Cars with tinted windows look fancy for sure, but if you live in Tennessee, that won’t be a good idea! Thanks to the Tennessee 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 1990 when the car tint laws in Tennessee were 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 some extra information on rules and regulations, which you should obey if you don’t want to get fined.
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Tennessee Tint Laws 2023 – Everything You Need to Know
Before you get to know the Tennessee tint laws, you need to learn about the VLT. So before we get into the details, let’s talk about it at first!
What does VLT mean according to Tennessee 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 Tennessee- TN window tint law 2023
The Tennessee tint laws are different for each type of vehicle. For passenger and multipurpose vehicles, you have to follow dissimilar rules.
So here are the TN window tint laws for multipurpose and passenger automobiles.
Legal Tint in TN- Tint Darkness for Passenger Vehicles
- Windshield
Allow more than 70% of light in; any darkness on the AS-1 line. - Front side windows
More than 35% must light in. - Backside windows
More than 35% must light in. - Rear window
More than 35% must light in.
Legal Tint in TN- Tint Darkness for Multi-purpose Vehicles
- Windshield
Allow more than 70% of light in; any darkness on the AS-1 line. - Front side windows
More than 35% must light in. - Backside windows
More than 35% must light in. - Rear window
More than 35% must light in.
Window Tint Reflection in Tennessee
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 Tennessee tint laws authorize 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
No mirrored or metallic. - Backside window
No mirrored or metallic.
Tint reflection for SUV and Vans
- Front Side windows
No mirrored or metallic. - Backside window
No mirrored or metallic.
Other Tennessee Window Tint Rules and Regulations You Need to Know
When it comes to window tinting of your vehicle, Tennessee 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 Tennessee
No restrictions on side mirrors.
Restricted Colors
No colors of tint are explicitly restricted.
Certificates
Film manufacturers are not required to certify the film they sell in Tennessee.
Stickers
The sticker to identify legal tinting is required between the film & glass on the driver’s side window.
Penalties
Fine can be $130 to $300.
TN Window Tint Exemption
In Tennesse, the law states that any driver with a medical exemption can tint their car windows to any degree. To get this exemption, you must have a letter from your doctor that specifically states that you need to tint your windows for medical reasons. The letter must include your name, date of birth, and the specific reason why you need to tint your windows. You must also have this letter with you whenever you’re driving, and present it to a police officer if they ask for it.
How to Get Medical Exemption for Window Tint in Tennessee?
The process for getting this Tennessee Window Tint Exemption Form is fairly simple. You just need to go to your doctor and get a note from them stating that you need the dark tint for medical reasons. Once you have the note, take it to your local motor vehicle office and they will issue you an exemption sticker to put on your car.
Tennessee Medical Exemption Requirements
| State | Tennessee |
| Statute, regulation, or other sources | T.C.A. § 55-9-107 |
| For whom the exemption may apply | any person |
| Reason(s) | a medical condition that is adversely affected by ultraviolet the light that requires reduction of light transmission |
| Vehicle must be marked | certificate or decal |
| Limits on the amount of tint | the amount recommended by Medical Review Board |
| Certification from medical provider (which type[s] of provider) | the person’s physician |
| Application to state department | required; commissioner submits it to Medical Review Board |
| Document required in vehicle | certificate or decal |
Tennessee Window Tint Medical Exemption Form
Click here to get the Tennessee window tint medical exemption form.
Benefits of Window Tinting in Tennessee
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 Tennessee
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.
Tennessee, TN Tint Laws FAQ
Is 5 Tint Legal in Tennessee?
5% tint is illegal in Tennessee.
What is the Darkest Legal Tint in Tennessee?
35% is the darkest legal tint in Tennessee. You can use 70% tint darkness on the windshield AS-1 line.
What is The Legal Tint in Tennessee?
For windshield, 70% tint is legal above the AS-1 line. For back & rear windows 35% tint is legal according to Tennessee tint law.
How Much is a Window Tint Ticket in Tennessee?
Tennessee tint ticket can cost $130 to $300.
Tennessee Tint law references
- Tennessee Code section 55-9-107: Motor vehicle windows with tinting, reflecting, or sun screen material.
- Tennessee law Title 55 Chapter 9 Part 1 (search for “windows with tinting”)
The Bottom Line
The goal of creating this article was to enlighten you about the Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee’s window tinting laws or for assistance finding a qualified installer, visit the website of the Tennessee Criminal Justice Information Center.
