Driving a car in Kentucky? Okay, then you must be aware of the tint law in Kentucky. I am saying this because everyone usually likes to put that fancy tinted windows in their cars but you have to understand the law. And if you are in Kentucky, at the southeast border of the Ohio River; the tint law in Kentucky is different and you should be aware of it.
Actually, the tint law in Kentucky was established in 1994.
To elaborate and understand it, I think I should first tell you a bit about tint and tint laws. So, a tint is an internal/external layer of the glass surface that is added to the windows of cars, boats, residential buildings, or commercial buildings which are covered with a fine laminated film. Dark glass materials are utilized inside car vehicles to prevent the transmission of sunlight inside.
Unfortunately, most automakers do not include a tinted window as standard. As a result, car owners apply solar films, which drop the temperature inside the vehicle. The tint safeguards the car’s interior from washing out caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
It is mainly made by a branch of a polyester called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) due to its clarity, toughness, stable dimensional structure, and capacity to take a number of surface-applied or embedding treatments.
These tints or window films are available in a variety of different range of grades, tints, thicknesses, and colors that are designed to address a range of issues.
Window films are a retrofitted update for an existent window that can be used to resolve problems with glazing, including the decrease of heat and glare, privacy, thermal insulation, signage, and branding, UV filtering safety and security, adornment, protection from graffiti, vehicle style and many others.
Do you know about visible light transmission? I’ll tell you that
The quantity of visible light that passes through the glass according to the visible light transmission formula is known as visible light transmission (VLT).
VT is the standard unit of measurement for windows. The “visible light transmission” or (VLT) via windscreens is decreased by window tinting.
This can be a concern at night or when drivers need to be enabled to see through other cars’ windows to identify risks. Police might also prefer the command to identify any potential threats or passengers in a car. As a result, restrictions that limit the amount of tinting darkness are present across several places.
The Icy Whiz team talked to Jon Morgan, CEO of Venture Smarter, about balancing personal vehicle customization and adherence to tint laws for safety and legal compliance. Here is what he said:
“Balancing personal vehicle customization with adherence to tint laws is quite an interesting challenge. On one hand, vehicle customization is a form of personal expression.
People love to personalize their cars, whether it’s through the addition of unique features, modifications, or, in this case, window tinting. Tinted windows can offer numerous benefits, such as improved privacy, reduced glare, and even protection from harmful UV rays.
However, safety and legal compliance must always come first. Tint laws exist for good reasons—primarily to ensure visibility for both the driver and law enforcement.
Too dark a tint can impede a driver’s ability to see, especially at night, and can make it difficult for police to see inside the vehicle during traffic stops, potentially increasing risks for everyone involved.
I navigate this balance by staying well-informed about the local tint regulations and ensuring any modifications I make to my vehicle comply with these laws.
It’s important to find a middle ground where you can enjoy the benefits of customization without compromising safety or legal standards. I opt for a tint that enhances comfort and privacy without going overboard.
For others considering window tinting, my advice would be to first research your state’s specific tint laws. Understand the permissible limits for window darkness and reflectivity.
When choosing a tint, consider not just the aesthetic or comfort factors but also the potential safety implications. Always prioritize visibility and ensure that your vehicle modifications do not hinder your ability to drive safely.”
So, Here Is All about the Tint Law in Kentucky
As I already mentioned above, the Kentucky car-tinting law was first established in 1994. Based on the location you reside in, it discusses how dark or reflecting your automobile window tint should be.
The Kentucky law for tint windows or tint law in Kentucky was formed in the year 1994, and the darkness of tint is measured in VLT% or which is also termed as Visible Light Transmission percentage. And this window tint in Kentucky is allowed only through films.
Any tinted material that doesn’t pass the minimum light transmission requirements must be removed immediately. Whosoever is found guilty of applying sunscreen materials in violation of this section will be charged with a Class B offense. As of 2023, the Kentucky tint laws will vary according to the cars, whether you are driving an SUV, Vans, or a sedan.
For Sedan the Tint Darkness
- The Windowshields must be non-reflective, and it is allowed above the AS-1 Line of Manufacturers.
- For Rear Windows, the film allowed must be more than 18 percent light.
- The Front-Side Windows are provided with more than 35 percent light.
- And the Back side windows shall be 18 percent in light.
For SUVs the Tint Darkness
- The Windowshields must be non-reflective in nature, and it is allowed above the AS-1 Line of Manufacturers.
- A line 5 inches below as well as parallel to the crest of your car’s windscreen, or an AS-1 line, is parallel to it.
- This is referring to the region above the rearview mirror, which is also referred to as the visor strips in most cars.
- For Rear Windows, the film allowed must be more than 8 percent light.
- The Front-Side Windows are provided with more than 35 percent light.
- And the Back Side Windows shall be 8 percent in light through the tinted windows.
In fact, There Are Specific Laws and Regulations Related to Windscreens Also
There are proper laws regulating windscreens tint shields in Kentucky.
The tint law in Kentucky elaborates that every motor vehicle that is driven on public highways, roads, and streets must have a windscreen in an upright, fixed position that is fitted with safety glazing in accordance with federal safety-glazing material specifications, with the exception of motorcycles and farming equipment.
Any tinted material that doesn’t pass the minimum light transmission requirements must be removed immediately. Whoever is found guilty of applying sunscreen materials in violation of this will be held in charge with a Class B offense.
Further, any sign, sun screening material, product, or covering connected to, positioned in, or atop the windscreen is prohibited when driving a car on a public road, highway, or street.
Exceptions to the Law
1. Sun screening substance along one strip at the top of the windscreen provided the substance is transparent. It does not interfere with the driver’s unobstructed forward sight space, as specified by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard and No. 205 as the AS/1 portion of the windscreen and a certificate or other form and submit to be displayed by law.
2. If the edge wings and side glass doors on either corner forward as well as or adjacent to the driver’s seat are composed of, wrapped by, or handled with any sun screening material or another substance or wrapping that has an impact on making the window non-transparent or that would affect the window’s transparency, any person who owns a motor vehicle is not allowed to use roadways like state highways or national highways registered under the Commonwealth.
3. If the total solar reflectance of visible light, observed on the non-film side, is no higher than twenty-five percent (25%) and the light permittivity, calculated for the visible light region, is no less than thirty-five percent (35%) then sunscreen materials may be used on windows.
4. The tint law in Kentucky also discusses that if the rear window of a car that must be registered in the Commonwealth is made of, covered in, or treated with a material that has the effect of making the window opaque, the driver is prohibited from operating the car on a public street, road, or highway unless the vehicle also has attached side mirrors on both sides.
And Do You Know About Tint Law in Kentucky on Motor Vehicles? No Worries, Check Below
On a public road, highway, or street, a person is also not permitted to drive a motor vehicle that needs to be registered in the Commonwealth if any of the windows behind the driver are composed of, wrapped in, or equipped with sunscreen materials, or any other goods or materials that would transform the color, enhance reflectivity, or lowers the volume of light that goes through the window.
Exceptions to the Law
1. When measured on an eighth (1/8) inch piece of transparent glass, the total amount of solar refraction of visible light from sunscreen material may not exceed 35 percent and must not be less than 18%.
2. However, multifunctional passenger cars are allowed to employ sunscreen materials as long as they have an overall solar reflection in the visible region of the light passage of not less than 8% and not more than 35% (measured on the non-film side) and not more than 35%.
3. Perforated sun screening material must have a minimum light transmittance of 30% and a maximum total visible light reflection of no greater than 35 percent according to measurements with respect to current glass or film material.
4. When evaluated in conjunction with current glass or film material, perforated sun screening material must have a total visible light reflection of a minimum light transmittance of 30% required and no more than thirty-five percent (35%).
5. By dividing the area into sixteen (16) equal parts and aggregating the overall reflectance for those items or the maximum reflectivity from a product or material with varying levels of reflectance will be measured.
6. Any one of the portions’ measured reflectance must be greater than fifty percent (50%).
7. A person cannot put window tinting on a car if it doesn’t satisfy the basic requirements for light transmission as mentioned earlier.
8. A system for removing moisture from the windscreen must be installed on every motor vehicle.
9. This moisture may be from rain, snow, or other sources. The device must be built in a way that allows the vehicle’s driver to control it.
Tint law in Kentucky further discusses that the American flag can not be allowed to be ban by anyone on the rear window of any motor vehicle, even those owned by municipal or state governments, as long as the image is no larger than five inches by eight inches and is positioned in the lower corner of the window.
Nothing in this law shall be interpreted to ban or reserve the use of a window created of, treated with, or wrapped in, a material or component in a way authorized by statutory provision or regulation if it was a part of the vehicle when it was composed and created, or the substitute of any window with a covering that complies with these specifications.
You Can Remove the Tinting But Be Careful
If you recently had a solar film installed on your windscreens and want to remove it right immediately, follow the instructions below. The glass is unlikely to experience any damage as an outcome of these procedures.
- A Heat Source– The adhesive on the solar panel foil may be melted using a heat gun. The colored foil is easier to remove once the adhesive melts. If a heat gun isn’t accessible, a hairdryer can be utilized by car owners.
- Clean Water– The glue that lingers on your glass after removing the colored foil can be removed using soapy water. You will have a crystal-clear, spotless glass at the conclusion of the procedure, allowing you to operate the vehicle with no problems.
Many car owners use a sharp tool to attempt to scrape the film. The same procedure can be used to peel the sun foil, however, there is a chance that you will scratch the glass.
However, If you are found in violation of any of the laws or particularly tint law in Kentucky as per this article, you can always hire a lawyer as you have a right to defend and fair hearing.
So, this is all that I researched and understood about the Tint law in Kentucky only and I hope it’s helpful for you.
Last Updated on May 30, 2024 by Pragya
Navigating legalities effortlessly. A must-read for residents. Clear breakdown of Kentucky tint laws with practical insights.
I had no idea there were so many nuances to tint laws in Kentucky! This article was super informative and helped clarify some things I’ve always wondered about. Great job breaking it down!
It would be sad to get into legal battles for such a petty issue. That’s why I am grateful for this blog that sheds light on how I should tint my car if driving in Kentucky. My only option turns out to be a film too. I also know how dark and non-responsive it should be. Thanks again