New Mexico Medical Window Tint Exemption

Most people qualify for a medical window tint exemption & simply don't know it!

*Receive an immediate full refund if we cannot get you approved for a Legal Tint Exemption*

Understanding Window Tint Exemptions In New Mexico

While most drivers in New Mexico are required to follow the state’s standard window tint laws, New Mexico law recognizes that certain medical conditions may require additional protection from sunlight and UV exposure. For qualifying individuals, New Mexico allows a medical window tint exemption through a physician or optometrist affidavit, giving drivers the legal ability to use darker sun screening material than what is normally permitted under state law.

A window tint exemption in New Mexico allows you to legally use sun screening material that would otherwise violate the state’s standard tint restrictions—particularly on windows that are normally required to maintain at least 20% visible light transmission. This exemption is especially important for drivers with medical conditions that make them sensitive to sunlight or UV exposure. Without proper documentation, darker-than-legal tint could result in citations and legal issues during a traffic stop. With a valid medical affidavit, however, the darker tint becomes a legally recognized medical accommodation under New Mexico law.

The exemption qualification process involves two parts:

1. Medical Justification

A licensed physician, such as those provided by ForeverTint, must verify that you have a qualifying medical condition that necessitates darker window tint for health and safety. 

2. Legal Documentation

Once approved, you will receive a physician or optometrist signed affidavit that serves as your legal proof of exemption. New Mexico law requires this affidavit to remain in the vehicle at all times while the individual is being transported. Law enforcement may request to review this documentation if your tint appears darker than the standard legal limit.

Some people ask whether a New Mexico tint exemption allows them to tint their windows as dark as they want. The answer is no—New Mexico’s medical exemption does not eliminate all tint regulations, but it does allow qualifying individuals to legally use darker sun screening material when medically necessary and supported by a valid physician or optometrist affidavit.

ForeverTint makes the process simple by connecting you with a licensed physician for a quick consultation, preparing your documentation in accordance with New Mexico law, and delivering your completed affidavit directly to your inbox—ready to print and keep in your vehicle as required.

Some people ask whether a New Mexico tint exemption allows them to tint their windows as dark as they want. The answer is no—New Mexico’s medical exemption does not eliminate all tint regulations, but it does allow qualifying individuals to legally use darker sun screening material when medically necessary and supported by a valid physician or optometrist affidavit.

ForeverTint makes the process simple by connecting you with a licensed physician for a quick consultation, preparing your documentation in accordance with New Mexico law, and delivering your completed affidavit directly to your inbox—ready to print and keep in your vehicle as required.

What is the Legal Tint Limit in New Mexico?

It’s important for all New Mexico drivers to understand the state’s window tint laws—even if you don’t currently qualify for a Medical Window Tint Exemption. New Mexico has specific regulations controlling how dark vehicle windows may be tinted. These laws are intended to maintain driver visibility and roadway safety while still allowing protection from heat and sunlight.

Windshield

Non-reflective tint is allowed only above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or within the top 5 inches of the windshield.

Front Side Windows

Front side windows must allow more than 20% of light to pass through.

Back Side Windows

Sedans must allow more than 20% of light through the rear side windows. SUVs, vans, and certain multipurpose vehicles may use any darkness on rear side windows.

Rear Window

Sedans must allow more than 20% of light transmission on the rear window. SUVs and vans may use any darkness on the rear window if the vehicle has dual side mirrors.

Reflectivity & Color

New Mexico requires tint to be nonreflective. Red, amber, and yellow tint colors are prohibited under state law.

These restrictions mean that if you need darker-than-standard tint for medical reasons, you’ll need a valid New Mexico medical tint exemption affidavit. ForeverTint helps determine whether you qualify by connecting you with a licensed physician familiar with New Mexico requirements. Once approved, your physician-signed affidavit serves as your legal documentation for medically necessary darker window tint.

How To Get A Tint Exemption In New Mexico With ForeverTint

Purchasing your window tint exemption AND getting approved takes less than 10 minutes!

Traditionally, getting a tint exemption in New Mexico meant making an in-person doctor’s appointment, explaining your condition, and handling paperwork yourself. ForeverTint streamlines this entire process online:

Step 1
Confirm Your Eligibility

In the next section verify if you might have one of the qualifying conditions or something similar.

Step 2
Purchase Your All inclusive Appointment

If you think you might be eligible, select “Purchase Your Exemption” (Fully refundable if you don’t qualify).

Step 3
Meet With One Of Our Physicians

A member of our team will contact you to schedule your 5-10 minute verification phone call.

Step 4
Receive Your Exemption Certificate

Get Approved and receive your signed legal tint exemption within 72 hours!

*For any reason should you not be approved for a Legal Medical Window Tint Exemption you will receive an immediate refund. In our experience only 1 out of every 50 applicants are not approved.

Medical Conditions That Qualify For A New Mexico Tint Exemption

New Mexico law allows a medical window tint exemption for individuals who have a physical condition that makes additional protection from sunlight medically necessary. These conditions often involve sensitivity to UV rays, bright light, or prolonged sun exposure. Below are some of the most common qualifying conditions:

Blurry Vision

Chronic or severe vision problems can be aggravated by bright sunlight. Darker tint can reduce glare, improve comfort while driving, and help protect eye health.

Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that can flare up due to heat and sunlight exposure. A tint exemption helps limit UV penetration, reducing the likelihood of painful flare-ups.

Skin Irritation Caused by Sunlight

Some people experience rashes, burning, or swelling when their skin is exposed to direct sunlight. Darker tint acts as a protective barrier to prevent these reactions.

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where UV exposure can trigger serious symptoms, including skin lesions and fatigue. A window tint exemption allows for safer daily travel by reducing UV contact.

Photosensitivity Dermatitis

This condition causes skin inflammation and rash when exposed to light. Darker tint helps reduce UV exposure and prevent painful flare-ups.

Xeroderma (Abnormally Dry Skin)

Xeroderma makes skin especially sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to cracking, irritation, and damage. Extra tinting provides a layer of defense against sun-related irritation.

Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers

For individuals with melanoma or a history of skin cancer, limiting UV exposure is critical. A tint exemption allows for significantly safer protection during daily commutes.

Albinism

People with albinism lack the protective pigment melanin, making them extremely sensitive to sunlight. Darker tint reduces harmful UV rays that can damage both skin and eyes.

Porphyria

Porphyria is a group of disorders that make the skin and nervous system highly sensitive to sunlight. A tint exemption helps limit painful and potentially dangerous reactions.

Severe Burns or Scarring

Sunlight can worsen scarring and slow healing of severe burns. A window tint exemption offers ongoing protection during recovery and beyond.

Cockayne Syndrome

This rare genetic disorder causes extreme sensitivity to sunlight, leading to skin damage and other complications. A medical tint exemption provides necessary protection for daily life.

Bloom Syndrome

Bloom syndrome increases the risk of skin cancers due to UV sensitivity. Extra tinting safeguards individuals against unnecessary exposure while driving.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo reduces pigmentation in the skin, which removes natural protection against UV rays. Tint exemptions help protect depigmented skin from damage.

Autoimmune Diseases

Many autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or dermatomyositis, involve increased sensitivity to UV light. Darker tint protects patients from flare-ups linked to sun exposure.

Other Skin and Eye Conditions

Texas law also recognizes that there are many less common conditions that may cause extreme sensitivity to light. If your physician determines that darker tint is medically necessary, you may qualify for an exemption even if your condition is not listed here.

New Mexico Window Tint Exemption Affidavit – What You Need to Know

In New Mexico, having a medical condition that requires additional protection from sunlight is only part of the process—you must also carry a valid physician or optometrist signed affidavit at all times while being transported in the vehicle.

In New Mexico, having a medical condition that requires additional protection from sunlight is only part of the process—you must also carry a valid physician or optometrist signed affidavit at all times while being transported in the vehicle.

This physician or optometrist affidavit serves as your official proof that the darker sun screening material on your vehicle is medically necessary and legally permitted under New Mexico law. Without this documentation, even if you have a qualifying condition, you could still receive a citation for violating New Mexico window tint regulations.

What the Exemption Must Include:

To comply with New Mexico law, the medical tint exemption affidavit must be signed by a licensed New Mexico physician or optometrist and should include:

  • The provider’s full name, contact information, and license information
  • A statement confirming that your physical condition requires darker sun screening material
  • Your identifying information and the date of issuance
  • Verification that the exemption is medically necessary

This signed affidavit must remain in the vehicle at all times while you are being transported. If law enforcement questions your window tint, presenting this documentation helps demonstrate that your darker tint is legally permitted as a medical accommodation under New Mexico law.

Why the Form Matters

New Mexico law does not recognize verbal explanations or informal notes as valid proof for a medical tint exemption. The exemption must be supported by a properly signed affidavit from a licensed physician or optometrist. Without this documentation, any tint that exceeds the legal limits—especially on front side windows—can still lead to citations, even if you have a legitimate medical condition.

Clip board with the words Tint Exemption on it next to a stethoscope

Is A New Mexico Medical Window Tint Exemption Really Legal? YES!

New Mexico Law:

Under New Mexico Statute § 66-3-846.1, vehicle window tint must generally comply with the state’s light transmission and nonreflective requirements, including maintaining at least 20% visible light transmission on most passenger vehicle windows. However, the law specifically provides a medical exemption for individuals who have a physical condition requiring additional protection from sunlight. The statute states that these restrictions do not apply when a person, or their legal guardian, possesses an affidavit signed by a licensed New Mexico physician or optometrist confirming that darker sun screening material is medically necessary. The affidavit must remain in the vehicle at all times while the individual is being transported, making medical window tint exemptions fully legal under New Mexico law when proper documentation is carried.

policeman uniform writes fine female driver

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you legally avoid window tint tickets in New Mexico?

The best way to avoid window tint tickets in New Mexico is to ensure your vehicle complies with the state’s tint laws or to obtain a valid medical tint exemption affidavit if you require darker tint for medical reasons. New Mexico law allows qualifying individuals to legally use darker sun screening material when supported by a physician or optometrist signed affidavit that must remain in the vehicle at all times.

Does using an online company like ForeverTint provide a valid New Mexico tint exemption?

Yes, using an online service like ForeverTint can provide valid documentation when the process is completed through a licensed New Mexico physician or optometrist. ForeverTint helps connect qualifying individuals with licensed medical providers who can evaluate whether darker window tint is medically necessary under New Mexico law.

What happens if I’m pulled over and don’t have my New Mexico tint exemption affidavit with me?

New Mexico law requires the medical tint exemption affidavit to remain in the vehicle while the individual is being transported. If you are pulled over and cannot provide the affidavit, law enforcement may treat the tint as noncompliant and issue a citation even if you have a qualifying medical condition.

Can I tint my windows as dark as I want with a medical tint exemption in New Mexico?

No, a medical tint exemption does not automatically allow unlimited darkness on every window. The exemption permits darker sun screening material when medically necessary, but the tint should still align with the medical need documented by the licensed physician or optometrist providing the affidavit.

Do I need to apply with the New Mexico DMV to get a medical window tint exemption?

New Mexico law does not specifically require a DMV-issued permit for a medical tint exemption. Instead, the law states that qualifying individuals must carry an affidavit signed by a licensed New Mexico physician or optometrist confirming that darker tint is medically necessary.

How do I get a medical window tint exemption in New Mexico?

To get a medical tint exemption in New Mexico, you must be evaluated by a licensed physician or optometrist who determines that additional protection from sunlight is medically necessary. Once approved, you will receive a signed affidavit that serves as your legal documentation for darker window tint under New Mexico law.

What medical conditions qualify for a window tint exemption in New Mexico?

Medical conditions that may qualify for a New Mexico tint exemption typically involve sensitivity to sunlight, UV rays, or bright light exposure. Common examples include lupus, photosensitivity, melanoma, severe migraines, solar urticaria, albinism, and certain eye or skin conditions aggravated by sunlight.

Having a medical recommendation from a Doctor to have darker window tint does not guarantee you will not get a ticket. An officer can still give you a ticket at their own discretion. However, in our experience with existing customers if you take your ticket to court and provide your medical recommendation documents your ticket can be dismissed.