Kentucky Window Tint Laws
2026 legal limits, VLT calculator, and AI tint preview
As of 2026, Kentucky allows 35% VLT on front and 18% on the back side windows on a sedan. Windshield tint: Non-reflective tint above AS-1 line.
Kentucky VLT Limits (2026, Sedan)
Windshield
AS-1 line
Front Side
35%
VLT minimum
Back Side
18%
VLT minimum
Rear
18%
VLT minimum
Kentucky measures film VLT. Film cert required. Side mirrors required if rear tinted.
Reflectivity limit: 25% maximum
Kentucky VLT Limits (2026, SUV & Truck)
Multi-purpose vehicles are held to different limits than sedans in Kentucky.
Windshield
AS-1 line
Front Side
35%
VLT minimum
Back Side
8%
VLT minimum
Rear
8%
VLT minimum
Kentucky measures film VLT. Film cert required.
Window Tint Checker
Check if your tint is legal & calculate combined VLT
Select your location
KentuckyChoose your film darkness
Complete both steps to see results
Now choose a film darkness above to see your results
Now you know the legal limits in Kentucky
See exactly how that tint looks on your actual car before installing
Unlock AI tint preview on your actual car photo
Window tint in Kentucky
Kentucky allows 35% on front sides which is in the more lenient range, and SUV and truck owners can go very dark in the rear at just 8% minimum. Kentucky measures film VLT rather than combined glass-plus-film, which works in your favor since the measurement is less strict in practice. SUV owners especially get a lot of flexibility here with the rear glass essentially open territory.
How Kentucky compares
| State | Front | Back | Rear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 35% | 18% | 18% |
| Indiana | 30% | 30% | 30% |
| Ohio | 50% | Any | Any |
| West Virginia | 35% | 35% | 35% |
| Virginia | 50% | 35% | 35% |
| Tennessee | 35% | 35% | 35% |
Tint ticket costs in Kentucky
First Offense
$143
Repeat Offense
$143+ per offense
Medical exemptions in Kentucky
Physician certification required specifying medical condition and recommended VLT. Allows darker front side tint. Must carry documentation.
This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tint laws change frequently. Always verify current regulations with a certified installer or your local DMV before making any decisions. Car Editor is not responsible for any fines, penalties, or legal issues resulting from the use of this information.
Nearby States
Driving across state lines? Check neighboring tint laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal window tint in Kentucky?
Front side windows need a minimum of 35% VLT. Back side windows require 18% VLT, and the rear window requires 18% VLT.
Are window tint laws different for SUVs and trucks in Kentucky?
Yes. A sedan in Kentucky needs 35% VLT on the front side windows, 18% VLT on the back side windows and 18% VLT on the rear window. An SUV, van or pickup needs 35% VLT on the front side windows, 8% VLT on the back side windows and 8% VLT on the rear window. Kentucky measures film VLT. Film cert required.
How much is a tint ticket in Kentucky?
A first offense is typically $143. Repeat offenses can cost $143+ per offense. Fix-it tickets are available, giving you time to remove or replace the film.
What is combined VLT and why does it matter?
Your car's factory glass already blocks some light (usually around 70-80% VLT). When you add tint film, the combined VLT is lower than the film alone. For example, 35% film on 75% factory glass gives you about 26% combined VLT. The calculator above does this math for you.
Can I preview tint on my car before installing?
Yes. Car Editor's AI tint simulator lets you upload a photo of your car and see any tint level applied to it in seconds. You can try different VLT percentages on your actual vehicle before committing.
Keep exploring
More Car Editor features to see on your car
AI Window Tint Simulator
Simulate window tint levels and colors on your car with AI
Window Tint Laws Checker
Check legal window tint percentages for any state with VLT calculator
VIN Decoder
Enter any 17-character VIN to get make, model, year, engine, and more