Is Window Tint Legal in Nebraska? What the Law Says, in Plain English

Nebraska tint law at a glance

The rules are in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,257. Two terms matter: light transmission is how much light passes through the tint, and luminous reflectance is how much light it reflects. Separate from the numbers, one rule applies to every window on every vehicle: tint can't reduce the driver's clear view or substantially impair the ability to see into the vehicle.

For vans, buses and "multipurpose vehicles" as the statute defines them, the numeric limits for windows behind the front seat don't apply. Front side windows and the windshield are the same for every vehicle. This is a summary, not legal advice; read § 60-6,257.

Is 5% tint legal in Nebraska?

Not on a passenger car's front or rear windows. Front side windows need at least 35% light transmission on every vehicle, and on a car the windows behind the front seat need at least 20%. For vans, buses and multipurpose vehicles the statute sets no numeric floor behind the front seat, but the clear-view rule still applies. So I don't call 5% "legal on SUVs" or "legal on trucks". It depends on the vehicle and on whether the tint blocks the driver's view or the ability to see into the vehicle.

What about SUVs, vans and pickups?

The statute never names SUVs or pickups. The exception for windows behind the front seat is for a "multipurpose vehicle, van, or bus". The statute defines a multipurpose vehicle as a motor vehicle designed to carry ten or fewer passengers that is constructed on a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road use.

Whether your SUV or pickup fits that definition depends on how it is built and classified, so I don't give a blanket rule for SUVs or trucks. And even where the numeric limit doesn't apply, that doesn't mean unlimited darkness: the clear-view rule applies to every window. Tell me your vehicle and I'll tell you what I'd put on it. If you want certainty about how your vehicle is classified, check with the Nebraska DMV or State Patrol.

Windshield rules and the AS-1 line

The AS-1 line is the line running across the top of the windshield from the letters "AS-1" printed on the glass, or a line five inches below and parallel to the top of the windshield, whichever is closer to the top.

• Below the AS-1 line: any sunscreening material has to be clear and transparent.
• Above the AS-1 line: allowed, unless it is red, yellow or amber, and it still can't reduce your clear view.

My windshield sunstrip goes above the line. My full front windshield option uses a clear heat-rejection film, in line with that rule.

Reflective and mirror tint

On front side windows, and on a car's rear and rear-side windows, the material can't reflect more than 35% of light. Mirror-style film can break that limit even when its light transmission looks fine.

How tint is measured

The statute measures the light transmission of the sunscreening or transparent material, as the share of light that passes through it. Factory glass already blocks some light, so a film's rating and the final reading on the window aren't always the same. If you're not sure where your vehicle lands, ask me before you book and I'll tell you which shade stays legal.

What happens if your tint is too dark?

• The owner or driver of a vehicle in violation of § 60-6,257 is guilty of a Class V misdemeanor (§ 60-6,258).
• A person who applies tint in a way that violates § 60-6,257(1) is guilty of a Class III misdemeanor (§ 60-6,259).

That second line is one reason I install to the legal limit.

Out-of-state vehicles and special cases

Section 60-6,257 applies to motor vehicles required to be registered in Nebraska. I can't tell you how another state's rules apply to your vehicle. Windows on campers, motor homes, pickup covers and slide-in campers also have to meet the federal safety glazing standard in 49 C.F.R. 571.205.

Ceramic window tint prices and how to book

Drop-off appointments are available with no mobile fee. I install Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. See the full window tint page for film types and shades, or read what mobile window tinting is. If you also want your paint protected, take a look at ceramic coating, and see all my mobile detailing services.

Nebraska window tint FAQs