Tennessee tint limits at a glance
| Front side windows | 35% |
|---|---|
| Back side windows | 35% |
| Rear window | 35% |
| Windshield | 70% minimum, except the factory shade band |
| Reflectivity | Check statute |
| SUVs, vans and trucks | Factory privacy glass is allowed; aftermarket film must meet 35% |
Percentages are the minimum visible light transmission with the film installed, including the factory glass. A lower number means darker tint.
Is 5%, 20%, 35% or 50% tint legal in Tennessee?
This table shows whether a film with each rating is legal on a sedan in Tennessee. Factory glass blocks some light, so a film reads darker once it's installed.
| Film rating | Front side windows | Back side windows | Rear window |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 15% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 20% | Not legal | Not legal | Not legal |
| 35% | Likely too dark once installed | Likely too dark once installed | Likely too dark once installed |
| 50% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| 70% | Legal | Legal | Legal |
'Likely too dark once installed' means the film rating meets the limit, but on typical factory glass the combined reading usually falls under it. Meter the window to be sure.
Choosing a film that stays legal
Assume factory side glass passes about 80% of light.
- Front side windows: 45% film or lighter
- Back side windows: 45% film or lighter
- Rear window: 45% film or lighter
Factory privacy glass on many SUVs already reads well under 30%, so any film added over it will read darker still. Always meter after the install.
Fines and penalties
Class C misdemeanor. Refusing a field test is also a violation.
Medical exemptions
The Commissioner of Safety issues a certificate or decal after the medical review board reviews a physician's statement.
For Tennessee tint shops
Installers place a label in the lower right corner of the driver's window and give the customer a signed receipt to keep with the registration.
Driving in from another state
Vehicles registered in another state that meet that state's rules are exempt.
The law
Tennessee's tint rules are set by Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-107. Read the source
This page is a reference for drivers and installers, not legal advice. Enforcement can vary by city and county.
Frequently asked questions
How dark can you legally tint your windows in Tennessee?
On a sedan, front side windows: 35%. Back side windows: 35%. Rear window: 35%.
Is 20% tint legal in Tennessee?
Front: Not legal. Back: Not legal. Rear: Not legal. See the 20% film row.
Is 35% tint legal in Tennessee?
Front: Likely too dark once installed. Back: Likely too dark once installed. Rear: Likely too dark once installed. See the 35% film row.
Is tint allowed on the windshield in Tennessee?
70% minimum, except the factory shade band
Are the rules different for SUVs and trucks in Tennessee?
Factory privacy glass is allowed; aftermarket film must meet 35%
What is the fine for illegal tint in Tennessee?
Class C misdemeanor. Refusing a field test is also a violation.
Can I get a medical exemption for window tint in Tennessee?
The Commissioner of Safety issues a certificate or decal after the medical review board reviews a physician's statement.
Related
Back to the full chart: Window tint laws by state
Neighboring states:
Data set last updated: