I think Cali can be a bit too agressive when it comes to those things.
Rolling through a FHP check point last year around the July 4th holiday there was no mention of my tint at all. Just checked my DL and insurance and asked a few other random questions.

 

Cops don't like tint on the front side windows because they can't see the driver. Makes it harder to see if he's armed. Guess who the law makers are going to side with.

 

Thx, Paul

 

Here are my two pictures, in the sun and in the shade. I did limo tint all the way around and love it, my last car wasnt and i wish it was many times. I do find it dangerous at night and find my self driving extra carefeully becasue it is hard to see headlights.

 

Well the last 8 was 15% front and 5% back
Going to get the new one done next week and it will be the same 15%/5%.
Get it as dark as the law allows.