New Mexico Tint laws were legislated in 1997, which allows residents to tint vehicle windows within certain limits.
Tinting laws are enforced to make roads and highways safer for passengers and drivers. As illegal tints reduce the vision of drivers which may cause accidents. Therefore, All vehicle owners and drivers must obey the window tinting rules to avoid risk of personal injuries, penalties and legal actions.
According to New Mexico Statutes Chapter 66 Motor Vehicles Section 66-3-845, Every vehicle shall be equipped with mirror to show driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least Two hundred feet.
Visible Light Transmission is the key factor to identify the legal and illegal window tints. The percentages listed below are actually the percentage of allowed Visible Light transmission through vehicle windows..
Overview of New Mexico Tint Laws
The below image outlines the permitted limits of Window Tint darkness and Tint Reflection for Sedan and SUV type motor vehicles.
Darkest Legal Tint in New Mexico
The below table shows the permissible tint limits for Cars and SUVs or Trucks. Vehicle window tint offer several benefits but Non-compliance with these tinting rules may result in tint tickets and legal consequences.
| Vehicle Type | Front Side Windows | Back Side Windows | Rear Window | Windshield | Tint Reflection | Tint Colors |
| Cars | 20% | 20% | 20% | 5 inches from top or AS-1 line whichever comes first. | Must be non-reflective. | Red, Yellow and Amber Tint colors are restricted. |
| SUV, Vans or Trucks | 20% | Any darkness can be applied | Any darkness can be applied | 5 inches from top or AS-1 line whichever comes first. | Must be non-reflective. | Red, Yellow and Amber Tint colors are restricted. |
Window Tint Reflection
According to New Mexico Tint Laws, The sun screening or tinting material must be non-reflective. Non-reflective means the material shall be made to absorb the light rather than reflect it.
The same rule is applicable for tinting or coating materials applied on Cars and SUVs or Multipurpose vehicles. Anyone wishing to install tinting can learn about the various types of window tinting materials.
Other Rules and Regulations
There are some other rules and regulations which are required to follow:
- Dual Side Mirrors: Side mirrors on each side of vehicle is required, if the rear window is covered with sun screen material.
- Restricted Tint Colors: Red, Yellow and Amber Tint colors are not allowed in New Mexico.
- Certificates: Window Film Manufacturers need to certify the legal tint, they sell in the state.
- Stickers: Professional Tint Installers shall provide sticker or label of not more than one and half inches in size, to identify the legal tint.
Medical Exemption
New Mexico Tint laws do not apply to motor vehicle registered in the state and in the name of person who has an affidavit signed by a licensed physician or optometrist. The affidavit must specify that the applicant has a physical condition which requires to equip the motor vehicle with sun screening material that is otherwise considered as violation.
Lastly, The medical exemption certificate must be kept in the vehicle at all the times while travelling.
Penalties for Violating Tint Laws
Any individual who violates a provision of these tint laws is guilty of a penalty assessment misdemeanor. Also, Cops may test the tinted windows and ask to remove the tint, if found illegal.