Tennessee Window Tint Laws
Tint darkness for sedans
- Windshield: 70% minimum VLT.
- Front side windows: 35% minimum VLT.
- Back side windows: 35% general baseline.
- Rear window: 35% general baseline.
Tint darkness for SUVs and vans
- Windshield: 70% minimum VLT.
- Front side windows: 35% minimum VLT.
- Back side windows: 35% general baseline.
- Rear window: 35% general baseline.
- Vehicle-specific and medical exceptions may apply. These figures are a general overview, not approval for every film or installation.
Windshield and installation details
- The statutory windshield exception concerns the manufacturer’s standard installed shade band. Confirm applicable requirements before choosing windshield film.
Reflection guidance below is quoted from Tinting-Laws.com. Reflection describes the mirrored appearance of a surface, not how dark the glass looks.
Tint reflection for sedans:
- Front Side windows: No mirrored or metallic appearance.
- Back Side windows: No mirrored or metallic appearance.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
- Front Side windows: No mirrored or metallic appearance.
- Back Side windows: No mirrored or metallic appearance.
Side mirrors
Tinting-Laws.com lists no specific side-mirror requirement for tinted windows in Tennessee.
Restricted colors
The guide lists no prohibited tint colors.
Film certification
The guide reports that film manufacturers do not need to certify their products for sale in Tennessee.
Medical exceptions
Medical exceptions require state approval; a doctor’s note alone is not approval. A physician’s statement supports the application, and the state determines whether an exception is appropriate and the permitted tint level. Obtain approval before relying on an exemption.
Compliance stickers
- Professional installers must attach the required compliance label to the lower-right corner of the driver’s window. This identifies the installation as compliant with applicable light-transmission requirements.
Installer receipt
The installer must provide a signed receipt identifying the installation date, vehicle make, model and color, license-plate number and state, and a statement that the tint complies with the applicable law.
Keep this receipt with your vehicle documents so it is available when needed.
Updated October 2026. Reference: Tinting-Laws.com’s Tennessee guide (2026), which dates Tennessee’s tint laws to 1990.
VLT means visible light transmission: higher percentages admit more light. Measure the combined glass and film, not the film rating alone. Factory glass can reduce the final light transmission.
Reference
For general information. Confirm current requirements for your vehicle before installation.
