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Iowa repealed its medical exemption years ago, so the 70% front rule applies to everyone, no letter accepted. Behind the driver, the state doesn't set a limit.
Reviewed July 2026 · Passenger cars (sedans)
| Glass | Rule for passenger cars |
|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line. |
| Front side windows | 70% VLT or lighter |
| Back side windows | Any darkness |
| Rear window | Any darkness |
| Medical exemption | Not offered |
VLT — Visible Light Transmission — is the percentage of outside light that makes it through your glass. The number printed in the law is a floor: film may be that bright or brighter. Because factory glass already blocks a little light, an officer's meter reads the combined darkness of glass plus film. A film sold as "70%" on top of factory glass can meter a few points darker — which is why professional installers measure the final result, not the box label.
Quality matters as much as darkness. Dyed films fade purple and bubble; ceramic films like ULTRASHIELD SHADOW reject heat and up to 99% of UV at any legal darkness, with no signal interference — so you get the comfort without gambling on the number.
ULTRASHIELD certified installers measure the finished VLT, use nano-ceramic SHADOW film, and register your warranty with CARFAX.
Own a shop in Iowa? There's no certified ULTRASHIELD installer here yet — be the first. Apply to join the network →
This page summarizes Iowa statute as published and was last reviewed July 2026. It is not legal advice. Laws change and local enforcement varies — confirm current rules with the Iowa DMV before tinting.
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