relative to permissible window tinting on motor vehicles.
HB 1178 allows vehicle owners in New Hampshire to install aftermarket tinting on front side windows (left and right of the driver) if the tint permits at least 35% of light to pass through. It also creates a medical exemption, enabling individuals with qualifying health conditions to apply for a waiver permitting darker tint, provided they submit medical certification from a licensed provider and the tint still meets the 35% standard. The commissioner of safety will establish testing procedures and review waiver applications, including consulting a medical review board if needed. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
Bill status
failed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Dec 1, 2025
Last action Mar 12, 2026
Floor votes · House Mar 12, 2026
How they voted
118–84
Passed · 20 other
Total votes 222
Mar 12, 2026
D
Democratic107
82% Yea
I
Independent2
50% Nay
R
Republican113
65% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
3
Committee
2
Mar 12, 2026
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (118-84-20)
house
Mar 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Ought to Pass: MF DV 158-187 03/12/2026 HJ 8 P. 72
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee Report: Without Recommendation 03/03/2026 (Vote 10-10; RC) HC 10 P. 74
lower
Dec 1, 2025
Introduced
Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Transportation HJ 1 P. 9
lower
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Joseph Barton
RRepublican
Co
Alice Wade
DDemocratic
Co
James Thibault
RRepublican
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