There are a lot of reasons you might want to tint your car windows. Tinted windows offer privacy, control glare, reduce heat, protect the interior of your car, and even protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Some window tints can even hold the glass together in the event of an accident! And of course, window tinting offers practically unlimited personalization of private or commercial vehicles by using vibrant colors, graphic designs and visual effects.
But before you tint your windows, it’s important to know the glass tinting laws in your area.
Ohio and Kentucky have specific laws and regulations that cover auto glass tint. If you violate state regulations, you risk fines and costly window replacements. These laws can change; what’s more, regional police departments within the same state might enforce the law differently.
That’s why it’s important to know the law before you tint. Keep reading to learn what the law is in Ohio and Kentucky.
Kentucky Auto Glass Tint Law
Before this year, Kentucky law on auto glass tint was more restrictive. Drivers weren’t allowed to drive with “any sign, sunscreening material, product or covering attached to, or located in or upon the windshield.” (There were two exceptions: a certificate or paper required to be displayed by law and transparent sunscreening material above the windshield’s AS-1 line, which is 5 inches parallel to the top of the windshield.)
However, new legislation was signed into law that allows windshield tinting. The legislation was signed in April 2024 and went into effect in July.
The new law allows windshield tints as long as they permit at least 70% of visible light to pass through the windshield. The tint also must not be red or yellow.
For the rest of the car’s windows, tint laws remain the same.
Front side windows must have a light transmittance of 35%. (Light transmittance refers to the amount of light the window allows to pass through.) Windows behind the driver must have light transmittance of at least 18%. If your vehicle’s rear window is tinted, you must have dual side mirrors.
Multipurpose passenger vehicles (ones that don’t have a trailer and can hold up to 10 people) are allowed to have side windows with a light transmittance of 8%.
If you have window tints, know that the installer or seller of your tint is required to give you proper labeling that shows your tint complies with state law. That label goes on your left door jamb.
Under Kentucky law, your window tint can vary 3% (above or below the limit) without penalty. Violations of the law come with a fine of up to $100.
Ohio Auto Glass Tint Law
In Ohio, glass tinting law differs from Kentucky.
Ohio allows front windshield tint as long as it has 70% light transmittance. For front side windows, the window tint must allow 50% of the light to pass through. For back side and rear windows, the amount of tint is unlimited. These regulations don’t apply to the area above the AS-1 line (5 inches parallel from the top of the windshield.)
The state does not allow any reflective materials or tint that increases reflectivity. Like Kentucky, red and yellow window tints aren’t allowed. In addition, Ohio allows medical exemptions for certain special tints (provided you have an affidavit signed by your physician or optometrist stating your medical need).
Manufacturers must certify the tints they sell in Ohio. If you have window tints, the manufacturer is required to give you a label that includes the manufacturer’s name and the percentage level of light transmission.
Under Ohio law, your window tint can vary 3% (above or below the limit) without penalty. Violations of window tint law in Ohio can net you up to a $100 fine.
Call Us Today
When choosing to tint your windows, be sure to consult with a certified window installer prior to installation to ensure your vehicle meets your state’s requirements. Jack’s Glass can help!
Contact us today to learn what we can do for you.
