March 14, 2025 | Tennesee Law
Many cars in Tennessee have tinted windows. However, a first-time car buyer may be confused about the state’s window tint laws. Knowing what these laws entail will help you avoid hefty fines and citations and contribute to driver safety on the road.
What Does Tennessee Law State About Window Tints?
Tennessee Law addressing window tints states that the windshield must allow 70% of all light in, meaning that the VLT (or Visible Light Transmission) must not be less than 70.
Tennessee law also makes provisions for other parts of the car:
- Front Side Windows: The front side windows must allow more than 35% of the light in.
- Rear Side Windows: The rear side windows must allow more than 35% of the light in.
- Rear Windshield: The rear windshield must allow more than 35% of the light in.
This means that “limousine tints” (that is, tints that allow less than 5% of the light in) are not allowed on passenger vehicles other than limousines. These percentages apply to sedans, trucks, SUVs, and vans.
How Are the Police Enforcing Window Tint Laws?
The Bristol, TN, police department issued a press release stating that it is equipping its officers with window tint meters. These tint meters allow a member of law enforcement to check if your window tints follow Tennessee laws.
“These low-cost meters give us a way to measure the tint percentage accurately and to be able to confidently testify in court that the tint is outside the amount prescribed by state law,” said Captain Charlie Thomas.
Captain Thomas noted that the goal of these tint meters is to give drivers a chance to come into compliance with the law. He also said that drivers who try to come into compliance upon being pulled over are more likely to not incur a cost-prohibitive fee than those who do not make such an effort.
Why Do These Window Tint Laws Exist?
Window tint laws have a two-fold purpose:
- To Protect Law Enforcement: If a police officer pulls over a car with tints that make the windows too dark to see through, the officer could be at risk of becoming a victim of gun violence.
- To Protect Drivers: If a window tint is too dark, a driver cannot see out of it. This puts the vehicle’s driver, passengers, and other cars on the road at risk for an accident.
The Tennessee legislature ensures that all drivers can enjoy a safe trip by providing state regulations regarding window tints.
What Are the Other Regulations for Window Tints?
There are other regulations for window tints in Tennessee, including:
- Stickers: A professional installer must place a sticker on the inside of the driver’s side window that certifies the tinting is legal in Tennessee.
- Colors: There are no restrictions on tint colors.
- Metallic Appearance: Tints that give windows a metallic appearance (that is, are reflective) are not permitted.
- Medical Exemptions: A doctor’s note must be provided if a driver has a medical condition, such as albinism, that requires a window’s tints to be darker than the legal limit.
Check with your local law enforcement to ensure you always follow the laws.
Follow the Law, Or It Will Cost You
The average fine for illegal window tints is upwards of $100. Over time, these tickets can become costly. By getting the correct tints for your windows the first time, you can ensure compliance with the law and safety on the road.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Kentucky Today To Get More Information
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Lexington or Bowling Green, please contact our personal injury lawyers at Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC for a free case evaluation.
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