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Tennessee Tint Law Guide

Tennessee
Window Tint
Laws 2026

Legal VLT percentages, reflectivity limits, medical exemptions, and penalties — explained by Chattanooga's appointment-only tint specialists.

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Last verified: June 2026  ·  Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-9-107
Important: Tennessee law measures the combined VLT of your glass and film together — not the film alone. Factory glass already filters some light. Your installer must account for this to keep your final reading legal.
Quick Reference

TN Tint Limits at a Glance

Tennessee applies the same rules to all vehicle types — sedans, trucks, and SUVs. The key number is 35% on your front windows.

Windshield
6"
Non-reflective tint on top 6 inches only, above the AS-1 line
Front Side Windows
35%
Must allow more than 35% VLT — applies to all vehicle types
Back Side Windows
Any
No darkness restriction — any VLT is legal in Tennessee
Rear Window
Any
Any darkness allowed if vehicle has dual side mirrors
Reflectivity
20%
Maximum reflectivity on front and back side windows
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Full Reference

Complete TN Tint Law Table

All windows, all vehicle types. Tennessee does not distinguish between sedans and SUVs/trucks.

Window Darkness (VLT) Reflectivity Status
Windshield Non-reflective top 6" only Non-reflective Restricted
Front Side Windows 35% VLT minimum Max 20% 35% Min
Back Side Windows Any darkness Max 20% Any VLT
Rear Window Any darkness* Max 20% Any VLT*
Red / Amber Tint Prohibited — all windows — Illegal

*Dual side mirrors required if rear window is tinted darker than the legal limit.

Reflectivity & Colors

What Else Is Regulated

Reflectivity Limits

  • Front side windows must not exceed 20% reflectivity
  • Back side windows must not exceed 20% reflectivity
  • Standard ceramic and carbon films are well within this limit
  • Chrome and mirrored films typically exceed 20% and are not road-legal in Tennessee

Prohibited Colors

Regardless of darkness, these colors are banned on all windows:

Red
Prohibited
Amber
Prohibited
Yellow
Prohibited
Medical Exemptions

Darker Tint for Medical Conditions

Tennessee allows medical exemptions for drivers who require darker tint due to a documented medical condition.

Qualifying Conditions

  • Lupus and photosensitive autoimmune conditions
  • Severe sun allergy or solar urticaria
  • Melanoma or skin cancer recovery
  • Certain eye conditions affecting light sensitivity
  • Any condition requiring reduced sun exposure as documented by a licensed Tennessee physician

How to Qualify

  • Obtain a signed statement from a licensed Tennessee physician confirming medical necessity
  • Keep documentation in your vehicle at all times
  • The exemption does not override reflectivity or color restrictions
  • Consult your doctor and confirm eligibility before booking a darker install
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FAQ

Common Questions

What is the darkest legal tint in Tennessee?
On front side windows, 35% VLT is the darkest legal limit. Back side windows and the rear window have no darkness restriction — any VLT is legal, including very dark tint like 5% limo tint.
Does Tennessee treat SUVs and sedans differently?
No. Tennessee applies the same rules to all vehicle types. The 35% front window limit applies whether you drive a sedan, truck, or SUV.
Can I tint my windshield in Tennessee?
Only the top 6 inches above the AS-1 line can be tinted, and it must be non-reflective. Full windshield tinting is illegal.
What happens if my tint is too dark?
You can be cited during a traffic stop. Officers use a tint meter to measure VLT. Violations typically result in a fix-it ticket requiring you to remove the non-compliant tint.
Do I need a sticker to prove my tint is legal?
Tennessee does not require a compliance sticker. However, we provide documentation for every install confirming the film's VLT rating for your records.
Will ceramic tint stay within Tennessee's legal limits?
Yes — our ceramic tint installations are spec'd to Tennessee's legal limits by default. We measure the combined glass-and-film VLT on every install. You will not leave our shop with an illegal tint.

Installed Legal.
Every Time.

Every tint install at Chattanooga Auto Film Pros is verified to Tennessee's legal limits. Appointment-only, precision install, backed by a lifetime warranty.

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