Automotive window tint laws vary significantly across the United States, and many states offer medical exemptions that allow drivers with qualifying health conditions to use darker window tint than normally permitted by law. A medical exemption isn’t automatic — it typically requires documentation from a physician and specific state approval — but it can make a meaningful difference for people with light-sensitive medical needs.
Below is an overview of states known to allow medical exemptions, how the process works, and what drivers should know before applying.
What Is a Medical Window Tint Exemption?
A medical exemption allows a driver to legally install automotive window tint that exceeds a state’s standard tint limits due to a diagnosed health condition. These conditions often involve sun sensitivity, photosensitivity disorders, autoimmune diseases, or other health concerns where UV and bright light exposure can cause harm.
To qualify for an exemption you usually need:
- A letter or certificate from a physician detailing the medical need
- An application submitted to your state’s DMV, Department of Transportation, or similar agency
- The exemption documentation kept in the vehicle at all times
Each state manages its own exemption process, forms, and approval requirements.
States That Allow Medical Exemptions
Here’s a snapshot of states that currently allow some form of medical exemption for window tint (based on available legal references and state rules):
Arizona
Arizona’s Department of Transportation allows medical exemptions to standard tint limits when a licensed physician certifies a medical need. The exemption can apply to multiple vehicles you own or regularly travel in.
Arkansas
Arkansas permits medical tint exemptions when a doctor attests to the medical condition requiring darker tint.
Connecticut
Connecticut allows medical exemptions for tint below the state’s default limits with a DMV-approved exemption form signed by a physician.
Delaware
Delaware issues medical tint waivers through the Division of Motor Vehicles; applicants must submit a physician-signed form.
Florida
Florida allows medically exempt tinting for conditions such as lupus, albinism, vitiligo, and other autoimmune or photosensitive disorders with a state medical exemption certificate.
Georgia
Georgia provides medical exemptions for drivers with conditions requiring sun protection, supported by a doctor’s attestation and a modest fee.
Idaho
Idaho offers medical tint waivers with written verification from a physician, allowing certain darker tints on vehicles.
Maryland
Maryland allows medical waivers for tinted windows, requiring a physician’s certification carried in the vehicle.
Missouri
The Highway Patrol in Missouri issues medical exemption permits if a doctor prescribes specific tinted levels for a qualifying condition.
Vermont
Vermont grants medical exemptions with physician documentation. The exemption may permit specific percentages of tint on front side windows and windshield zones.
West Virginia
West Virginia allows exemptions when a physician or optometrist signs an affidavit stating a medical need requiring darker, more reflective tint.
Washington, D.C.
The District of Columbia offers medical waivers that exempt vehicles from standard tinting rules with a physician’s letter maintained in the vehicle.
States That Do Not Allow Medical Window Tint Exemptions
Some states do not currently recognize medical exemptions and require all drivers to follow the standard tint regulations regardless of medical need. Two examples include:
Colorado
Colorado explicitly does not offer medical exemptions for window tint, even for conditions like photosensitivity or lupus. Drivers must comply with the standard tint limits.
Iowa
Iowa no longer permits darker tint due to medical reasons, with exceptions only for older pre-existing tint with proper documentation.
Important Notes About Medical Tint Exemptions
- Documentation Required: Most states require a physician’s letter or certified form stating the medical condition and why darker tint is medically necessary.
- Carry Paperwork: If approved, you must typically carry your medical exemption certificate in your vehicle at all times to avoid citations.
- State-Specific Rules: Each state sets its own process, requirements, and VLT limits under exemption. Always check with your state’s DMV or equivalent agency for the most current rules.
Final Thought
If you have a health condition that makes you sensitive to sun exposure or heat, a medical tint exemption can help protect you while driving. But because laws differ widely by state, it’s essential to talk with your doctor and consult your local DMV before tinting your windows darker than your state’s standard limits.