How to Understand Kansas Window Tint Laws: A Full Guide

Kansas Window Tint Laws: An Introduction

In a state as sunny and vibrant as ours, the allure of window tint is particularly strong. It promises not only to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your car but also offers protection from the sun’s blazing UV rays. In Kansas, this appeal is met with a set of regulations that, while designed to keep you safe, are often misunderstood—leading to confusion for many car owners. Be it privacy concerns, heat reduction, or UV protection, the benefits of window tint are undeniable. But before you reach for the first can of tint you find, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the laws governing automotive window tinting in Kansas. Kansas window tint laws lay out specific regulations for each window in your vehicle , as well as penalties for violations. Whether you’re a long-time Kansas resident or just recently moved here, steering clear of legal repercussions should be top of mind when deciding to tint your car’s windows. Some elements, such as a car’s manufacturer tint, are exempt from these regulations. Additionally, certain types of vehicles like vans and SUVs may have different guidelines. It’s also worth noting that Kansas law does not regulate the level of tint on windows on vehicles operated by businesses. The last thing you want is to invest in quality tint and then be told to remove it. But fear not, in this article, we’ll outline everything you need to know about Kansas window tint laws, so you can make an informed decision without facing fines or installing new tint after passing inspection.

Legal Darkness for Different Vehicles

The Kansas tint law states that different types of vehicles will have different legal limits for darkness. The law currently states the following: Left and right windows allowing 35 percent of light in and reflective tint can be no more than 20 percent. Windshield can have 35 percent on the top six inches. For passenger cars: left and right windows allowing 35 percent of light in and reflective tint can be no more than 20 percent. All other windows allowing 35 percent of light in and reflective tint can be no more than 20 percent. Manufacturer tint is allowed and does not have to meet the light transmission or reflectivity requirement. Multi-purpose or truck vehicles: left and right windows allowing 35 percent of light in and reflective tint can be no more than 20 percent. All other windows allowing 35 percent of light and reflectivity can be no more than 20 percent. Passenger buses: windows behind driver may have reflectivity up to 20 percent. All other windows allowing 35 percent of light and reflectivity can be no more than 20 percent. Reflective tint can be no more than 10 percent on the windshield.

Window Tint Color Restrictions

Kansas is quite permissive when it comes to the colors of window tint you can have on your windows, but there are a few restrictions that you should be aware of. But first, it’s important to know that the color of window tint and its darkness are two different things, so when you add another layer of tint to your vehicle, you’ll need to take into account the additional reduction of visible light transmittance (VLT) percentage.
The 35% VLT rule applies to applied tint color, meaning you can have tinted windows as long as you do not go below the legal tint percentages in the state of Kansas. You may hear or read that "dark" tint is illegal, but that is not 100% true. The truth lies in the fact that you may have very dark window tint on your vehicle in Kansas as long as it does not go below the legal limit. The purpose of tint is to help with visibility by reducing glare from the sun. Below the 35% VLT rule, it is nearly impossible to see out of the windshield at all and this is the major reason behind the regulation.
There are no restrictions on tinted windows brought about by color, but there are some restrictions on colors. In the state of Kansas, no vehicle window may be tinted with a color or colors which, to an average person with normal eyesight, would make it difficult to distinguish whether the vehicle is in fact a usable vehicle, a police vehicle, or an ambulance. The most common color, when applied, to window tint is a shade that is a "dyed" tint in a black color. A dyed black tint does not cause any problems when it comes to distinguishing vehicles.
Although color is technically not restricted in the state of Kansas, the only legal places to have tinted windows so dark that they will not obstruct the view even at night is on the backside and rear windshield where window tint is permissible at that level. So the color of your tint may not be restricted but the content of the color can be.

Exceptions and Medical Exemptions

In addition to the standard rules for window tint in Kansas, there are a few exceptions worth noting. Medical exemptions are the most common special exemptions from tint laws.
Individuals who suffer from certain medical conditions may find that tinted windows offer relief from discomfort, particularly glare. If you have a diagnosed medical condition that requires a windshield shade device, you may apply for a medical exemption. The first step to getting a medical exemption for tinted windows in Kansas is getting an official Physician’s Statement that documents your condition and exemption needs. This statement must include the following: Once the Physician’s Statement is in hand, you can contact the State of Kansas Department of Health and Environment Office of Vehicle and Inspection & Licensing to make a formal application for a medical exemption. You may call them at 785-296-3623 or send them a fax at the same number. You will also need to send at $8 fee made out to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Vehicle Registration Fee. If your application is approved, you will receive an exemption sticker for each window on your vehicle that has been tinted in accordance with your doctor’s orders. It is important that this sticker is placed on the lower corner of the tinted window. Any driver who has received their tinted windows prior to April 1, 2007 will be grandfathered into the previous requirements for darkness and reflectivity in Kansas. These drivers will not be required to change their window tint to bring it in line with the current requirements.

Penalties for Violating the Law

Kansas is a bit confusing when it comes to identifying and enforcing penalties for failing to comply with window tinting restrictions. In all likelihood, this is because the state law itself does not set forth substantive penalties for violations. Instead, those penalties are relegated to local and municipal jurisdictions that require window tint sticker designation to prove compliance and a defect in tint darkness or reflection might just trigger a citation. Moreover, it can be very difficult to locate information regarding the penalties set forth in local ordinances. In order to make the research process easier, I’ve compiled a list of municipal and county fines as well as penal estimates for six of Kansas’ largest cities. Bear in mind that these values, while accurate to the best of my knowledge, may vary from what is actually assessed in traffic court and should not be considered as a guaranteed penalty value.
Wichita
I was unable to locate any ordinance provisions for windshield obstruction or window tint darkness or reflection. You may still face a ticket for over-tinting , but the fine would vary depending on the officer’s chosen methodology for determining that your tint is too dark.
Overland Park
Overland Park Municipal Code section 11.08.190 dictates a $50.00 fine for windshield obstruction and a $30.00 fine for over-tinting.
Kansas City, KS
Local Ordinance section 42.104 imposes a $50.00 fine for over-tinting. Local Ordinance 102.120 dictates a $100.00 fine for windshield obstruction.
Olathe
Local Ordinance 10.40.070 imposes a $250.00 penalty for windshield obstruction.
KCKS
Local Ordinance 42.104 imposes a $50.00 fine for over-tinting… but no provision for windshield obstruction. Kansas City, Kansas Municipal court doesn’t specifically address this topic but it appears that a ticket will be issued and fined according to other traffic violations. For first offenders, this means a $100.00 fine. For second offenders, the fine may rise as high as $500.00. Any repeat offenders may also have their driver’s license suspended or revoked.
This may seem pointless until you face a traffic stop in one of these four municipalities. At the very least, the cost of removing and replacing tint makes these penalties an added inconvenience.

How to Test Darkness of Your Window Tint

Officials and law enforcement will use the window tint meter that uses a beam of light to check the tint of the window. They check the tint in a straight up and down position in as many sections as needed to verify the percentage of light blockage.
Some tint shops have a tint meter available for individuals to test their tint amount or they can take their vehicle to another tint shop to see if the tint is within the legal limit by using their meter.
But it’s important for vehicle owners to be aware of whether or not the tint installed is within the legal limit prior to installation or at least prior to purchasing the vehicle.
Here are some tips on how to test your windows: One thing of note to this method is that the tint proof tester might not provide the most accurate reading and could vary from one brand to the next. For a final verification, use the tint test meter.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Tint Laws in Kansas

**What are the tint sticker requirements in Kansas?**
The tint sticker requirements vary depending on the type of window tint installed. Ceramic tint does not require a sticker. If you have a tinted windshield and the darkest legal VLT%, you do not need a sticker. However, all other vehicles that have a tinted windshield that does not meet the VLT% guidelines must have a sticker.
**Are tint reflectivity stickers required in Kansas?**
Reflectivity stickers are not required when using reflective window tint, but some law enforcement officers may still ask for the reflective tint inspection sticker to be displayed in a visible area in the front windshield.
**Are there any exemptions to Kansas tint laws?**
There are limited exemptions to the general window tint requirements. Any vehicle that has a factory tint that meets the VLT% requirements do not have to follow the tint law for that window. Any manufacturer or aftermarket tint that adheres to the VLT% restrictions may be installed on the front windshield with or without manufacturer tint. Additionally, all window tint that a driver purchases can be exempted from the restrictions if it has an inspection sticker. This sticker must be located in the lower corner of the driver’s side of the window. A sticker is not required for tint that is %8 VLT% on the rear side and rear windows and a percent VLT windshield tint.

Legal Window Tinting Options in Kansas

Finding a trusted, reliable and competent window tinters is crucial to getting the job done correctly. Kansas offers several options for its residents when it comes to automobile tint. For auto window tinting, one of the best places is Sun Tint in Wichita, which has been tinting cars since 1989. The employees at Sun Tint are experienced, know the laws and will make sure you’re satisfied with the work. If you prefer places that offer a lifetime warranty and solar control window film that doesn’t fade, then consider Zero Tint in Lawrence. This company specializes in automotive window tinting and has several locations in the state . El Paso Window Tinting in Olathe also has a solid reputation for auto tinting jobs and does work on up to four cars a day. All of these places also work on RVs and other types of vehicles. When deciding which service to choose, be sure to ask about their experience and warranty policies. Also, look up online reviews of the service and see what others have said about the work they’ve received. Also remember that you’re getting your windows tinted to conform to the law, and the process can only work if you take the time to choose a company that understands the law and can guide you through the process.