Get Your Rhode Island Medical Window Tint Exemption Online

Rhode Island: Everything You Need to Know

• Rhode Island Window Tint Exemption Laws

  Rhode Island's medical window tint exemption is authorized under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23.3-4 and administered by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Per RI DMV guidance, individuals with a qualifying medical condition can receive certification from a licensed physician or optometrist and install darker window tint than the state's standard limits.

  • Standard limit: 70% VLT on windshield and side windows (per RI DMV).

  • Medical exemption: A physician or optometrist licensed in Rhode Island completes the DMV Application for Medical Exemption from Maximum Window Tint Limits, including an affidavit stating medical necessity; sunglasses alone must be inadequate.

  • Submit the original application to the Rhode Island DMV within 30 days of the physician's signature.

  • If approved, the DMV issues a sticker (to be applied to the driver's side window) or a certificate identifying the exemption.

  • Windshield tint is not allowed even with a medical exemption.

  • Lease vehicles may require a leasing-company authorization letter.
• Documents You'll Need

  To apply for a new medical window tint exemption in Rhode Island, you'll need:

  • Application for Medical Exemption from Maximum Window Tint Limits, completed by a physician or optometrist licensed in Rhode Island

  • Physician/optometrist affidavit stating that a physical condition makes it necessary to equip the vehicle with window tint that exceeds state limits

  • Proof of Rhode Island residency

  • Current vehicle registration information

  • If the vehicle is leased: a letter from the leasing company authorizing the tint

  After Receiving Your Physician-Signed Application:

  • Submit the original completed application to the Rhode Island DMV Adjudication Office in Cranston within 30 days of the physician's signature

  • Incomplete applications will not be processed

  • If approved, you will receive a certificate (and/or sticker) showing the approved light transmittance level

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

  • A completed, physician-signed medical exemption affidavit/application package ready for DMV Adjudication Office submission

  Note: The approved sticker or certificate must be kept in your vehicle (or affixed as instructed by the DMV) and presented to law enforcement upon request.

• Legal Tint Limits

  Rhode Island law sets strict limits on window tint and generally follows Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) requirements. However, the state recognizes that certain medical conditions require additional protection from sunlight. With an approved medical exemption, your darker window tint becomes legally recognized, protecting both your health and your compliance with Rhode Island law.

  Standard Rhode Island Tint Limits (Without Exemption):

  • All applicable windows: Minimum 70% total visible light transmittance (VLT).

  • Windshield: Aftermarket tint that reduces light transmittance is prohibited under R.I.G.L. § 31-23.3-2 (factory AS-1 zone rules still apply).

  • Side windows immediately adjacent to the driver and front passenger, rear side windows, and rear windows: Must maintain at least 70% VLT without an exemption.

  • Violation fine: $250 under Rhode Island law for illegal nontransparent windshields or windows.

  With a Medical Exemption:

  • You may install window tint darker than the standard 70% VLT limit on eligible side and rear windows.

  • The physician specifies what percentage of light transmittance (less than 70%) is medically appropriate for your condition.

  • The DMV approves and records the allowed transmittance level on your certificate.

  • Medical exemptions do not apply to the windshield.

  • Very dark tint may be denied if the DMV determines it creates an unreasonable public safety hazard.