Tennessee's window tint rules by window location

Tennessee law sets different tint darkness limits depending on which windows you tint. The darkness of window tint is measured as Visible Light Transmission (VLT) — the percentage of light that passes through the tint. A higher VLT percentage means lighter tint; a lower percentage means darker tint.

For your front side windows, Tennessee allows tint that blocks no more than 35% of light (meaning 65% VLT or higher). Your rear side windows and rear window can be any darkness. Your windshield can have tint only on the top 6 inches, and that tint must allow at least 70% of light through. These rules explore to all passenger vehicles registered in Tennessee.

Medical exemptions exist: if you have a condition that requires protection from sunlight, you can request a medical exemption certificate from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. With this certificate, you can tint your front side windows darker than the standard 35% limit. You will need a letter from your doctor describing the medical need, and you must carry the exemption certificate in your vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Front side windows must allow at least 65% of light through (no darker than 35% tint).
  • Rear side windows and rear window can be tinted to any darkness.
  • Windshield tint is allowed only on the top 6 inches and must allow at least 70% of light through.
  • You can request a medical exemption from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security if a doctor confirms a medical need for darker front tint.

How to measure tint darkness before installation

Before you have tint installed, ask the shop whether they can measure the VLT of the film they plan to use. Most professional tint shops have a light meter or can show you the manufacturer's specifications for the film. The film's packaging or data sheet will list the VLT percentage — this is the number you need to check against Tennessee's limits.

If you are buying pre-tinted film online or at a retailer, the product description should state the VLT. If it does not, contact the seller before purchase. Installing tint that is too dark for your front windows puts you at risk of a traffic stop and a citation, so confirming the measurement beforehand is worth the extra step.

What happens if your tint is too dark

If a law enforcement officer stops you and determines your front window tint is darker than Tennessee allows, you can receive a citation. The violation is typically classified as a non-moving violation, which means it does not add points to your driving record but does result in a fine. The fine amount varies by jurisdiction, but you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 depending on your county or city.

You have the option to have the tint removed and then show proof of removal to the court, which often results in the citation being dismissed. Some courts allow you to submit a photo of the windows after tint removal rather than appearing in person. Contact the court listed on your citation to ask about their specific process for dismissal after tint removal.

Tint shops and what to ask before installation

When you visit a tint shop, tell them you want tint that meets Tennessee's legal limits. A reputable shop will know these limits and can recommend film that complies. Ask them to show you the VLT specification for the film they recommend for your front windows — it should be 65% or higher.

Some shops offer a warranty on their installation, which typically covers peeling, bubbling, or fading over a set period (often one to five years). Ask whether the warranty covers removal and reinstallation if the tint fails. Also ask how long the installation will take — most shops complete a full vehicle tint in two to four hours, though you may need to leave the vehicle for the tint to cure properly before rolling down windows.

Tint and vehicle inspections in Tennessee

Tennessee does not require annual vehicle safety inspections, so you will not encounter a state inspection that checks your tint. However, if you are pulled over for any reason, an officer can check your tint darkness and issue a citation if it violates the law. Some insurance companies may also ask about modifications to your vehicle, though tint violations typically do not affect your insurance rate unless they result in a moving violation (which this is not).

If you are buying a used vehicle with tint already installed, you have no legal obligation to remove it if it was legal when installed. However, if the tint is darker than Tennessee allows, you are responsible for bringing it into compliance. The safest approach is to have the tint measured or removed before you take ownership.

Medical exemption process

To request a medical exemption for darker front window tint, start by obtaining a letter from your doctor. The letter should describe the medical condition that requires protection from sunlight and state that window tint is medically necessary. Conditions that commonly may have access to include lupus, photosensitivity, certain skin conditions, and some eye disorders, though the decision rests with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Submit your doctor's letter along with an exemption request form to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You can find the form on their website or request it by phone. Once approved, you will receive an exemption certificate that you must carry in your vehicle at all times. The certificate allows you to have darker tint on your front windows, but you still must comply with the windshield and rear window rules. Exemptions typically expire after a set period and must be renewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tint my windshield in Tennessee?

You can tint only the top 6 inches of your windshield, and that tint must allow at least 70% of light through. Tinting the lower portion of the windshield or using tint darker than 70% VLT is illegal. The 6-inch limit is measured from the top of the windshield down.

What if I have a medical condition that requires darker tint?

You can request a medical exemption from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. You will need a letter from your doctor describing the condition and stating that tint is medically necessary. Once approved, you receive a certificate to carry in your vehicle that allows darker front window tint.

Do I need to remove tint if I move to Tennessee from another state?

If your tint was legal in your previous state but is darker than Tennessee allows, you should have it removed or lightened to comply with Tennessee law. Once you register your vehicle in Tennessee, you are subject to Tennessee's tint limits. An officer can cite you for non-compliant tint during a traffic stop.

How much does window tint installation cost?

Costs vary by shop and vehicle type, but a full vehicle tint typically ranges from $150 to $400. Luxury vehicles or those with complex window shapes may cost more. Ask for a quote before scheduling, and confirm that the film they use meets Tennessee's legal VLT requirements for your front windows.

Can I remove tint myself if I get a citation?

Yes, you can remove tint yourself, though it is time-consuming and can damage windows if done incorrectly. Many people take their vehicle to a tint shop for removal, which usually costs $50 to $150. Once removed, take a photo and bring it to the court listed on your citation — many courts will dismiss the citation upon proof of removal.