In Kentucky, legal tint is measured by VLT — the percentage of light the filmed glass lets through. The numbers below are the darkest tint the law allows at each window position, labeled VLT MAX: install film darker than the listed VLT and the vehicle is out of compliance. Figures are compiled from official Kentucky state sources; laws change, so confirm the current statute before you tint.
| Window | Darkest Legal (VLT MAX) | Reflectivity |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Two allowances only — § (2): (b) a transparent sunscreening strip along the top that does not encroach on the AS-1 portion of the windshield (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205); (c) sunscreening material applied to the windshield in conjunction with its safety glazing, if its light transmittance is at least 70% and it is not red or yellow in color. Certificates or paper required by law are also allowed — § (2)(a) | |
| Front side windows | 35% — side wings and side windows forward of or adjacent to the operator's seat: film tested on 1/8-inch clear glass must have light transmittance of at least 35% and total solar reflectance of at most 25%, measured on the nonfilm side — § (3) | |
| Rear side windows | 18% — windows behind the driver: film transmittance at least 18%, reflectance at most 35% — § (4)(a). On multipurpose passenger vehicles, film down to 8% transmittance is allowed (reflectance still at most 35%) — § (4)(a) | |
| Rear window | 18% — the rear window is a window behind the driver and falls under § (4)(a). Separately, material may not make the rear window nontransparent unless the vehicle is equipped with side mirrors on both sides — § (5) |
How to Read These Numbers
- Windshield: The windshield rule controls the strip at the top of the glass and how far film or a visor band may extend down. Most states allow a non-reflective strip above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
- Front side windows: Front side windows — driver and front passenger — are the most tightly regulated and the ones checked first at a traffic stop or inspection.
- Rear side windows: Rear side windows are usually allowed darker than the fronts, and on SUVs, trucks and vans they are sometimes exempt from the passenger-car limit.
- Rear window: The rear window rule often interacts with side mirrors: darker rear glass typically requires dual outside mirrors.
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Kentucky Tint Law Questions
What is the darkest legal tint in Kentucky?
For front side windows, Kentucky allows tint down to 35% — side wings and side windows forward of or adjacent to the operator's seat: film tested on 1/8-inch clear glass must have light transmittance of at least 35% and total solar reflectance of at most 25%, measured on the nonfilm side — § (3) — the VLT MAX. Rear windows may allow darker film; check the table above for each position.
What happens if my tint is darker than Kentucky allows?
Over-dark tint can draw a citation and, in many states, a fix-it order requiring the film to be removed and the vehicle re-inspected. Laws also change — verify the current statute before tinting.