Quick answer
Based on each state's statute and official guidance, seven states have no medical exemption for darker window tint: Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, North Dakota, South Dakota and Utah. Two more, Kansas and Pennsylvania, have a medical provision that covers clear UV-blocking film only. California allows removable sun screens on the front side windows, not dark film, and New Jersey's exemption allows only light film on the restricted windows. In these states, clear UV film, legal tint behind the driver, and UV-protective clothing are the main options.
Key takeaways
- No medical exemption for darker tint: Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, North Dakota, South Dakota and Utah.
- Clear UV film only: Kansas and Pennsylvania. Their medical provisions allow colorless UV-blocking film, not darker tint.
- California allows removable sun screens on the front side windows with a medical letter, but never after dark, and no dark film there.
- New Jersey has an exemption, but front side windows may go no lower than 60%, so it is light film, not dark tint.
- Iowa says medical exemptions it approved in the past are no longer valid as of July 1, 2026.
- Clear UV film blocks UV without making glass dark, and many states allow darker tint behind the driver.
Which states have no medical tint exemption?
Most states offer some medical route to darker tint. These seven do not, based on our reading of each state's law. Each link goes to the state page with the statute and sources.
| State | What the law says | Standard front side limit |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | No medical exemption in C.R.S. 42-4-227. | 27% |
| Hawaii | No medical exemption. A 2025 bill for a medical exemption died. Since 2025, people in a car with applied tint must roll windows down at a traffic stop unless a physical disability prevents it. | 35% |
| Iowa | No new medical exemptions since 2012, and Iowa DOT says earlier ones are no longer valid as of July 1, 2026. | 50% |
| Kentucky | No medical exemption in KRS 189.110. | 35% |
| North Dakota | No medical exemption in NDCC 39-21-39. | 35% |
| South Dakota | No medical exemption in SDCL chapter 32-15, and we found no official page describing a waiver. | 35% |
| Utah | No medical exemption in Utah Code 41-6a-1635. | 35% |
You can compare these limits with every other state in window tint laws by state.
States that allow only clear UV film
Kansas and Pennsylvania mention medical needs in their tint rules, but neither allows darker tint for medical reasons.
- [Kansas](/states/kansas). With a signed statement from a licensed physician or optometrist, you may use clear, colorless UV-blocking film that lets in at least 78% of light on any window, including the windshield. All other tint must let in at least 35% of light and be nonreflective.
- [Pennsylvania](/states/pennsylvania). Passenger cars must let at least 70% of light through every window. PennDOT grants exemption certificates only for colorless film that filters UV light, certified by a licensed physician or optometrist.
Clear film can still help. It blocks UV, which is the main trigger for many sun-sensitive skin conditions. It does not cut much visible light or glare, so it helps less for conditions triggered by bright light.
California and New Jersey: limited routes
These two states do have a medical provision, but it is narrower than many drivers expect.
- [California](/states/california). With a letter from a licensed physician and surgeon (for a medical condition) or a licensed optometrist (for a visual condition), the driver or front passenger may use readily removable sun screens on the front side windows. Transparent screens must let in at least 35% of light, and the screens may not be used during darkness. A dermatologist's certificate also allows clear, colorless UV film of 88% or more on any window. Neither rule allows dark film on the front side windows.
- [New Jersey](/states/new-jersey). You must be approved by the MVC before any film goes on. Front side windows may go no lower than 60%, the windshield must stay at 70% or more below the AS-1 line with clear film only, and removable screens down to 35% are allowed on the top 6 inches of the front side windows between sunrise and sunset.
What you can do instead
If you live in one of these states and sunlight in the car is a medical problem, you still have legal options:
- Clear UV-blocking film. Many quality films block most UV while staying nearly clear, so they can fit within even strict limits. Ask the installer what each window will read with the film on.
- Darker tint behind the driver, where allowed. Iowa allows any darkness on the back seat side windows and rear window. North Dakota, Utah and Hawaii allow darker rear windows if the car has mirrors on both sides. Kentucky allows 18% behind the driver, or 8% on SUVs, vans and other multipurpose vehicles.
- The windshield strip. Most of these states allow tint on a strip at the top of the windshield. Kentucky also allows windshield film that keeps it at 70% or more.
- Removable shades for passengers. Shades on rear side windows can help passengers, as long as the driver's view and mirrors stay clear. Check your state's rules before using anything on the front side windows.
- UV-protective clothing, hats and eyewear. Sun sleeves, gloves, a wide-brim hat and sunglasses that block UV add protection on every drive.
Our guide to UV and car windows explains why clear film can help, and remove tint or get an exemption covers what to do if your current tint is too dark.
Can I use an exemption from another state?
Usually not as a way around your own state's law. Tint rules generally follow the state where the car is registered and the state you are driving in. A certificate or permit from another state does not create an exemption your home state does not have. If you are moving, read traffic stops, inspections and travel.
Laws change. Hawaii and Iowa both changed their rules recently, and North Dakota lowered its limit for windows other than the windshield from 50% to 35% in 2025. Check your state's page for the date we last verified it.
How ShadedMD can help
ShadedMD does not offer evaluations in states with no medical exemption or a clear-film-only rule, because a physician evaluation would not make darker tint legal there. If you live in a state that does offer an exemption, check whether you qualify. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Which states do not allow medical tint exemptions?
Based on each state's statute and official guidance, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, North Dakota, South Dakota and Utah have no medical exemption for darker tint. Kansas and Pennsylvania allow only clear UV-blocking film for medical reasons.
Is my old Iowa medical tint exemption still valid?
Iowa DOT says medical exemptions approved earlier are no longer valid as of July 1, 2026, and that Form 432020 is no longer available. Check the Iowa DOT for current guidance.
Can I get dark tint in California with a doctor's note?
Not dark film on the front side windows. California allows removable sun screens of 35% or lighter on the front side windows with a medical letter, and they may not be used after dark. A dermatologist's certificate also allows clear UV film of 88% or more.
Does clear UV film help if I am light sensitive?
It helps with UV, which triggers many sun-sensitive skin conditions. It does little for glare or bright visible light, so it helps less for conditions like photophobia.
Sources
- Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 42 (42-4-227)
- HRS 291-21.5, Hawaii State Legislature
- Iowa DOT: Iowa Window Tinting Standards and FAQ
- KRS 189.110, Kentucky Legislature
- NDCC chapter 39-21 (section 39-21-39), North Dakota Legislative Branch
- SDCL chapter 32-15, South Dakota Legislature
- Utah Code 41-6a-1635
- K.S.A. 8-1749a, Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes
- PennDOT Fact Sheet: Vehicle Window Tint (April 2025)
- California Vehicle Code 26708
- NJ MVC: Window Sun-screening for Medical Reasons
This article is general information, not medical or legal advice. Tint laws change and differ by state, so check your state's current rules. Whether you qualify for an exemption is decided by a licensed physician based on your individual condition.
About ShadedMD
Medical tint exemptions you can trust
ShadedMD is an online medical window tint exemption service. Every questionnaire is reviewed by a physician licensed in your state, who approves or denies it based on medical need. ShadedMD offers the best pricing of any online tint exemption service: one flat fee of $129 with no add-ons, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Physicians aim to complete reviews within 24 to 48 hours, and approved patients receive a signed certificate by email that they can download, print, and keep for one year.