The first car windshield was added to an auto in 1904 as an optional add-on. Back then, you could fold down the windshield and drive in the actual “open air.” It wasn’t until 1915 that Oldsmobile made the windshield standard, and the other carmakers followed. It took another twenty-five years before windshield wipers became standard.
Today, the issue for many car owners is how to block the sun from beaming into a car’s windshield and windows. Tinting is an option, but there are specific window tint laws in Kentucky that you need to comply with to avoid a possible fine.
The AS-1 Line
To understand the Kentucky window tint laws, you have to know your AS-1 line. That line is around five inches below the top of your windshield. This is the same line on nearly every SUV or sedan. Another way to think of the AS-1 line is the area above where your windshield wipers can reach. In Kentucky, you can apply non-reflective tint to the area above your AS-1 line but not the rest of the windshield.
Visible Light Transmission Percentage
Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%) is the percentage of visible light that is allowed through the tint film applied to a car window. At 100% VLT, there is no tint, and all the sunlight can come through. At 0%, the car windows would be completely blacked out.
This is what the Kentucky tint laws allow for sedans:
- Front Side Windows: 35% of light must be allowed in.
- Back Side Windows: 18% of light must be allowed in.
- Rear Window: 18% of light must be allowed in.
Here are the VLT% for SUVs, pickups, RVs, and vans:
- Front Side Windows: 35% of light must be allowed in.
- Back Side Windows: 8% of light must be allowed in.
- Rear Window: 8% of light must be allowed in.
Reflective Tint
Although the application process is similar, reflective tint is different from regular tints. Reflective tint absorbs the sun’s rays, helping reduce the car’s heat and preventing damage to the upholstery. One way to think of reflective tint is that it is more like a mirror than the shade of regular tint. In Kentucky, the level of applicable reflective tint for the front and back side windows on all vehicles is 25%. Reflective tint is not permitted on the windshield or rear windows.
Additional Tint Restrictions
Any type of reflective tint or regular tint film sold in the state needs to be certified by the manufacturer as matching those percentage levels. If you have tint installed in your vehicle, you need to have a sticker added to your driver’s side doorjamb that identifies the tint level.
Kentucky has set visual requirements for drivers that are regulated by the medical review board. According to those requirements, a driver must have at least 20/60 or better vision in at least one eye. When it comes to car tinting, there are no medical exemptions allowed in Kentucky.
The Risk of Accidents
The tinting laws are designed to allow car owners to safely operate their vehicles while minimizing the impact of direct sunlight. However, some drivers ignore the law and have tinting exceeding legal limits. That could lead to obstructed views, which can be a contributing factor in a car accident. That is one of the many issues that the Peterson Law Office will look into when it investigates an accident on behalf of its clients.
If you or someone in your family has been the victim of a car accident, it is essential to discuss what your options might be for finding a remedy for your losses. Call today to schedule a free consultation to discuss what happened.
