"Medical Necessity" Exemptions to Window Tint Laws

Many state vehicle window tinting laws contain exemptions for people (drivers or frequent passengers in a specific vehicle) with a valid medical or vision-related condition that requires the limitation of exposure to sunlight. Examples of medical conditions that may qualify under these exemptions are:

• Lupus
• Sunlight allergy
• Photosensitivity
• Melanoma

Typically, if a vehicle is stopped for a window tint-related traffic violation, in order to qualify for the medical exemption and avoid a citation, the affected driver or passenger must present the law enforcement officer with documentation that:

1. Identifies the medical necessity (this can be a prescription or detailed letter from a medical professional);
2. States the specific amount of sunlight exposure (i.e. minimum percentage of light transmittance reduction) that will satisfy the medical needs of the affected driver or passenger;
3. Contains a prescription expiration date or permit duration;
4. Identifies the specific vehicle(s) to which the "medical necessity" window tint exemption applies.

Following are some examples of state-specific applications for "medical necessity" window tint exemptions:

• State of Georgia Application for Exemption to the Window Tint Law (Georgia Department of Public Safety) [PDF file]
• State of Vermont Application for Window Tint Medical Exemption (Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles) [PDF file]

To find out whether such an exemption is available in your state, start by contacting your state's department of motor vehicles (DMV) office (Get state-specific DMV information here).

(More information: State-Specific Information on Vehicle Window Tint Laws)