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Kentucky: Everything You Need to Know

• Kentucky Window Tint Exemption Laws

  Kentucky's window tinting laws are governed under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 189.110 (Unobstructed windshields). Unlike many other states, Kentucky has not established a medical exemption program within its tint statute. All drivers, regardless of medical condition, must comply with the same standard tint limits under state law.

  • Kentucky window tint laws were originally enacted in 1994 under KRS § 189.110 and most recently amended in 2024 under SB 46.
  • There is currently no medical exemption provision in KRS § 189.110. No state agency administers a certification program or issues exemption certificates for window tint.
  • Kentucky applies different VLT standards to sedans versus multipurpose passenger vehicles for rear and back side windows.
  • A 3% variance is permitted, tint measuring within 3% of the legal limit is generally not subject to citation.
  • Reflective tint on front and back side windows may not exceed 25% reflectivity. Reflective tint is not permitted on the windshield or rear window.
  • Installers and sellers must provide a pressure-sensitive, nonremovable vinyl label to be affixed to the inside left door jamb of the vehicle confirming compliance.
  • Violations of Kentucky's tint law are a Class B misdemeanor under KRS § 189.990, carrying fines of $20 to $100 per offense.
• Policy Timeline

  1994 – Original Tint Law Enacted

  • Kentucky codifies window tint restrictions under KRS § 189.110, establishing VLT requirements that differ by vehicle type. The statute sets stricter limits for sedans than for multipurpose passenger vehicles. No medical exemption provision is included in the original text.

  2002 – Reflectivity Standards Clarified

  • Kentucky updates its tint enforcement framework to clarify reflectivity limits, setting a 25% maximum for front and back side windows while prohibiting reflective tint entirely on the windshield and rear window. No medical exemption provision is introduced.

  2012 – Enforcement Practices Updated

  • Kentucky law enforcement agencies adopt electronic tint meters for field testing of VLT compliance during traffic stops and vehicle inspections. No medical exemption provision is introduced during this period.

  2024 – SB 46 Signed Into Law

  • Governor Andy Beshear signs Senate Bill 46 on March 29, 2024, effective July 15, 2024. The bill expands windshield tinting allowances, permitting tint across the entire windshield provided it maintains at least 70% VLT and is not red or yellow in color. Side and rear window limits remain unchanged. No medical exemption provision is introduced.

  Present Day – No Exemption Program Exists

  • Kentucky remains one of the few states with no medical window tint exemption pathway. KRS § 189.110 contains no provision for physician certification or darker tint for photosensitive patients.
• Legal Tint Limits

  Kentucky law sets specific tint limits under KRS § 189.110, as amended by SB 46 effective July 15, 2024. Kentucky applies different standards to sedans versus multipurpose passenger vehicles for rear and back side windows. Because no medical exemption program exists, these limits apply to all drivers without exception.

  Standard Kentucky Tint Limits For Sedans:

  • Windshield: Tint permitted across the full windshield at a minimum of 70% VLT. Must not be red or yellow in color. Non-reflective only.
  • Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% VLT. Reflectivity must not exceed 25%.
  • Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 18% VLT. Reflectivity must not exceed 35%.
  • Rear Window: Must allow more than 18% VLT. Dual side mirrors required if rear window is tinted.

  Standard Kentucky Tint Limits for Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (SUVs, Vans, Pickup Trucks):

  • Windshield: Same as sedans, minimum 70% VLT across the full windshield. Must not be red or yellow in color. Non-reflective only.
  • Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% VLT. Reflectivity must not exceed 25%.
  • Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 8% VLT. Reflectivity must not exceed 35%.
  • Rear Window: Must allow more than 8% VLT. Dual side mirrors required if rear window is tinted.

  Additional Rules:

  • Variance: A 3% tolerance is permitted, tint within 3% of the stated limit is generally not cited.
  • Installer Label: A nonremovable vinyl compliance label must be affixed to the inside left door jamb of the vehicle by the installer.