What is the darkest legal tint in Kentucky?

Are you tired of the hot sun in your face while driving?

Do you sweat when you open the car door to a hot interior?

If you answered yes to both questions, consider tinting the windows in your vehicle.

If you decide to tint the windows in your vehicle, be aware of the legal aspects involved.

Each state has its laws about window tint.

Kentucky allows drivers to have tinted and reflective windows.

Knowing this, can you get pulled over for window tint in Kentucky? How will you know what the legal amount is?

If you live in Kentucky and want tinted windows, learn about the tint laws before investing in them.

Whether you install tint yourself or have a professional do it, you have to follow the same rules. Read on to learn more.

How is Window Tint Useful?

Window tint is a hazy-looking translucent film stuck to the inside of vehicle windows.

Tint blocks out the majority of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

It also reduces bright glares from headlights while driving at night.

Blocking out the sunlight will be easier on your eyes and reduce distraction.

Even with tint, you will still be able to see through the windshield.

Here is how tint works:

Some tinting films contain elements consisting of metal.

Those elements repel the blinding glare of headlights and heat generated from outside sources, including the sun.

The tint cools the inside of your vehicle on hot days, which may reduce fuel costs from running the air conditioning too high.

Protecting the interior of your car is another benefit of window tinting.

Some colored interiors fade over time when exposed to sunlight and heat.

Visible Light Transmission

Tinting lets in a percentage of light called Visible Light Transmission, or VLT.

Kentucky window tint laws, which began in 1994, permit a certain percentage of tinting in vehicles, depending on the type of vehicle.

Higher visible light transmission of tint will allow more light in, while a lower light transmission percentage allows less light to enter.

How Much Tint is Legal in Kentucky

Tinting is legal in Kentucky, but there is a limit on what percentage the state allows in your vehicle.

A professional installs the tint based on your type of vehicle and what the state allows, including the tint’s darkening percentage and reflective tendency.

Check with the installer if the manufacturer has certified the tint for sale in the state.

Kentucky requires the DMV to place a certification sticker on the door jam of the driver’s side.

Kentucky allows all colors of tint, but it does not allow special tinting due to medical reasons.

Passenger Cars

Passenger cars can have dark tinting up to 35% in the front side windows and 18% in the back seat windows and the rear window.

Kentucky allows non-reflective tinting on the top 5% of the windshield.

It helps to block out the sun while driving.

Reflective tinting allows for more privacy in your vehicle.

In passenger cars, reflective percentages cannot exceed 25% in the front side windows and 35% in the rear side windows.

Multi-Purpose Vehicles

Multi-purpose vehicles, or MPVs, like vans, trucks, SUVs, and RVs, differ in the percentage allowed in the back and rear windows.

Like passenger cars, the state allows MVPs up to 35% darkness in the front side window.

It allows non-reflective tint on the top 5% of their windshields.

Kentucky only allows tinting of up to 8% in the back seat windows and rear windows.

Reflective tinting in multi-purpose vehicles cannot exceed 25% in the front side windows and 35% in the rear side windows.

Installing Window Tint at Home

If you have considered installing the window tint yourself to save money, you must follow the same laws.

Do your homework and make sure you know what kind of tint you will need to buy for your vehicle.

Consider purchasing different percentage levels so that you can mix and match as needed.

Before you buy the film and supplies, find out about the manufacturer of the film.

Is it manufacturer-certified? If not, look elsewhere.

You will have to follow many steps requiring patience.

Make sure you are prepared for such a DIY project.

Can You Get Pulled Over for Tint in Kentucky?

Yes, you can.

If an officer can see that you may be in violation of the percentage or reflective requirements, they could pull you over and charge you with a Class B misdemeanor.

You could receive a ticket for violating Kentucky’s tint laws, which is why it is important to follow them thoroughly.

They are only trying to keep you, your passengers, and others on the road safe.

What if a police officer pulls you over in another state?

Officers can issue tickets or repair orders if they see that you are in violation of their tint laws.

Some states may not fine you for violating their tint laws, but do not rely on that.

If an officer pulls you over for something else, roll your window down before the officer comes up to the car.

He or she may not notice your tinting.

If you get a ticket, you can fight it or the repair order in court, if you wish.

There is no guarantee that the judge will let you go without a penalty, but it may be worth trying if you feel you have a valid reason.

Our Kentucky window tint laws are valid for 2022. These laws regulate how dark and reflective your car tint may be, but also specify other rules and regulations you need to know about.

Last updated on: August 27th, 2022

Window tint darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%). In Kentucky this refers to the percent of visible light allowed in through both the film and the glass.

See: VLT Chart for darkness examples

Here's exactly how much VLT is allowed on your auto window tint in Kentucky (KY), categorized by passenger and multi-purpose vehicles.

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
• Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Back Side windows: Must allow more than 18% of light in.
• Rear Window: Must allow more than 18% of light in.

Passenger vehicles include sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, hardtop and hatchback vehicles.

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
• Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Back Side windows: Any darkness can be applied 8 inches from the top of the window. Other part must have more than 8% VLT.
• Rear Window: Any darkness can be applied 8 inches from the top of the window. Other part must have more than 8% VLT.

Multi-purpose vehicles include SUV, pickups, vans, RVs, and minibuses.

Federal vehicle ID label on driver's front door frame will tell you whether your vehicle is passenger or multi purpose vehicle.

How reflective can your window tint be in Kentucky?

Tinting film may contain metallic elements which help in reflecting incoming light. This reduces glare and heat generated by visible light. Below you can find out how much reflection is permitted on your car window tint film by law in Kentucky.

• Front Side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective.
• Back Side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective.

• Front Side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective.
• Back Side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective.

Other Kentucky tinting rules and regulations:

• Side Mirrors: No restrictions.
• Restricted Colors: No specific tint colors are prohibited.
• Certificate Requirements: Manufacturers of film need to certify the film they sell in the state. Consult with your dealer to make sure they are using certified film.
• Sticker Requirements: The sticker to identify legal tinting is required on the inside of the driver’s side doorjamb.
• Medical Exemption: Kentucky law does NOT allow medical exemptions that would allow you use special tint.

Remember that state tint laws may be interpreted differently by your local law authorities. Get in touch with your county DMV or police department to make sure you are not breaking Kentucky window tinting laws, rules and regulations.