Kansas Window Tinting Laws – 2023 New Car Tint Laws in Kansas

Car window tinting laws in Kansas were enacted in 1987. These regulations were put in place to regulate the darkness and reflectivity of window tinting on vehicles. The objective is to ensure road safety, clear visibility, and effective law enforcement while also allowing some level of personalization for vehicle owners. As with any legislation, it’s important for vehicle owners and drivers to stay informed about these laws and adhere to them to avoid violations and contribute to a safer driving environment on Kansas roads.

Driving in the heartland of America, specifically in Kansas, comes with a set of rules that regulate the darkness and reflectivity of vehicle window tinting. Understanding these laws is vital for both vehicle owners and those who traverse the state’s roads. This detailed post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Kansas’ window tinting laws, including permissible limits, exemptions, enforcement, and the reasoning behind these regulations.

Window tint darkness in Kansas

Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is a crucial metric that defines the percentage of visible light that can pass through your car’s windows. In Kansas, VLT plays a pivotal role in regulating window tint darkness, ensuring safety, visibility, and compliance with the law. The allowable VLT percentages vary between sedan cars and SUVs or vans. Here’s an overview of Kansas’ specific VLT regulations for different vehicle types:

Tint Darkness for Sedans:

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is permitted above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, preserving essential visibility and adhering to safety standards.
• Front Side Windows: Kansas mandates that front side windows must allow more than 35% of light to penetrate. This ensures driver visibility and interaction with law enforcement officers.
• Back Side Windows: Similarly, back side windows must also allow more than 35% of light to pass through, striking a balance between personalization and road safety.
• Rear Window: The rear window is subject to the same requirement of allowing more than 35% of light in, contributing to clear visibility and safer driving conditions.

Tint Darkness for SUVs and Vans:

• Windshield: Like sedans, non-reflective tint is permissible above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line for SUVs and vans as well, maintaining consistency and safety.
• Front Side Windows: Front side windows on SUVs and vans must also allow more than 35% of light to pass through, prioritizing visibility and uniformity.
• Back Side Windows: Similar to the front, back side windows on SUVs and vans must meet the requirement of allowing more than 35% of light transmission.
• Rear Window: The rear window of SUVs and vans must also maintain the standard, permitting more than 35% of light to penetrate for optimal visibility.

Kansas’ specific regulations for VLT percentages aim to create a safe and well-regulated driving environment. By adhering to these guidelines, vehicle owners contribute to road safety, effective law enforcement interactions, and a harmonious balance between personal style and compliance.

Window Tint Reflection in Kansas

Window tinting not only enhances aesthetics but also reduces glare and heat by reflecting incoming light. In Kansas, while window tinting is permitted, it’s essential to be mindful of the permissible window reflection levels established by the state’s window tint law.

Kansas’ window tint regulations extend to the potential reflectiveness of window tints, aiming to ensure clear visibility, road safety, and law enforcement effectiveness. Here’s what you need to know about window tint reflection in the state:

1. Reflective Benefits: Reflective window tints offer advantages such as reduced glare, heat reduction, and an enhanced driving experience by reflecting incoming light.
2. Regulated Reflection: Kansas’ tint laws stipulate that window tint should not possess a metallic or mirrored appearance. This provision ensures that the reflection from the tint does not impede visibility or cause distractions for the driver.

For Different Vehicle Types:

For Sedans:

• Front Side Windows: Metallic or mirrored appearance is not permitted on front side windows of sedans, maintaining a focus on clear visibility and road safety.
• Back Side Windows: Similar to front side windows, sedans’ back side windows must also avoid any metallic or mirrored appearance.

For SUVs and Vans:

• Front Side Windows: Just like sedans, SUVs and vans are required to have no metallic or mirrored appearance on their front side windows, promoting uniformity and safety.
• Back Side Windows: Back side windows on SUVs and vans should also adhere to the same regulation, ensuring that visibility is not compromised by excessive reflectiveness.

By adhering to the guidelines of no metallic or mirrored appearance, vehicle owners can enjoy the benefits of window tinting without sacrificing road safety, law enforcement interactions, and overall driving experience. This understanding contributes to the harmony between style, safety, and legal compliance on Kansas roads.

Additional Kansas Window Tint Rules and Regulations:

Window tinting in Kansas is subject to various essential laws and regulations beyond tint darkness and reflectivity. These guidelines cover aspects that contribute to safety, aesthetics, and compliance. Here’s a detailed look at the additional regulations that complement Kansas’ window tinting laws:

1. Side Mirrors: If the back window is tinted, dual side mirrors are required in Kansas. This ensures that visibility is maintained even with window tinting, enhancing safety and overall awareness.
2. Restricted Colors: Kansas prohibits the use of specific colors for window tinting, including RED, AMBER, and YELLOW. This regulation prevents tinting that could impair the effectiveness of vehicle lights and signals.
3. Certificates: Manufacturers of window film are not obligated to provide certification for the film they sell within the state of Kansas. However, consumers are encouraged to verify the authenticity and compliance of the film with state regulations.
4. Stickers: While not mandatory, Kansas state law recommends the use of stickers to identify legal window tinting. This serves as a visual indicator of compliance and fosters transparency.
5. Medical Exceptions: Unlike some states, Kansas does not permit medical exemptions that would allow the use of special tint. This maintains consistency and uniformity in window tinting standards.
6. Penalties: Violations of Kansas’ window tinting laws can result in Class C misdemeanor charges. Penalties may include fines and other legal consequences, emphasizing the importance of compliance.

These supplementary rules and regulations showcase Kansas’ commitment to road safety, law enforcement effectiveness, and a harmonious balance between individual expression and adherence to the law. By understanding and adhering to these comprehensive guidelines, vehicle owners contribute to safer roadways and a more informed driving experience throughout the state of Kansas.

Medical Exemptions:

Kansas recognizes that certain medical conditions may necessitate specialized window tinting. Individuals with legitimate medical reasons for increased sun protection can apply for a medical exemption. These exemptions often permit darker tinting percentages than the standard regulations.

Enforcement and Penalties:

Kansas’ window tinting laws are enforced to ensure safety and allow law enforcement officers to perform their duties effectively. Non-compliance can result in penalties, which may include fines and the requirement to adjust window tint to meet legal standards.

Reasons Behind the Kansas’ window tinting Regulations:

Kansas’ window tinting regulations are rooted in various considerations:

1. Safety: Excessively dark window tinting can reduce driver visibility, particularly during nighttime or adverse weather conditions, potentially leading to accidents.
2. Law Enforcement: Tinted windows can obstruct law enforcement officers’ ability to assess vehicle occupants during traffic stops or emergencies.
3. Communication: Window tinting can hinder communication between drivers and pedestrians, essential for safe road interactions.
4. Uniformity: Regulations ensure consistency and fairness, preventing some vehicles from being excessively tinted while others adhere to legal standards.

Filing for a Window Tint Medical Exemption in Kansas:

To apply for a medical exemption for window tinting in Kansas, follow these general steps:

1. Obtain Medical Documentation: Obtain documentation from a licensed medical professional that outlines your medical condition necessitating specialized window tinting.
2. Contact Relevant Authority: Reach out to the Kansas Department of Revenue or the appropriate state agency to inquire about the specific process and required forms for obtaining a medical exemption.
3. Complete Application: Fill out the necessary application forms provided by the agency. These forms typically require personal information, details about your medical condition, and the medical professional’s signature.
4. Provide Supporting Documents: Submit the completed forms along with the medical documentation from your healthcare provider that supports your need for specialized window tinting.
5. Await Approval: The agency will review your application and documentation to determine if you qualify for a medical exemption.
6. Follow Instructions: If your exemption is granted, adhere to any additional instructions provided by the agency, which may include compliance with specific tinting percentages.

Medical Exemptions for Window Tint Rules in Kansas:

Kansas recognizes that specific medical conditions warrant specialized window tinting for health reasons. Individuals with valid medical reasons for increased sun protection can apply for a medical exemption. These exemptions often allow for darker tinting percentages than the standard regulations.

Window Tint Violation Penalties in Kansas:

Violating Kansas’ window tinting laws can result in penalties. Penalties for window tint violations in Kansas usually involve fines and may require adjusting window tint to meet legal standards.

What Does VLT Mean According to Kansas State Law?

VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission. In the context of Kansas’ window tinting laws, VLT refers to the amount of visible light that is allowed to pass through a window after tinting. For instance, if the law requires a VLT of 35% for front side windows, it means the window must allow at least 35% of visible light to pass through while blocking the rest. This measurement is essential to ensure compliance with the state’s tinting regulations and safe driving conditions. However, for the most accurate and up-to-date information, consider consulting official state sources or legal professionals.

Conclusion:

Navigating Kansas’ roads requires an understanding of the state’s window tinting laws. These regulations strike a balance between individual preferences and considerations for safety and law enforcement. Adhering to these laws contributes to safer roads, efficient law enforcement, and a harmonious blend of comfort, style, and compliance. Familiarity with allowed tinting percentages, medical exemptions, and potential penalties empowers individuals to make informed choices, promoting safer journeys throughout the state of Kansas.

FAQs About Kansas window tinting laws