North Carolina 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 North Carolina

While most drivers in North Carolina must comply with the state’s standard window tint laws under G.S. 20-127, the law recognizes that certain medical conditions can make additional protection from visible light medically necessary. For those individuals, North Carolina provides a medical exception permit, allowing approved drivers to legally install darker window film than normally permitted under state regulations.

A window tint exemption in North Carolina allows you to legally install window tint that would otherwise exceed the state’s standard limits—particularly on front side windows, which must normally allow at least 35% light transmission. This exemption is especially important for drivers with medical conditions that cause photosensitivity to visible light. Without an approved medical exception permit, darker tint can result in citations and misdemeanor charges. With proper authorization through the state, however, it becomes a lawful medical accommodation.

The exemption qualification process involves two parts:

1. Medical Justification

A licensed physician must verify that you have a qualifying medical condition requiring additional protection from visible light for health and safety.

2. Legal Documentation

Once approved, the North Carolina Drivers Medical Evaluation Program issues a medical exception permit and a required sticker for the vehicle. The permit specifies the vehicle and allowed tint levels, must be carried in the vehicle at all times, and may be requested by law enforcement during a traffic stop.

Some drivers wonder whether a North Carolina medical exception allows them to tint their windows as dark as they want. The answer is no—an approved permit does not eliminate all restrictions, but it may allow darker tint levels as specifically outlined in the state-issued exception for medical purposes.

ForeverTint simplifies the process by connecting you with a licensed physician for evaluation and ensuring your medical documentation meets North Carolina’s requirements before submission to the Drivers Medical Evaluation Program. Once approved by the state, you will receive the proper permit needed to remain compliant.

What is the Legal Tint Limit in North Carolina?

It’s important for all North Carolina drivers to understand the state’s window tint laws—even if you do not currently qualify for a medical exception permit. North Carolina has clear guidelines under G.S. 20-127 that regulate how dark and reflective your vehicle windows may be. These laws are intended to maintain visibility and safety for drivers and law enforcement, while still allowing reasonable protection from heat and glare.

Windshield

Tint is only permitted along the top of the windshield and may not extend more than 5 inches below the top or below the AS1 line, whichever is longer. Clear UV-reducing film that does not obstruct vision is allowed.

Front Side Windows

Front side windows must allow at least 35% total light transmission. If a North Carolina-approved meter reads above 32%, the window is presumed compliant.

Back Side Windows

Rear side windows on standard passenger vehicles must also allow at least 35% light transmission. However, multipurpose vehicles such as SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks may have darker tint behind the driver.

Rear Window

The rear window must meet the 35% requirement for passenger vehicles. Certain vehicle types may qualify for different allowances under state law.

Reflectivity & Color

Window tint may not exceed 20% reflectivity. The film must be nonreflective and cannot be red, yellow, or amber in color.

These restrictions mean that if you want darker-than-standard tint—especially on your front side windows—you will need a North Carolina medical exception permit. Under state law, approval must go through the Drivers Medical Evaluation Program and include proper medical documentation. ForeverTint helps you determine if you qualify by connecting you with a licensed physician who understands North Carolina’s requirements. If approved, your documentation supports your medical exception so you can legally install darker window tint as permitted under state law.

How To Get A Tint Exemption In North Carolina With ForeverTint

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

Traditionally, getting a tint exemption in North Carolina 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 North Carolina Tint Exception

North Carolina law allows a medical window tint exception for individuals with medical conditions that cause photosensitivity to visible light. These conditions make exposure to sunlight harmful or significantly uncomfortable while driving. In order to qualify, a licensed physician must confirm that additional light protection is medically necessary. 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.

North Carolina Window Tint Medical Documentation – What You Need to Know

In North Carolina, having a medical condition that requires additional protection from visible light is only part of the process—you must also obtain an approved medical exception permit through the Drivers Medical Evaluation Program and carry the valid documentation in your vehicle at all times while driving.

In North Carolina, having a medical condition that requires additional protection from visible light is only part of the process—you must also obtain an approved medical exception permit through the Drivers Medical Evaluation Program and carry the valid documentation in your vehicle at all times while driving.

This medical exception permit serves as your official proof that the darker tint on your vehicle is medically necessary and legally authorized under North Carolina law. Without an approved permit, even if you have a qualifying condition, you may still be cited for violating the state’s window tint requirements.

What the Certificate Must Include:

To comply with North Carolina law, the medical exception must be processed through the Drivers Medical Evaluation Program and supported by documentation completed by a licensed physician. Once approved, the permit will:

Specify the vehicle to which it applies
Identify which windows may be tinted and the permitted tint levels
Include the validity period (up to five years, unless otherwise directed)

You must carry the permit in the vehicle at all times. In addition, the state issues a required sticker that must be placed on the lower left-hand corner of the rear window. If you are stopped by law enforcement and your tint appears darker than standard limits, presenting your permit helps demonstrate that your tint is legally authorized under North Carolina law.

Why the Form Matters

North Carolina law does not accept verbal explanations or informal notes as valid proof of a medical tint exception. The approval must go through the Drivers Medical Evaluation Program and result in an official state-issued permit. Without it, any tint that exceeds the legal 35% limit—especially on your front side windows—can lead to a citation or misdemeanor charge, even if your medical condition is legitimate.

Is A North Carolina Medical Window Tint Exemption Really Legal? YES!

North Carolina Law:

As of December 1, 2025, window-tint checks are no longer required as part of North Carolina safety inspections. The additional $10 window-tint inspection fee has also been eliminated (S.L. 2025-47).

Under the same law, during a traffic stop, drivers of vehicles equipped with window tinting must roll down the window on the side that the law-enforcement officer approaches.

Vehicles with after-factory window tinting must still comply with the requirements set by G.S. 20-127. Tinted windows may not measure darker than 32 percent when tested with a North Carolina-approved window-tint meter. The tint on the windshield may not extend more than 5 inches below the top of the windshield or below the AS1 line, whichever is longer.

Source: S.L. 2025-47

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you legally exceed North Carolina tint limits and avoid tint tickets?

The only lawful way to exceed North Carolina’s standard 35% window tint limit is by obtaining an approved medical exception permit through the Drivers Medical Evaluation Program. Without a valid permit, darker tint can result in a citation or misdemeanor charge. Proper documentation is essential to remain compliant.

Does using an online company like ForeverTint provide valid documentation for North Carolina?

ForeverTint connects you with a licensed physician who understands North Carolina’s medical requirements. If approved, your medical documentation supports your submission to the state’s Drivers Medical Evaluation Program. Final approval and issuance of the permit are handled by the state.

What happens if I’m pulled over and do not have my medical tint permit with me?

North Carolina law requires that the medical exception permit be carried in the vehicle at all times. If you cannot present it during a traffic stop, you may still receive a citation. The required rear-window sticker must also be properly displayed.

Can I tint my windows as dark as I want with a medical exception in North Carolina?

No. The permit will specify which vehicle it applies to, which windows may be tinted, and the approved tint levels. You must stay within the limits outlined in your issued permit.

Do I need to apply with the DMV to get a medical tint exception in North Carolina?

Yes. North Carolina requires submission through the Drivers Medical Evaluation Program. A physician must complete the required medical evaluation before the state reviews and issues the permit.

How do I get a medical window tint exception in North Carolina?

You must first be evaluated by a licensed physician who confirms that additional protection from visible light is medically necessary. Once documentation is completed, it is submitted to the Drivers Medical Evaluation Program for review and approval.

What medical conditions qualify for a window tint exception in North Carolina?

Qualifying conditions typically involve photosensitivity to visible light. A licensed physician must determine that your specific medical condition requires darker tint for health and safety reasons before approval can be granted.

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.