Kentucky Window Tint Laws
Kentucky allows 35% VLT on front side windows, 18% behind the driver on cars and 8% on SUVs and vans; since 2024 a 70% film is allowed on the whole windshield.
Kentucky Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Kentucky Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Kentucky vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | 70% | 70% |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 35% | 35% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 18% | 8% |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 18% | 8% |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Kentucky
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).
Kentucky Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Required on both sides if the rear window is not transparent.
Prohibited Tint Colors
Material applied to the whole windshield (allowed if it lets through at least 70%) may not be red or yellow (KRS 189.110(2)(c), as amended by SB 46 of 2024).
Compliance Certificate Sticker
The installer or seller places a non-removable vinyl label on the inside of the driver's door frame, with the film name and the business name.
Medical Tint Exemptions
KRS 189.110 does not provide a medical exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Kentucky? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Kentucky, front side windows must allow at least 35% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 18%, and the rear window requires 18%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow 8%.
Can you tint the front windshield in Kentucky? +
Under Kentucky law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: 70% (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Kentucky? +
While law enforcement in Kentucky enforces the state vehicle code (KRS 189.110 (as amended by SB 46, Acts 2024 ch. 17)), 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 Kentucky? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Kentucky 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 Kentucky, 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. Kentucky statutes recognize a ±3%. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Kentucky allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Kentucky enforces statutory limits strictly, and medical waivers require formalized application with the state licensing or public safety division.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Kentucky? +
Yes. Kentucky statutes mandate that an identifying certification sticker must be affixed between the tint film and glass (typically on the lower driver-side window) to certify compliance with state regulations.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Kentucky? +
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 Kentucky
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
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