeps sight lines clear.

Medical and visual condition options

San Jose window tint laws include a few medical or visual-condition paths, but they have limits.

California Vehicle Code § 26708 allows certain sun screening devices on the front side windows if the person in the front seat has a letter signed by a licensed physician and surgeon for a medical condition, or a letter signed by a licensed optometrist for a visual condition. The code also says these devices “shall not be used during darkness.”

California Vehicle Code § 26708 also allows clear, colorless, transparent material on windshield, side, or rear windows with a dermatologist certificate, as described in the code, and the film still must meet the light-transmission rules listed in that subdivision.

If you are thinking about a medical path:

Keep the signed documents in the vehicle.
Ask your tint shop what film meets the “clear, colorless, transparent” requirement.
Expect the film to be very light.

If you want to talk through options in person, schedule here:

Consultation: https://xcareautofilms.com/consultation/
Contact Us: https://xcareautofilms.com/contact-us/

How VLT works: film plus factory glass

San Jose window tint laws are built around visible light transmittance (VLT). VLT is the percentage of visible light that passes through the glass.

Here’s the practical part:

Factory glass already reduces light.
A film with a certain VLT rating will reduce light more.
The result is a combined number that can end up darker than people expect.

This is why two cars with the same film shade can look different:

One vehicle may have lighter factory glass.
Another may have darker factory glass, plus a darker interior, so it looks darker from the outside.

If you want peace of mind on the front windows, a shop can meter your windows and help you choose a film plan that fits California’s rules.

Choosing XPEL tint while staying legal in San Jose, CA

San Jose window tint laws do not block you from using XPEL. They just shape where you can use darker shades.

XPEL PRIME films come in many VLT options across product lines, with performance data listed in XPEL’s PRIME USA specification sheet. That sheet lists VLT options and performance metrics (like UV rejection) for PRIME film lines.

A simple, common plan that keeps the law in mind:
1) Front side windows: very light, clear film only, with the certificate kept in the vehicle as the code requires.
2) Rear side windows: choose the shade you want for comfort and privacy.
3) Rear window: choose the shade you want, and keep mirror requirements in mind.
4) Windshield: stick to a legal top strip unless you have a medical path that fits the code.

If you own a Tesla and want a tint plan that fits your glass layout:

Tesla Window Tint: https://xcareautofilms.com/tesla-services/tesla-window-tint/

Want to start with a straightforward tint service page?

Window Tint: https://xcareautofilms.com/services/window-tint/
Ceramic Window Tint: https://xcareautofilms.com/services/ceramic-window-tint/

Now here’s what matters: you can still get strong heat relief where it counts most (rear doors, rear glass, roof glass where applicable) and keep the front side windows within the rules.

Call (510) 993-9833 or book here: https://xcareautofilms.com/contact-us/.

A quick checklist before you tint

San Jose window tint laws are easier when you follow a simple checklist:

Decide what you want most: heat relief, privacy, glare control, or a mix.
Pick your front-window plan first: the front side windows are where the strict rules live.
Ask for a copy of your certificate: keep it in the glove box.
Plan the windshield the safe way: a legal top strip is the most common choice.
Keep rear mirror rules in mind: tinted rear window plus proper mirror setup.
Keep film clean and clear: if film tears, bubbles, or blocks clear vision, the code calls for removal or replacement.

Next steps: If you want help building a legal tint plan for San Jose, CA while using XPEL, call (510) 993-9833 or schedule here: https://xcareautofilms.com/contact-us/.

Service areas near San Jose, CA

XCare Auto Films is in Fremont, CA and serves many nearby cities, including:

San Jose, CA
Santa Clara, CA
Milpitas, CA
Sunnyvale, CA
Mountain View, CA
Cupertino, CA
Campbell, CA
Los Gatos, CA
Palo Alto, CA
Newark, CA
Union City, CA
Hayward, CA

Common San Jose, CA areas we hear from include Downtown San Jose, CA, Willow Glen, CA, Evergreen, CA, Almaden Valley, CA, and Berryessa, CA.

FAQs

1) Are front side windows allowed to be dark in San Jose, CA?

San Jose window tint laws follow California Vehicle Code § 26708. The front side windows can only have clear, colorless, transparent film that meets the light rules listed in the code, plus the certificate requirement.

2) What does the 88% requirement mean?

California Vehicle Code § 26708 sets a minimum VLT for the film material on the front side windows, and it also requires the combined glass plus film to meet FMVSS 205 minimum light transmission.

3) Can I tint the windshield in San Jose, CA?

California Vehicle Code § 26708 allows a tint strip on the top part of the windshield if it follows the size and reflection limits in the code. Full windshield film has much tighter limits and can involve medical paperwork under the code’s medical sections.

4) Can I tint the rear side windows as dark as I want?

The code lists side windows behind the front seat as not covered by the main restriction in § 26708, which is why darker rear tint is common.

5) Can I tint the rear window?

California Vehicle Code § 26708 allows the rear window to be tinted if the vehicle has outside mirrors on both sides that meet the view requirement in the code section.

6) Do I need paperwork in the vehicle after tinting the front side windows?

Yes. California Vehicle Code § 26708 includes a certificate requirement for the front side window film setup described in the code.

7) How do I book XPEL tint near San Jose, CA?

Call (510) 993-9833 or schedule here: https://xcareautofilms.com/contact-us/. You can also start with a consult: https://xcareautofilms.com/consultation/

Sources

California Vehicle Code § 26708, California Legislative Information, Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 417, Sec. 5 (SB 506), effective January 1, 2026.
Interpretation ID: 17440.drn (FMVSS 205 and 70% light transmittance), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), June 22, 1998.
Interpretation: 11-000697 (AS-1 line, shade band area, and 70% rule), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), May 10, 2011.
XPEL PRIME USA Specification Sheet (R0523), XPEL, May 2023 (revision code R0523).
XPEL PRIME Automotive Window Film Limited Product Warranty (R1224), XPEL, December 2024 (revision code R1224).

Our Reviews

Table of contents