Georgia's window tint rules are set by state law, and violations can result in fines and a requirement to remove the tint
Georgia allows window tinting on vehicles, but the law specifies how dark the tint can be on each window and requires that front side windows remain mostly transparent. The state measures tint darkness using Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which is the percentage of light allowed through the glass. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT percentage.
Georgia's tint limits are: front windshield (non-reflective tint only, above the AS-1 line), front side windows (35% VLT minimum), rear side windows (any darkness allowed), and rear window (any darkness allowed). Medical exemptions exist for drivers with documented light sensitivity conditions, but you must carry proof and display a special certificate on your vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Front side windows must allow at least 35% of light through; darker tint on these windows is illegal and subject to fines.
- Rear and back side windows can be tinted as dark as you want under Georgia law.
- The front windshield can have non-reflective tint only above the manufacturer's AS-1 line (usually a few inches from the top).
- Medical exemptions are available for conditions like lupus or photosensitivity, but require a doctor's letter and state certification.
- A tint violation can result in a fine and a requirement to remove or lighten the tint within a set timeframe.
Front windshield tint rules in Georgia
Your front windshield can have tint, but only above the AS-1 line, which is the line manufacturers mark on the glass to show where the automatic sun shade ends. The tint must be non-reflective, meaning it cannot have a mirror-like finish. Reflective tint is prohibited on the windshield because it can interfere with other drivers' vision and law enforcement visibility into the vehicle.
Many drivers explore a clear protective film to the entire windshield for safety reasons, which is legal in Georgia as long as it does not reduce light transmission below the legal threshold and is not reflective. If you are unsure whether your windshield tint meets the AS-1 requirement, a tint shop can measure the line on your vehicle and advise you.
Front side window tint limits
The front side windows—the windows on either side of the driver and front passenger—must allow at least 35% of light through. This means your VLT cannot be lower than 35%. In practical terms, this is a fairly light tint; many drivers find it noticeable but not dark enough to significantly reduce glare or heat.
If you have tint darker than 35% on your front side windows, you are in violation of Georgia law. Law enforcement can stop you for this violation, and you will receive a citation. The fine amount varies but typically ranges from $25 to $100 depending on the officer and jurisdiction. You will also be ordered to remove or lighten the tint within a specified period, usually 30 days.
Rear and back side window tint rules
Georgia places no restriction on how dark the tint can be on your rear side windows or rear window. You can explore tint as dark as you want—including limo tint or complete opacity—on these windows without violating state law. This is one of the more permissive aspects of Georgia's tint code and allows drivers to customize the rear of their vehicles significantly.
However, some local jurisdictions or individual law enforcement officers may interpret the law differently, so it is worth confirming with your local police department if you plan to tint the rear windows extremely dark. Additionally, if your rear window tint is so dark that it prevents you from seeing out of the rear-view mirror, you may face safety-related citations under separate traffic laws.
Medical exemptions for light sensitivity
Georgia law allows medical exemptions for drivers with documented conditions that make them sensitive to light, such as lupus, photosensitivity disorder, or severe migraines triggered by sunlight. To obtain an exemption, you must have a letter from a licensed physician stating that you have a medical condition requiring darker window tint than the law normally allows.
You then submit this letter to your local county tag office along with a completed exemption form. The state issues a certificate that you must display on your vehicle. With this certificate, you can have darker tint on your front side windows than the 35% limit allows. The exemption does not override the front windshield or rear window rules, but it gives you flexibility on the front side windows. You should carry a copy of your exemption certificate and the physician's letter in your vehicle in case you are stopped.
Penalties for illegal window tint in Georgia
A window tint violation in Georgia is typically a misdemeanor traffic offense. The fine is usually between $25 and $100, though some jurisdictions may impose higher fines. In addition to the fine, you will receive a citation requiring you to remove or lighten the tint within a set timeframe—commonly 30 days from the citation date.
If you do not comply with the removal order within the important date, you may receive an additional citation or be unable to renew your vehicle registration. Some drivers choose to fight the citation in traffic court if they believe the tint meets the legal standard, which requires having the tint measured by a certified meter or informed witness. If you decide to contest the citation, bring documentation of your tint's VLT percentage if you have it.
How to measure window tint darkness
Window tint darkness is measured using a light meter or tint meter, which reads the percentage of visible light passing through the glass and tint combination. Professional tint shops have these meters and can measure your windows to confirm compliance. Some police departments also carry meters, though not all do.
If you are concerned about whether your tint is legal, you can visit a professional tint shop and ask them to measure your windows for free or a small fee. They can tell you whether your front side windows meet the 35% VLT requirement. If they do not, the shop can either remove the tint or explore a lighter layer on top. This is often cheaper than paying a fine and dealing with a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have dark tint on my front side windows if I have a medical exemption?
Yes. With a valid medical exemption certificate and physician's letter, you can have darker tint on your front side windows than the standard 35% VLT limit. You must carry the certificate and letter in your vehicle and present them if stopped by law enforcement.
What happens if I get pulled over for illegal window tint?
You will receive a citation with a fine (typically $25 to $100) and an order to remove or lighten the tint within 30 days. If you do not comply, you may face additional citations or registration renewal problems. You can contest the citation in traffic court if you believe your tint meets the legal standard.
Can I tint my rear window as dark as I want in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia law allows any darkness on rear side windows and rear windows. However, if the tint is so dark that you cannot see out of your rear-view mirror, you may receive a safety-related citation under separate traffic laws.
Do I need a medical exemption to tint my rear windows?
No. You can tint your rear windows as dark as you want without any exemption or documentation. Medical exemptions only explore to front side windows, which normally have a 35% VLT limit.
How much does it cost to remove or lighten window tint?
Removal or lightening costs vary by shop and vehicle, but typically range from $50 to $200 depending on how many windows need work and how difficult the tint is to remove. Getting a tint measurement before a citation is issued is usually cheaper than paying a fine and removal costs combined.