Did you know car window tinting laws were enacted in Kansas way back in 1987? To ensure that you’re not on the wrong side of the law, it’s essential to know all the regulations and rules that come with tinting your car windows in the state. This includes the permitted level of darkness and reflectiveness of the tint. It’s crucial to have all the information and documents on hand to avoid any legal penalties. Therefore, take the time to educate yourself on the specific car window tinting guidelines in Kansas to stay out of trouble.
Auto window tinting is a big decision, and there are two essential concepts to understand: Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR). In this discussion, I’ll explain both concepts, starting with VLT.
1. Window Tint Darkness in Kansas (VLT)
Window Tint Darkness or Visible light transmission (VLT) is a measure of the amount of light that passes through a film. It’s measured in percentages and can diverge from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
Every state has a special legal limitations. Therefore, it’s important to keep in mind that the amount of light allowed to pass through the tinted glass can differ from other states. Additionally, the tinting laws may also vary depending on whether you’re driving a passenger vehicle or a multi-purpose vehicle. To avoid any confusion or potential legal issues, it’s essential to carefully read and understand the specific window tinting regulations in Kansas. So, take the time to familiarize yourself with the guidelines and ensure that your vehicle’s tinted windows meet the state’s requirements.
Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Kansas:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness
Back Side windows: You can use up to 35% darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use a up to 35% darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Kansas:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness
Back Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use up to 35% tint darkness for rear windows.
2. Window Tint Reflection in Kansas (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For window tinting in Kansas, the VLR or visible light reflection percentage is also a crucial factor to consider. This percentage, which ranges from 0% to 100%, shows how much visible light is reflected by the tint. A lower VLR percentage means that less sunlight will be reflected into the car, resulting in more effective blocking of sunlight. It’s essential to keep in mind that Kansas window tint law permits only a specific percentage of window reflection when using a tint. Therefore, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the VLR percentage to comply with the law and avoid any potential fines or legal trouble.
Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Kansas:
Front Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the back side windows as well.
Tint reflection laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in Kansas:
Front Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the front side windows
Back Side windows: You can’t use any metallic or mirrored appearance on the back side windows as well.
Other Kansas Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
If you’re planning to tint the windows of your car in Kansas, it’s important to understand that the state has strict rules and regulations in place. Apart from adhering to specific darkness and glare percentages for each window, there are other guidelines that you must follow as well. Here are these:
Side Mirrors: In Kansas, vehicles are required to have dual side mirrors if the back window is tinted. This is because tinted windows can reduce visibility, making it harder for the driver to see what is happening behind them. The mirrors help to compensate for this by providing a wider field of view. They also help to reduce the risk of accidents by making it easier for the driver to see other vehicles and pedestrians..
Restricted Colors: In Kansas, there are some legal limitations concerning the color of the tints as well. Red, Amber, and Yellow colors are not allowed.
Certificates: In Kansas, certification is not required for the film used to tint cars by manufacturers.
Stickers: In Kansas, there is no state law mandating that vehicles with tinted windows must display stickers indicating that the tinting has been done under legal guidelines. However, it is recommended by the Kansas State law enforcement agencies that if a vehicle has had its windows tinted, it should not have any stickers on the windows to indicate that the tinting has been done legally. This is because stickers can obstruct the driver’s view and can be a distraction while driving.
Medical Exceptions: In Kansas, there is no provision in state law that allows for medical exemptions to the regulations governing window tinting. This means that individuals with medical conditions that make them sensitive to light, such as lupus or other autoimmune disorders, are not permitted to use special tint on their vehicle windows. All vehicles in Kansas must comply with the state’s regulations regarding window tinting, which stipulates the maximum amount of tint that is allowed on the front side windows, rear side windows, and rear window. These regulations are in place for safety reasons, as excessively tinted windows can reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents.
Penalties For Non-Compliance: In Kansas, if a vehicle is found to have illegal window tinting, the penalty is considered a Class C misdemeanor. This is a criminal offense that can cause fines and/or jail time. The exact fine will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the discretion of the court.
Conclusion
The 2023 Kansas window tint law declares that all vehicles that require Kansas registration must have a minimum light transmission of 35% on all windows, including the front, side, and rear windows and the windshield. The law also stipulates that no tint may be applied beyond the AS1 line on the windshield, which is typically the top 6 inches of the windshield. This means that any tint applied above this line is illegal. Any violations of this law will be considered a Class C misdemeanor and may cause fines, penalties, and/or jail time. It’s important to note that while the state of Kansas has this law, some municipalities may have their own regulations and penalties, so it’s always best to check with local authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Disclaimer
The information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or as a substitute for the advice of an attorney. No user of this site, or any other person or entity that may have received this information, shall rely upon the information contained as creating an attorney-client relationship between such user and Car Glass Advisor. The rules and regulations pertaining to car window tint in Kansas may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.