Get Your Tennessee Medical Window Tint Exemption Online

Tennessee: Everything You Need to Know

• Tennessee Window Tint Exemption Laws

  Tennessee's medical window tint exemption is authorized under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-9-107 and administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS), Driver Improvement Division. Individuals with medical conditions adversely affected by ultraviolet light can apply for an exemption allowing darker window tint.

  • The exemption allows window tint darker than the standard 35% VLT on side and rear windows.
  • A licensed physician or certified optometrist must provide a certified statement detailing your medical condition and need for reduced light exposure.
  • The Commissioner submits your application to the department's Medical Review Board for evaluation.
  • If the Medical Review Board finds the exemption warranted, they recommend the exemption and the appropriate degree of tinting.
  • Upon approval, you receive a certificate and decal indicating your degree of exemption.
  • The certificate and decal must be displayed in your motor vehicle at all times.
  • Processing time is approximately 3-4 weeks.
  • Important: Windshield tinting below the AS-1 line cannot be exempted due to federal regulations.
  • Applicants denied an exemption may appeal through the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act or to the chancery court of their county of residence.
• Documents You'll Need

  To apply for a Tennessee medical window tint exemption, you'll need:

  • A physician's letter certifying your medical condition requires reduced light transmission in your vehicle windows
  • Copy of Vehicle Registration – Current registration for the vehicle(s) to be exempted
  • Driver's License Number – Your Tennessee DL number

  The Physician's Certification must include:

  • Your medical condition that is adversely affected by ultraviolet light
  • Statement that you require reduced light exposure
  • Physician's name, license number, and contact information
  • Physician's signature and date

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

  • A signed physician statement delivered via email, ready for submission to TDOSHS

  Submit your application to:

  • Mail: [email protected] or Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Attention: Driver Improvement

  What you'll receive upon approval:

  • Certificate with the Commissioner's signature
  • Decal indicating your degree of exemption to display in your vehicle

  Note: The certificate and decal must be kept in your vehicle at all times and presented to law enforcement upon request.

• Legal Tint Limits

  Tennessee law sets specific limits on how dark your vehicle windows can be tinted. With an approved medical exemption, you can legally have darker window tint on side and rear windows.

  Standard Tennessee Tint Limits (Without Exemption):

  • Windshield: Must allow more than 70% VLT; only manufacturer's shade band or AS-1 line tinting permitted.
  • Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of visible light (35% VLT).
  • Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 35% of visible light (35% VLT).
  • Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of visible light (35% VLT).
  • Reflective Tint: Prohibited on all windows.
  • Sticker Required: Professional installers must affix a compliance label to the lower right corner of the driver's window.

  With a Medical Exemption:

  • Side and rear windows may have tint darker than 35% VLT as approved by the Medical Review Board.
  • The degree of exemption is determined by the Medical Review Board based on your medical necessity.
  • Your certificate and decal indicate the specific exemption level authorized.
  • Windshield exemptions are NOT available – federal regulations prohibit windshield tinting below the AS-1 line regardless of medical condition.