In What States Is Tinting Your Car Windows Legal If You Are Photosensitive To Sunlight?

by Grace Motley

You can legally tint your windows at a lower percentage than the usual state standard regulation of around 35 percent, if you have a condition like lupus where you must restrict sunlight due to photosensitivity. The higher a tint's visual light transmission (VLT) number, the more ultraviolet light gets through. So those with a medical photosensitivity to sunlight need to seek a lower VLT number. This will let in less light which will aggravate your condition less. If your VLT is 30 percent, then 30 percent of sunlight will get filtered through your window.

A popular choice for window tinting is Llumar window film. Llumar film is a type of microthin film that adheres to your car's windows, tinting them to your state's requirements or to your documented medical needs. But, not every state allows medical waivers for photosensitivity.

Less Than A Third Issue Medical Exemptions

Only 15 states allow darker tinting on vehicles if a medical condition deems that the driver is photosensitive to sunlight. Check with your state regarding if tinting can be ordered specifically when buying your car or if you can get your car tinted after-market (after you buy).

Here's the rundown:

  • Arkansas: medical waiver must be in vehicle
  • Florida: medical exemption certificate allowed
  • Iowa: must be physician documented
  • Louisiana: medical exemptions allowed
  • Massachusetts: medical exemption sticker must be displayed
  • Michigan: medical letter allowed
  • Minnesota: medical statement or prescription allowed
  • Missouri: serious medical condition prescription allowed, covers immediate relatives
  • New Jersey: ophthalmic and dermatological patients who drive or who transport patients with photosensitive conditions, apply to MVC director for waiver
  • North Carolina: medical exception allowed
  • Oregon: physician affidavit allowed for tints less than 35 percent VLT
  • Pennsylvania: certificate of exemption by optometrist or physician allowed
  • Vermont: medical exemption allowed
  • Washington: written medical exemption by licensed physician allowed
  • Wyoming: obtain medical certificate from the WYDOT with signed statement from doctor or optometrist

Every state has regulations regarding which vehicle windows may be tinted. Most allow side and rear tinting, but many have stringent requirements regarding windshield tinting. Again, check your state requirements. You can find them online or through your dealership.

How Much UV Can Tinting Block?

You can expect a 99 percent UV light reduction with any type of window film (tinting is done with window film). Your vehicle's window tint can block up to 99.9 percent of UV rays. If you are not photosensitive to sunlight due to a medical condition, you can still reduce your risk of skin cancer when you drive. It's been documented that window tinting can reduce skin cell death by 93 percent. This is especially important when U.S. drivers receive 6 times more UV radiation than their passengers!

For more information on window tinting, contact a local distributor, like Florida Films Distribution Inc.

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