Iowans may soon be able to drive with darker window tints.
House File 766, which would loosen restrictions on vehicle window tint, passed the Iowa House in March 2025 and cleared the Iowa Senate on March 23, 2026, in a 31-16 vote, sending it to Gov. Kim Reynolds for consideration.
Here’s what to know about the proposed changes to Iowa’s state law on window tints.
How would window tint laws change in Iowa under the new bill?
If the bill is signed into law, drivers would be able to alter the tint on the two windows to the right and left of the driver down to 50% light transmission, meaning half of visible light must still pass through.
Current Iowa law doesn’t set a standard for window tints, but allows the state Department of Transportation to set standards for windows that are “excessively dark or reflective.” Rules adopted by the department set that standard at 70% light transmission for windshields, front windows and sidewings. Other windows are not regulated under the DOT’s rules.
The new tint restrictions would not apply to vehicles owned or leased by law enforcement agencies being used for official duties.
What is the fine for violating Iowa’s window tint law?
Under Iowa law, drivers caught with illegal window tint face a $70 base fine. The new law would not change the fine.
Police can also require drivers to remove or fix the tint, and continued non-compliance can lead to increased fines and higher insurance rates.
When does the new tint law take effect in Iowa?
Reynolds has three days to consider the bill after it is sent to her.
If she signs the bill or takes no action, the new tint law will take effect on July 1, 2026.
If she vetoes the bill, Iowa’s existing standards would remain in place. A lobbyist representing the State Police Officers Council registered against the bill. Others representing the Iowa Police Chief Association, Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa Department of Public Safety were undecided.
How do Iowa’s window tint laws compare to those of other states?
Iowa is currently one of eight states with a visible light transmission of 70%, according to the International Window Film Association’s 2021 report, making it one of the more restrictive states for window tint laws. Iowa’s current standard for vehicle window tint was set in 1983.
Here’s how Iowa’s current front-side window tint laws compare to those of other Midwest states:
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa’s window tint law may be changing. See what the new bill changes.
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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