Get Your North Carolina Medical Window Tint Exemption Online

North Carolina: Everything You Need to Know

• North Carolina Window Tint Exemption Laws

  North Carolina allows medical exception permits for window tint under N.C.G.S. § 20-127(f). Individuals who suffer from medical conditions causing photosensitivity to visible light can obtain a DMV-issued permit to install darker window tint than normally permitted.

  • The exemption is administered by the NC Division of Motor Vehicles Medical Review Unit.
  • Permits are vehicle-specific – each permit applies to one vehicle only.
  • You may hold up to 4 medical exception permits at one time (increased from 2 under 2025 law changes).
  • Permits are valid for 5 years unless a shorter period is specified by the Medical Review Unit.
  • A sticker must be displayed on the lower left-hand corner of your rear window.
  • The permit must be carried in your vehicle at all times.
  • New 2025 law: You must roll down your window when approached by law enforcement during traffic stops.
  • Window tint inspections are no longer required as of December 1, 2025.
• Documents You'll Need

  To apply for a medical window tint exemption permit in North Carolina, you'll need:

  • Tinted Window Waiver Application, completed and signed by your treating physician
  • Your vehicle information (permit is vehicle-specific)
  • Submit your application to NC DMV Medical Review Unit

  Upon approval, NC DMV will issue:

  • Medical exception permit specifying your vehicle and permitted tint levels
  • Sticker to display on lower left corner of rear window

  The Physician's Statement must include:

  • Certification that you have a medical condition causing photosensitivity to visible light
  • Physician's name, address, and signature
  • Your diagnosis and medical justification

  If applying through a telehealth service like TintedMD, you can get your evaluation done completely online. You'll receive:

  • A signed Tinted Window Waiver Application delivered via email within 24-48 hours, ready for submission to NC DMV

  Note:

  The permit must be kept in your vehicle at all times. Failure to display the required sticker is an infraction with a fine.

• Legal Tint Limits

  North Carolina law sets specific limits on how dark your vehicle windows can be tinted. However, the state recognizes that certain medical conditions require additional protection from sunlight. With an approved medical exception permit, your darker window tint becomes legally recognized.

  Standard NC Tint Limits (Without Exemption):

  • Windshield: Tint permitted only on top 5 inches or above AS-1 line. Clear UV film allowed on entire windshield.
  • Front Side Windows: 35% VLT minimum (32% with meter tolerance).
  • Back Side Windows: 35% VLT minimum (32% with meter tolerance).
  • Rear Window: 35% VLT minimum (32% with meter tolerance).
  • Reflectivity: Maximum 20% reflective on all windows.
  • Prohibited Colors: Red, yellow, and amber tint colors are not permitted.

  With a Medical Exemption:

  • Your permit will specify which windows may be tinted and the permitted darkness levels.
  • The DMV determines permitted tint levels on a case-by-case basis based on your medical condition.
  • Tint must still be nonreflective.
  • Red, yellow, and amber colors remain prohibited even with exemption.
  • Required sticker must be displayed on rear window.