West Virginia 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 West Virginia

While most drivers in West Virginia are required to follow the state’s standard window tint laws, West Virginia law recognizes that certain medical conditions may require additional protection from sunlight and glare. For qualifying individuals, the state allows a medical tint exemption affidavit, which may permit darker window tint than normally allowed under standard regulations.

A window tint exemption in West Virginia may allow you to legally use window tint that exceeds the state’s normal limitations when it is medically necessary. This is especially important for individuals with medical conditions that make them sensitive to sunlight or UV exposure. Without proper documentation, darker-than-legal tint can still result in citations under West Virginia law. With a valid medical affidavit, however, the darker tint may qualify as a lawful medical accommodation.

The exemption qualification process involves two parts:

1. Medical Justification

A licensed physician or optometrist practicing in West Virginia must determine that you have a qualifying medical condition that requires additional protection from sunlight or glare.

2. Legal Documentation

Once approved, a medical tint exemption affidavit is issued and serves as your legal proof. In West Virginia, this is not a permit issued by the DMV. Instead, it is a physician or optometrist-signed affidavit that must remain in your possession while being transported in the vehicle. If law enforcement questions your window tint, you may be asked to present this documentation.

Some people ask whether a West Virginia medical tint exemption allows them to tint their windows as dark as they want. The answer is no. West Virginia’s exemption does not eliminate all restrictions, but it may allow darker tint when it is 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 consultation, helping you obtain the required documentation under West Virginia law, and delivering your signed affidavit directly to your inbox so you can print it and keep it with you in your vehicle.

What is the Legal Tint Limit in West Virginia?

It’s important for West Virginia drivers to understand the state’s window tint laws, even if you are considering a Medical Window Tint Exemption. West Virginia has specific regulations regarding how dark and reflective your vehicle window tint may be. These laws are intended to maintain visibility and roadway safety while still allowing drivers to reduce glare and heat.

Windshield

Non-reflective tint is permitted only on the top 5 inches of the windshield or above the AS-1 line.

Front Side Windows

Front side windows must allow more than 35% of light to pass through and may not be more than 20% reflective.

Back Side Windows

For sedans, rear side windows must also allow more than 35% of light in. SUVs and vans may use any darkness on rear side windows.

Rear Window

Sedans must allow more than 35% of light through the rear window. SUVs and vans may use any darkness on the rear window.

Reflectivity & Color

West Virginia prohibits red, yellow, and amber tint colors. Reflective tint may not exceed 20% reflectivity on permitted windows.

These restrictions mean that if you need darker-than-standard tint for medical reasons, especially on your front side windows, you may need a West Virginia medical tint exemption affidavit. ForeverTint helps simplify the process by connecting you with a licensed physician who can evaluate your condition and determine whether additional sun protection may be medically necessary. Once approved, your signed affidavit serves as documentation supporting your legal medical accommodation under West Virginia law.

How To Get A Tint Exemption In West Virginia With ForeverTint

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

Traditionally, getting a tint exemption in West Virginia 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 West Virginia Tint Exemption

West Virginia law allows a medical window tint exemption affidavit for individuals with physical conditions that make exposure to sunlight harmful or medically problematic. These conditions often involve sensitivity to UV light, bright sunlight, glare, or heat. 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.

West Virginia Window Tint Exemption – What You Need to Know

In West Virginia, having a medical condition that requires additional protection from sunlight is only part of the process. You must also carry a valid medical tint exemption affidavit signed by a licensed physician or optometrist while being transported in the vehicle.

In West Virginia, having a medical condition that requires additional protection from sunlight is only part of the process. You must also carry a valid medical tint exemption affidavit signed by a licensed physician or optometrist while being transported in the vehicle.

This medical tint exemption affidavit serves as your official proof that the darker tint on your vehicle is medically necessary and permitted under West Virginia law. Without this documentation, even if you have a qualifying condition, you could still receive a citation for violating West Virginia’s window tint regulations.

What the Exemption Must Include:

To comply with West Virginia law, the medical tint exemption affidavit must be written and signed by a licensed physician or optometrist practicing in West Virginia, and include:

The provider’s name and professional credentials
A statement confirming that darker sun-screening material is medically necessary
Your identifying information
The provider’s signature and date of issuance

This signed affidavit must remain in your possession, or in the possession of your legal guardian, while being transported in the vehicle. If law enforcement questions your window tint, presenting this documentation helps show that your tint is medically justified under West Virginia law.

Why the Form Matters

West Virginia law does not recognize verbal explanations as valid proof for darker medical window tint. The exemption must be supported by a properly signed affidavit from a licensed physician or optometrist. Without this documentation, tint that exceeds the legal limit, particularly on front side windows, may still result in a citation even if you have a legitimate medical condition.

Is A West Virginia Medical Window Tint Exemption Really Legal? YES!

West Virginia Law:

West Virginia law under §17C-15-36a specifically allows medical window tint exemptions for individuals with physical conditions that require additional protection from sunlight. The law states that a person may legally operate a vehicle with darker-than-standard sun-screening material if they possess an affidavit signed by a licensed West Virginia physician or optometrist confirming the medical necessity. This affidavit must remain in the possession of the individual, or their legal guardian, while being transported in the vehicle.

Source: West Virginia Code §17C-15-36a

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you legally avoid window tint tickets in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, avoiding tint tickets starts with making sure your vehicle complies with the state’s tint laws or obtaining a valid medical tint exemption affidavit if darker tint is medically necessary. If approved for a medical exemption, you should always keep your signed affidavit with you while being transported in the vehicle in case law enforcement requests documentation.

Does using an online company like ForeverTint provide a valid West Virginia tint exemption?

Yes, a medical tint exemption may be valid in West Virginia if it is supported by a properly signed affidavit from a licensed physician or optometrist practicing in West Virginia. ForeverTint helps connect qualifying individuals with licensed providers who can evaluate their condition and issue the required documentation when medically appropriate.

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

West Virginia law requires the medical tint exemption affidavit to remain in your possession, or in the possession of your legal guardian, while being transported in the vehicle. If you are stopped and cannot provide proof of your exemption, you could still receive a citation for illegal window tint.

Can I tint my windows as dark as I want with a medical tint exemption in West Virginia?

No, a medical tint exemption in West Virginia does not automatically allow unlimited tint darkness. The exemption is intended to provide medically necessary accommodations, and law enforcement may still review whether the tint appears reasonable in relation to the supporting medical documentation.

Do I need to apply with the DMV to get a medical tint exemption in West Virginia?

West Virginia law does not state that drivers must apply directly through the DMV for a medical tint exemption. Instead, the law requires an affidavit signed by a licensed West Virginia physician or optometrist confirming that darker sun-screening material is medically necessary.

How do I get a medical tint exemption in West Virginia?

To obtain a medical tint exemption in West Virginia, you must be evaluated by a licensed physician or optometrist who determines whether your medical condition requires additional protection from sunlight or glare. If approved, you will receive a signed affidavit that should be kept with you while in the vehicle.

What medical conditions qualify for a tint exemption in West Virginia?

Medical conditions that may qualify for a tint exemption in West Virginia generally include conditions involving sensitivity to sunlight, UV exposure, or bright light. Common examples include lupus, photosensitivity, certain skin disorders, severe migraines, melanoma, and eye conditions that worsen with sunlight exposure.

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.