Tennessee tint laws were enacted in 1990, putting guidelines in place to regulate window tinting for vehicles.
In essence, the law defines the amount of light that can pass through the vehicle’s windows, measured as the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage.
Regulations Regarding Window Tint in Tennessee
To stay compliant, drivers in Tennessee must follow specific VLT percentages for different parts of their vehicles.
| Window | Allowed VLT % | Reflection | Color Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windshield | 70% | Permitted (no mirror or metallic appearance) | No color restrictions |
| Front Side Windows | 35% | Permitted (no mirror or metallic appearance) | No color restrictions |
| Back Side Windows | 35% | Permitted (no mirror or metallic appearance) | No color restrictions |
| Rear Window | 35% | Permitted (no mirror or metallic appearance) | No color restrictions |
Windshield
The windshield must allow more than 70% of light in. The law emphasizes that the tint’s darkness must not extend below the AS-1 line, ensuring proper visibility for safe driving.
Front Side Windows
For front side windows, the Tennessee tint law allows a VLT of 35%. This means that 35% of light should be able to pass through the window tint.
Back Side Windows
The same 35% VLT applies to the back side windows, which must also allow this percentage of light to pass through.
Rear Window
Interestingly, the same principle applies to the rear window. It too must allow more than 35% of light through, maintaining consistency across all windows of the vehicle.
Additional Regulations
Beyond the light transmission, there are other aspects of the Tennessee tint laws that drivers must heed.
Reflection
Tennessee law permits certain window reflections using tint, helping to reduce glare and heat. The reflection guidelines apply to all windows but prohibit a mirrored or metallic appearance.
Medical Exemptions
Tennessee law provides medical exemptions for special tint. However, the specifics of this exemption vary, and one should consult the state law or a medical practitioner for detailed information.
Color Restrictions
Contrary to some states, Tennessee does not explicitly restrict tint colors. However, as mentioned earlier, the mirrored or metallic appearance is not allowed.
Side Mirrors
There are no restrictions for side mirrors, providing some flexibility for drivers.
Exceptions to Legal Limits
Certain exceptions to the legal limits apply for vehicles that meet specific requirements or individuals with certain medical conditions.
Penalties for Breaking the Law
Breaking the Tennessee tint laws can result in various penalties, including fines and other punitive measures.
Fines
Fines differ based on the number of convictions a driver has had.
First Conviction
For the first conviction, the driver faces a nominal fine, primarily intended as a warning.
Second Conviction
On the second conviction, the fines increase, reflecting the repeated offense.
Third Conviction
By the third conviction, the fines escalate significantly, making it quite costly to ignore the window tinting laws.
Other Penalties
Beyond fines, law enforcement authorities can impose other penalties for non-compliance, which could include the removal of illegal tint.
In conclusion, while window tinting offers many advantages such as reducing glare, and heat, and providing privacy, it’s important for Tennessee residents to familiarize themselves with and adhere to the Tennessee tint laws.
Ignorance of these laws can lead to repeated offenses, which result in significant fines and other penalties.
This knowledge not only helps avoid legal issues but also ensures safe driving for everyone on the road.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee
https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2019/title-55/chapter-9/part-1/section-55-9-107/