Kentucky Tint Laws
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Kentucky Tint Laws
Kentucky tint laws are much more complex and specific than you’ll find in most states, and they differ based not only on window type but by vehicle type as well, so we’ll go through each window of both cars and of larger vehicles in turn to make sure you have a full understanding of Kentucky window tinting laws for 2021.
The state first enacted window tint laws in 1994, and in the ensuing years the regulations have changed several times. And of course window film laws will surely change again in the future as new tinting products and installation techniques are developed. As a window tint violation in Kentucky is usually a Class B misdemeanor, the penalties for illegal tint can be harsh enough to where risking a violation is really not worth it.
Critical to ensuring your window tint is legal in Kentucky is knowing its VLT percentage, or visible light transmission percentage, which is how much visible sunlight the tinted glass allows to pass through. The lower the VLT number, the less light gets through and the darker the window. You can use as a reference 5% VLT tint, which is the very dark privacy tint common on limousines and even referred to as limo tint. Know that even optically clear tint with a near 100% VLT rating can still block 99% of the sun’s UV light, which can fade and discolor the interior of a car and reduce its resale value (and can damage your skin as well) and reduce how much infrared light gets into the car, thus keeping the car cooler and more cost effective to operate, so you can get the benefits of window film without adding tint at all.
That said, window tint adds privacy and can improve the look of the vehicle, thus its popularity with so many drivers. Just be sure your window tint is legal in Kentucky by referencing the percentages in the car diagram below.
Please note: The accuracy, completeness, adequacy or currency of the content is not warranted or guaranteed. We are not lawyers or a law firm and we do not provide legal advice. We recommend you consult a lawyer or other appropriate professional if you want legal advice.
CLICK ON INDICATORS TO VIEW TINT LAWS FOR SPECIFIC WINDOWS
suvs, trucks, & vans
Front Windows
All Vehicles
35% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Passenger Windows
Includes rear window and rear passenger
Any shade of tint can be used for trucks, SUVs, and vans ONLY
Rear Window
Includes rear window and rear passenger windows
Any shade of tint can be used for trucks, SUVs, and vans ONLY
Windshield Visor
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Any shade of tint can be used from the AS1 Line up. This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.
sedans & coupes
Front Windows
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Includes Trucks, SUVs, Vans, Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
35% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Passenger Windows
for Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
18% Tint (VLT%)
Rear Window
for Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks
18% Tint (VLT%)
Windshield Visor
ALL VEHICLE TYPES
Any shade of tint can be used from the AS1 Line up. This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.
% of Tint or Visible light transmission (VLT) is the measurement used to assess the amount of light passing through a piece of glass. This is the percent of visible light that passes through the film and glass to give you a net transmission percentage. The lower the VLT%, the darker the window.
Law Enforcement uses a tint meter which measures the Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of window film and glass for illegal tint.
Windshield: Several states allow medical exemptions for drivers or passengers who frequently travel in the vehicle. These exemptions usually require a licensed physician in that state to sign a waiver. Please visit your states .gov site for details.
AS-1 Line: This is the line extending from the letters AS-1, found on most motor vehicle windshields, running parallel to the top of the windshield.
Kentucky Revised Statutes section 189.110: Unobstructed windshields.
Click above to download the Nationwide Medical Exemptions Window Tinting Directory.
If you’re driving a truck or SUV built in the last decade, chances are it’s equipped with factory tinted glass on all windows behind the front doors.
Many owners of vehicles like this often choose to only have the front windows tinted to match the back because they believe that they are already set with the rear windows.
UV Protection
While this factory tint improves the looks of the vehicle, and offers rear passengers some privacy, it does very little to help reduce the heat entering through the glass or protect them from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Heat Rejection
The same also goes for heat rejection. Some assume that the level of heat rejection they will on the front glass is already present in the rear glass because of the factory tint. Nothing can be further from the truth. Other than having the tinted look, these windows do very little to stop the heat.
To find out what options you have to protecting your passengers and vehicles interior, click here.