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Kansas Window Tint Laws

Everyone wants to feel a bit of Hollywood glamour in their hometown, even if that’s in the great midwestern state of Kansas.

Tinted windows can offer a shield from the paparazzi and other benefits, including reduction of harmful UVA/UVB rays.

However, no one wants to be criminalized for their tinted windows.

Being pulled over and hit with a hefty fine because you didn’t know the law is a common mistake that is easy to avoid.

This article covers what you need to know about the ins and outs of window tinting in Kansas.

Benefits to Window Tint for Your Car

Window tinting isn’t just for limousines and celebrities.

It provides a lot of benefits that make an effort and installation worthwhile.

Privacy is one of the many gains that come from tinting your car’s windows.

Tinted windows act like sunglasses for your vehicle and keep out harmful UVA/UVB rays.

Those rays aren’t only bad for your skin and eyes; they can also cause damage to your upholstery by bleaching your seats in the sun.

Furthermore, similar to adding special features to your home to increase its resale value, cars with tinted windows are more desirable and may fetch a higher price.

Drawbacks to Tinting Your Car Windows

Of course, there are some drawbacks to having your vehicle’s windows tinted.

Dark windows may attract attention and raise suspicion from local authorities.

Patrolling police might wonder if you are trying to cover up something.

That is the main disadvantage of tinted windows.

No one wants to get pulled over by the police when they have committed no crime, and dark-tinted windows are one of the top reasons cars get pulled over.

But fear not, there are clear-cut laws in place that car owners and authorities must follow regarding window tinting.

Kansas Window Tint Law

Kansas’ window tinting law dates back to 1987.

It was the 5th of 50 states to adopt such a rule.

Window tint laws are based on the VLT (visible light transmission) through the car’s windows, measuring the percentage of light passing through a vehicle’s windows.

Kansas has different lawfully allowable ratios depending on the kind of vehicle.

A higher percentage means that more light can pass through, while a lower percentage indicates less.

It is essential to note that red, yellow, and amber tints are prohibited in Kansas.

Legal Tint Limits for Passenger Vehicles in Kansas

For passenger vehicles, the tint laws in Kansas restrict the percentages to 35% tint darkness for the front seat side windows, back seat side windows, and rear windows.

The legal limit for the front windshield is a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.

Most small cars fall under this category. Examples of passenger vehicles are coupes, convertibles, sedans, station wagons, and hardtops.

Legal Tint Limits for Multi-purpose Vehicles in Kansas

Different rules may apply to vehicles that are considered multi-purpose (MPV).

These are more rugged wheels that can handle various terrain and serve multiple uses.

This category includes RVs, campers, pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs.

Laws for passenger versus multi-purpose vehicles can vary state to state, but the same rules apply for all in Kansas.

The side windows for the front seats, back seats, and rear window must allow at least 35% VLT, with the front window a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s line.

Can You Get Pulled Over for Tint in Kansas?

Police can and will pull you over if they think that your vehicle’s tint is darker than the legal limit in Kansas.

Such an issue gives the authorities probable cause not only to pull you over but potentially search your car.

If you get pulled over, the officer uses a tint meter device to measure your window tint VLT.

The authorities will use this meter on all windows of the vehicle to ensure compliance.

There are two main ways to avoid this hassle. The first is to ensure your tint is over the legal limit of 35% VLT.

It also helps to have a certification sticker from the company that installed your window tinting that proves the level of tint.

It’s not legally required in Kansas but is recommended.

Medical Exemptions

Some states offer medical exemption passes that would allow those with light sensitivity conditions.

However, the state of Kansas gives no such exemption for sunlight-sensitive medical conditions.

Therefore, the driver or passenger with the sensitivity needs to be compliant with the general window tint laws in Kansas of at least 35% visible light transmission (VLH).

Penalty for Not Following Tinting Laws in Kansas

If you get pulled over, and your passenger or multi-purpose vehicle is darker than the legal limit, or the tint is colored amber, yellow, or red, you will be fined.

The ticket goes to the vehicle’s driver (not necessarily the owner), and the company installing the tint may receive a fine.

The penalty in Kansas is $150 but can increase to $350 for repeat offenders.

Conclusion

Tinted windows are a welcome addition to any vehicle for the added privacy, protection, and resale value.

Still, they shouldn’t increase your paranoia of being pulled over and handed a ticket.

Most vehicle windows have a 70% VLT from the manufacturer, so the laws for tinted windows in Kansas are generous.

A safe bet is to get your windows tinted so no less than 40% or 50% of the light can filter through.

This way, you’re not only within the legal limit, you are also less likely to attract attention from authorities.

If you stay within the legal guidelines and have a sticker from the installer to prove the level of the tint, you can ride in style with confidence.