Tennessee Window Tint Laws
Tennessee requires 35% VLT on every side and rear window and 70% on the windshield; only factory privacy glass allowed by federal rules is exempt.
Tennessee Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Tennessee Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Tennessee 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 | 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 Tennessee
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).
Tennessee Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
§55-9-107 does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
§55-9-107 has no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
The professional installer places a label in the lower right corner of the driver's window with their business name and 'Complies with Tennessee Code Annotated, § 55-9-107'. The installer also gives a signed receipt (date, make, model, color, plate and the compliance statement) to keep with the vehicle papers. The owner bears the burden of proving compliance.
Medical Tint Exemptions
Physician's statement to the commissioner; the medical review board evaluates it and, if appropriate, issues a certificate or sticker with the authorized tint level. The decision can be appealed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Tennessee? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee? +
Under Tennessee 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 Tennessee? +
While law enforcement in Tennessee enforces the state vehicle code (Tenn. Code Ann. §55-9-107), 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 Tennessee? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Tennessee 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 Tennessee, 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. Tennessee statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Tennessee allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Tennessee 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 Tennessee? +
Yes. Tennessee 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 Tennessee? +
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 Tennessee
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
Will Race's Window Tinting
📍 Blountville, TN
Mayes Auto Detailing and Ceramic Coatings
📍 Chattanooga, TN
5 Starz Window Tint and Car Audio
📍 Goodlettsville, TN
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