Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in Kentucky, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the Kentucky tint laws, you cannot use tint film on the windows whenever you want.
But what do these laws say? Well, that’s what we’ll discuss here today.
It was 1994 when the car tinting law in Kentucky was proposed. It talks about how dark or reflective your car window tint should be, depending on the state you live in.
We’ve provided all the information you need in this regard over here. Also, there is also some extra information on rules and regulations, which you should obey if you don’t want to get fined.
So yes, it’s pretty crucial that you read the whole article from top to bottom.
Kentucky Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know About
Before you get to know the Kentucky window tint laws, you need to learn about the VLT. So before we get into the details, let’s talk about it first!
What does VLT mean according to Kentucky state law?
The VLT or Visible Light Transmission indicated the percentage of detectable light that passes through your car’s window.
When the VLT is lower, the window tint will get darker. And higher VLT means that more light will penetrate the windows without any trouble.
For instance, if you install 75% tint on the glasses, 75% light will go through them. And when the tint is 5%, the insides of your car will be way darker!
By the way, We have in-depth content about VLT and window tint percentage for your reference. We recommend checking it out If you want to know the different levels of window tint.
So, what is the legal tint in Kentucky– KY window tint law 2023
The Kentucky window tint law is different for each type of vehicle. For passenger and multipurpose vehicles, you have to follow dissimilar rules.
So here are the KY window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal Tint in Kentucky- Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
If you are using a non-reflective tint, you can install it on the top five-inch of your vehicle’s windows. - Front side windows
For front side windows, 35% tint is allowed according to the Kentucky window tint rules. - Backside windows
You can use 18% tint darkness allowed without getting in trouble. - Rear window
On the rear window, the legal tint in Kentucky is 18%.
Legal Tint in Kentucky- Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
When you are thinking about non-reflective window tints for the windshield of any multipurpose vehicle, you can use tinted films on the top five inches. - Front side windows
The law will let you use 35% tinting if it is about the front side windows. - Backside windows
For the back side windows, 8 percent tint is accurate according to the laws of Kentucky. - Rear window
When it is about the rear window, you will get permission for 8% tinting.
Window Tint Reflection in Kentucky
Using tint on your automobile’s window can reflect the incoming light and reduce the heat. Moreover, the tinted windows also prevent glares.
Well, the window tint Kentucky law authorizes some specific window reflection while using a tint. So if you ever think about coloring the glasses, pay attention to this as well.
Tint Reflection for Sedans
- Front side windows
Must not be more than 25% reflective. - Backside windows
Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
Must not be more than 25% reflective. - Back Side windows
Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Other Kentucky Window Tint Rules and Regulations You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, Kentucky is pretty serious about that. You will have plenty of rules and regulations to abide by.
Besides maintaining a specific percentage of the glare on each window, here are some other restrictions you need to follow, even if you want to do a subtle darkening.
Side mirrors in Kentucky
If the back windshield is tinted then dual side mirrors are required in Kentucky.
Restricted Colors
When someone hears about the tint laws in Kentucky, the next question they ask is which color to use on the glass. Well, the law of Kentucky no colors of tint are explicitly banned.
So you can use gray, green, and bronze car window tint without any issue. Moreover, you have permission to use neutral smoke color too.
Certificates
Manufacturers of film need to certify the film they sell in the state. Ask your dealer if they are using certified film.
Stickers
The sticker to identify legal tinting is required on the inside of the driver’s side doorjamb.
Penalties
Class B misdemeanor.
Kentucky Window Tint Medical Exemption
Kentucky does not permit medical exemptions when it comes to window tints.
Benefits of Window Tinting
The tint on your car’s window isn’t just a decorative thing; it comes with greater benefits too. So let’s talk about the advantage of coloring your vehicle’s window, shall we?+
Prevents the Interior from Fading
While parking our cars, we always look for shades, don’t we? Well, it helps us to maintain the top-notch condition of our car’s exterior.
Likewise, when you use tints on your vehicle’s windows, the interior doesn’t have to face the harshness of the sunlight. Therefore, if you have beautiful leather seats, they are less likely to get damaged!
Blocks UV Rays
You don’t need to get lectured about the harmful effects of UV rays, do you? We all know that applying tons of sunscreen isn’t enough to protect you from damage. And when your car has tinted glasses, you can avert this UV situation pretty gracefully.
Get Better Security
Nothing is worst than people staring at you when you mind your own business in the car. The people in the backseat have to go through this problem more than the drivers. And when you get tinted glasses, you don’t have to go through this annoyance anymore.
Take a Chill Pill
When riding on the hottest summer days, even the AC won’t be enough to cool you down. But if you have tinted windows, you don’t have to worry about sweating anymore!
Cost of Car Window Tint in Kentucky
The cost may vary from film to film when it is to tint. For instance, if you want to use a regular classic film for your Sedan, it will cost you up to 150-200 bucks. And when you want something exclusive like ceramic tints, you will need to spend $400 or more!
However, if you don’t have the budget to do the tinting professionally, you can get a DIY tint kit. It will cost you around a hundred bucks, which is a relief!
To know more detail about car tint cost click here.
Kentucky, KY Tint Laws FAQ
Is 5 Window Tint Legal in Kentucky?
No, 5% tint is not legal in Kansas. but you can use a 5% tint on the windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or top 5 inches.
Is 20% Tint Legal in Kentucky?
Yes, you can use 20% tint on the back & rear windows of any kind of vehicle it’s legal in Kentucky.
What is the Darkest Legal Tint in Kentucky?
8 percent tint is the darkest tint accurate according to the laws of Kentucky.
Kentucky Window Tint Ticket Cost?
Up to $2,000 Class B misdemeanor.
KY. Tint law references
Kentucky Revised Statutes section 189.110: Unobstructed windshields. (PDF file)
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the Kentucky tint laws so you can confidently drive your car through the state. The article you’ve read just now was last updated in 2021. If you think we’ve missed any new information, feel free to contact us anytime you want.
In conclusion, it is important to be familiar with the Kentucky window tint laws if you are planning to get your car tinted. While there are some restrictions, the benefits of window tinting make it well worth the effort to follow the guidelines. To learn more about Kentucky’s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified installer, visit the website of the Kentucky Criminal Justice Information Center.
