The complete guide to Tennessee tint percentages, reflectivity rules, medical exemptions, and what you need to know before booking your install.
Tennessee's window tint laws are governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-9-107. The law regulates how dark your tint can be (measured in Visible Light Transmission, or VLT%), how reflective it can be, and what colors are prohibited.
VLT% measures how much light passes through your window. A higher VLT% means more light gets through — so 70% tint is much lighter than 20% tint. Tennessee's rules vary by window location.
Laws for Automotove window tint change every year. We stay up to date every year to ensure we are providing you with the most accurate laws when selecting tint.
Tennessee applies the same rules to sedans, trucks, and SUVs. The key number to remember is 35% — that's the minimum on your front windows.
| Window | All Vehicles | Reflectivity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Top 6 inches 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.
Tennessee also limits how reflective your tint can be. Highly reflective (mirror-like) film creates dangerous glare for other drivers and is restricted on all vehicles.
Standard ceramic and carbon tint films are well within this limit. Chrome or mirrored films typically exceed 20% and are not road-legal in Tennessee.
Regardless of darkness level, these tint colors are completely prohibited on all windows in Tennessee:
These colors are reserved for emergency vehicles and can interfere with traffic signal recognition. Standard charcoal, carbon, and ceramic films are not affected by this rule.
Tennessee law allows medical exemptions for drivers who require darker tint due to a documented medical condition. Common qualifying conditions include:
To qualify, you need 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.
Being pulled over for illegal window tint in Tennessee is a Class C misdemeanor. Consequences include:
Ceramic tint starting at $149 for front two windows. Lifetime warranty. Every install is street legal and Tennessee compliant.
5959 Shallowford Rd, Suite 511 · Chattanooga, TN 37421
