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By James Anderson•Last Updated May 21, 2025

Window Tint Laws: Legal Limits in Tennessee, Ohio, and Alabama

Understand window tint laws across states

Window tinting serve multiple purposes for vehicle owners. It reduces glare, block harmful UV rays, keep interiors cooler, provide privacy, and enhance a vehicle’s appearance. Notwithstanding, each state enforces specific regulations regard how dark your window tint can lawfully be. This comprehensive guide cover the legal window tint limits in Tennessee, Ohio, and Alabama to help you stay compliant while enjoy the benefits of tinted windows.

How window tint darkness is measure

Before diving into state specific regulations, it’s important to understand how window tint darkness is measure. Tint darkness is calculated by visible light transmission( Lt )percentage, which indicate how much light pass through the window. A higher percentage mean more light pass through ( (ghter tint ),)hile a lower percentage mean less light pass through ( da(er tint ).
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For example:

50 % Lt allow half of the light to pass through
35 % Lt allow 35 % of light to pass through
5 % Lt ((ft call “” mo tint ” ” llow exclusively 5 % of light to pass through

Legal window tint in Tennessee

Tennessee have comparatively straightforward window tint laws that apply to passenger vehicles and multipurpose vehicles like sSUVsand vans.

Tennessee window tint limits for passenger cars

Windshield:

Non-reflective tint is allowed exclusively on the top 5 inches
Front side windows:

Must allow more than 35 % of light in (35 % vLtor higher ))
Backrest side windows:

Must allow more than 35 % of light in (35 % vLtor higher ))
Rear window:

Must allow more than 35 % of light in (35 % vLtor higher ))

Tennessee window tint limits for SUVs and vans

Windshield:

Non-reflective tint is allowed exclusively on the top 5 inches
Front side windows:

Must allow more than 35 % of light in (35 % vLtor higher ))
Backrest side windows:

Any darkness can be use
Rear window:

Any darkness can be use

Additional Tennessee tint regulations

Reflective tint:

Window tint can not be more than 20 % reflective
Side mirrors:

Dual side mirrors are required if the rear window istintedt
Tint colors:

Red, amber, and yellow tints are prohibited
Medical exemptions:

Available with proper documentation
Certification:

Film manufacturers must certify the film and stickers identify legal compliance are required

Legal window tint in Ohio

Ohio has some of the more lenient window tint regulations compare to other states, peculiarly for the rear windows of vehicles.

Ohio window tint limits for passenger cars

Windshield:

Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches exclusively
Front side windows:

Must allow more than 50 % of light in (50 % vLtor higher ))
Backrest side windows:

Must allow more than 35 % of light in (35 % vLtor higher ))
Rear window:

Must allow more than 35 % of light in (35 % vLtor higher ))

Ohio window tint limits for SUVs and vans

Windshield:

Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches exclusively
Front side windows:

Must allow more than 50 % of light in (50 % vLtor higher ))
Backrest side windows:

Any darkness can be use
Rear window:

Any darkness can be use

Additional Ohio tint regulations

Reflective tint:

No metallic or mirror appearance is permitted
Side mirrors:

Dual side mirrors are required if the rear window istintedt
Tint colors:

No restrictions on tint colors
Medical exemptions:

Available with certification from a licensed physician
Certification:

Manufacturers of window tint materials must certify that their products comply with Ohio law

The darkest legal tint in Ohio

For those specifically wonder about the darkest legal tint allow in Ohio:

For passenger vehicles, the darkest legal tint for front side windows is 50 % Lt, while rear side windows and the rear window can have 35 % vLt
For SUVs and vans, the front side windows must silent maintain 50 % Lt, but the rear side windows and rear window can have any darkness level, include the darkest tints available

This mean that if you drive a sSUVor van in oOhio you can lawfully have really dark tint ((egular 5 % vlLt ” o tint ” )” your rear side windows and rear window, equally farsighted as your front side windows maintain the 50 % vlt rLtirement.

Legal window tint in Alabama

Alabama has some of the virtually straightforward window tint laws in the country, apply the same standards to all vehicle types.

Alabama window tint limits for all vehicles

Windshield:

Non-reflective tint is allowed exclusively on the top 6 inches
Front side windows:

Must allow more than 32 % of light in (32 % vLtor higher ))
Backrest side windows:

Must allow more than 32 % of light in (32 % vLtor higher ))
Rear window:

Must allow more than 32 % of light in (32 % vLtor higher ))

Additional Alabama tint regulations

Reflective tint:

Window tint can not be more than 20 % reflective
Side mirrors:

Dual side mirrors are required if the rear window istintedt
Tint colors:

Red and amber tints are prohibited
Medical exemptions:

Available with proper documentation from a licensed physician
Certification:

Stickers identify legal compliance are required

Compare window tint laws across the three states

When compare the legal tint limits across Tennessee, Ohio, and Alabama, there be notable differences that vehicle owners should be aware of:

Front side windows

Tennessee:

35 % Lt minimum
Ohio:

50 % Lt minimum ((trictest ))
Alabama:

32 % Lt minimum ((irtually lenient ))

Back side windows (passenger cars )

Tennessee:

35 % Lt minimum
Ohio:

35 % Lt minimum
Alabama:

32 % Lt minimum ((irtually lenient ))

Backrest side windows (sSUVs/ vans )

Tennessee:

Any darkness allow
Ohio:

Any darkness allow
Alabama:

32 % Lt minimum ((trictest ))

Penalties for non-compliance

Violate window tint laws can result in various penalties depend on the state:

Tennessee penalties

First time offenders typically receive a fine ranging from $50 to $$100
Repeat offenders may face higher fines
You may be required to remove illegal tint

Ohio penalties

Minor misdemeanor with fines up to $150
You may receive a” fix it ” icket require you to remove the illegal tint and provide proof of compliance
Repeat offenders may face higher penalties

Alabama penalties

Fines typically range from $100 to $$150for first offenses
You may be required to remove the illegal tint
Repeat violations may result in higher fines

Medical exemptions for window tint

All three states offer medical exemptions for window tint regulations. These exemptions are typically grant to individuals with medical conditions that make them sensitive to light, such as:

Lupus
Photosensitivity
Melanoma
Xeroderma pigments

To obtain a medical exemption, you loosely need to:

Get a write statement from a licensed physician explain your medical need
Submit the documentation to your state’s department of motor vehicles or equivalent agency
Receive an exemption certificate or sticker to display on your vehicle
Keep a copy of your exemption documentation in your vehicle at all times

Tips for choose legal window tint

To ensure you stay compliant with your state’s window tint laws while calm enjoy the benefits of tinted windows, consider these tips:

Work with professional installers

Professional tint installers should be familiar with local regulations and can help you select a legal tint percentage. They typically have tools to measure the Lt percentage of exist tint and can provide documentation of compliance.

Consider ceramic or carbon tints

These premium tint options can block UV rays and heat without being overly dark, help you stay within legal limits while notwithstanding get the benefits of window tinting.

Get documentation

Ask your installer for documentation show the Lt percentage of your tint. Keep this in your vehicle along with any warranty information.

Check for certification labels

Make sure your tint have the requirement certification labels or stickers as mandate by your state’s laws.

Oftentimes ask questions about window tint laws

Can I have different tint percentages on different windows?

Yes, equally farsighted as each window meet the minimum Lt requirement for that specific window position. Many people choose darker tint for rear windows where allow.

What happens ifIi move to a different state with different tint laws?

You’ll loosely will need to will comply with the laws of your new state of residence. This may require remove or change your current window tint if it doesn’t meet local requirements.

Do factory tint windows count toward the Lt percentage?

Yes. The total Lt is the combination of the factory tint and any film you add. For example, if your windows already have factory tint with 70 % vLta, andou add a film with 70 % vLt the result vlLtould be roughly 49 % ( 7(% of 70 % ).
)

Can I get pull over only for window tint?

Yes. In all three states cover in this article, law enforcement officers can stop you exclusively for suspect window tint violations.

Conclusion

Understand the legal window tint limits in your state is essential to avoid tickets and ensure compliance with local regulations. While Tennessee and Alabama maintain comparatively consistent standards across all vehicle types, Ohio offer more flexibility for rear windows, peculiarly on SUVs and vans.

If you’re considered window tinting, consult with a professional installer who’s familiar with your state’s regulations. They can help you select a tint that provide the benefits you want while keep you on the right side of the law.

Remember that window tint laws can change, then it’s invariably a good idea to verify current regulations with your state’s department of motor vehicles or equivalent agency before install new window tint.