Kansas Window Tint Laws
Kansas requires 35% VLT on all side and rear windows, for every vehicle type including SUVs and vans, with non-reflective film.
Kansas Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Kansas Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Kansas vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Above AS-1 | Above AS-1 |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 35% | 35% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 35% | 35% |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 35% | 35% |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Kansas
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
Kansas Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
K.S.A. 8-1749a does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
The windshield strip may not be red, yellow or amber (K.S.A. 8-1749a(a)(1)).
Compliance Certificate Sticker
Not required; the statute only allows labels and stickers required or permitted by law (8-1749a(f)).
Medical Tint Exemptions
It does not allow dark tint: only clear, colorless UV-blocking film (at least 78%, with the combination meeting FMVSS 205), with a statement signed by a physician or optometrist. If cited for not carrying it, you have 60 days to show it or remove the film.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Kansas? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Kansas, front side windows must allow at least 35% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 35%, and the rear window requires 35%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow 35%.
Can you tint the front windshield in Kansas? +
Under Kansas law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Above AS-1 (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Kansas? +
While law enforcement in Kansas enforces the state vehicle code (K.S.A. 8-1749a), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in Kansas? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Kansas because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 35% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in Kansas, and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. Kansas statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Kansas allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Kansas permits medical tint waivers for individuals with certified photosensitivity or UV-reactive conditions (such as lupus or porphyria). An official affidavit signed by a licensed physician must be approved and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Kansas? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Kansas, but the vehicle must be capable of passing an optical light meter test during routine traffic stops or state inspections.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Kansas? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
Top-Rated Window Tint Shops in Kansas
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
Find Tint Shops by City in Kansas
Select your city to browse verified local installers, direct contact numbers, and customer reviews: