Window tint laws in Kentucky (2026)

The rules, window by window

Windshield

No sign, sunscreening material, product, or covering on the windshield except: a transparent strip at the top that does not encroach on the driver's direct forward viewing area (the AS/1 portion defined by FMVSS 205), or sunscreening applied to the windshield if, used in conjunction with the safety glazing, it has a light transmittance of not less than 70% and is not red or yellow in color (KRS 189.110(2), as amended effective July 15, 2024).

The standard in the law's own words

Side windows forward of or adjacent to the operator's seat, and windows behind the driver, may not be composed of, covered by, or treated with any material that makes the window nontransparent, alters its color, increases its reflectivity, or reduces its light transmittance, except as expressly permitted (KRS 189.110(3)-(4)). A nontransparent rear window is allowed only if the vehicle is equipped with side mirrors on both sides (KRS 189.110(5)).

Reflectivity

Front side windows: total solar reflectance of visible light not more than 25% measured on the nonfilm side. Windows behind the driver: not more than 35% on the nonfilm side. Perforated sunscreening behind the driver: total reflectance not more than 35% overall, measured by dividing the area into 16 equal sections and averaging, with no single section exceeding 50% (KRS 189.110(3)-(4)).

Color restrictions

Windshield sunscreening under the 70% option may not be red or yellow (KRS 189.110(2)(c)). Side and rear window provisions prohibit materials that alter the window's color except as expressly permitted; no specific color list is stated for side or rear windows.

Medical exemption

KRS 189.110 as reviewed (version effective July 15, 2024) contains no medical exemption provision. No separate Kentucky medical exemption statute was verified from primary text in this pass; not confirmed either way.

Enforcement

Installers and sellers must provide a pressure-sensitive, self-destructive, nonremovable vinyl-type film label stating compliance, affixed to the inside left door jamb; labeling is not required for factory glazing complying with FMVSS 205 (KRS 189.110(6)). Every percentage measurement in subsections (2) to (4) is subject to a tolerance of plus or minus 3% (KRS 189.110(7)). Non-compliant tint must be removed immediately (KRS 189.110(8)). Applying sunscreening in violation is a Class B misdemeanor (KRS 189.110(9)).

Notes

Kentucky is a film-standard state for side and rear windows: performance is measured with the film tested on 1/8 inch clear glass, not as combined glass-plus-film transmittance. Multipurpose passenger vehicles may use film with light transmittance of at least 8% (instead of 18%) on windows behind the driver, with the same 35% reflectance cap (KRS 189.110(4)(a)). Perforated sunscreening behind the driver is separately allowed at no less than 30% transmittance when tested in conjunction with existing glazing or film (KRS 189.110(4)(b)). Windows compliant with federal standards as a component part at time of manufacture, or compliant replacements, are permitted (KRS 189.110(12)). The 70% tinted-windshield allowance was added by 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 17 (SB 46), effective July 15, 2024. Values were verified directly from the official Kentucky Legislature statute PDF for KRS 189.110.