Medical window tint exemptions in Pennsylvania offer critical protection for individuals with medical conditions that require reduced exposure to sunlight or UV rays. These exemptions allow legally darker window tint than normally permitted by state law—but what happens if you decide to sell your vehicle that has been tinted under a medical exemption?
Many Pennsylvania drivers are unsure how their tint exemption applies to a new vehicle or a future buyer. In this blog, we’ll walk through what you need to know if you’re planning to sell your car that has darker tint under a medical exemption, and how to stay legally compliant during and after the sale.
Understanding Medical Tint Exemptions in Pennsylvania
Unlike some states, Pennsylvania does not require a specific DMV form or registration process for medical tint exemptions. Instead, the law requires that any individual using darker tint for medical reasons carry a written prescription or letter from a licensed physician or optometrist.
This document must:
- Clearly state the medical condition
- Explain why darker window tint is medically necessary
- Indicate whether the exemption is temporary or permanent
- Be carried in the vehicle at all times
This prescription serves as proof that the darker tint is legally authorized. However, the exemption is granted to the person, not the vehicle—an important distinction when it comes time to sell.
Does the Tint Exemption Stay with the Car?
No, a medical tint exemption in Pennsylvania does not transfer with the vehicle. Because the exemption is based on your personal medical condition, the documentation you received applies only to you as the driver, not the car itself.
If you sell your vehicle and the buyer does not have their own physician-issued tint exemption, they are not legally permitted to drive the vehicle with the darker window tint still installed. Doing so could result in:
- A citation for illegal tint
- A failed safety inspection
- A demand to remove the non-compliant film
So while your exemption allowed you to drive legally with darker tint, the next owner may face legal issues unless they qualify for and obtain their own exemption.
Should You Remove the Tint Before Selling?
This depends on who is buying the car and whether they plan to apply for their own tint exemption.
If you’re selling your vehicle to someone without a qualifying medical condition, it’s a good idea to remove the darker tint before finalizing the sale. This ensures:
- The buyer won’t run into legal trouble
- The vehicle can pass its next inspection
- The sale isn’t delayed by concerns over non-compliant tint
Alternatively, if the buyer does have a medical condition and plans to get their own prescription, you can inform them of the process and suggest they use a service like ForeverTint to obtain a valid certificate. Still, they must have their own physician approval; your documentation is not valid for anyone else.
What to Tell the Buyer
Being transparent with the buyer is important. If your vehicle is equipped with window tint that falls outside Pennsylvania’s standard legal limits, be clear about it.
Here’s what you should let them know:
- The tint is legal only with a medical exemption
- You had a personal exemption, but it doesn’t carry over
- They will need their own documentation to legally drive with the current tint
- If they don’t qualify, they’ll need to remove or replace the tint to avoid tickets or inspection failures
Including this information in your bill of sale or purchase agreement is a good idea for documentation and clarity.
What If You’re Buying a New Car?
On the flip side, if you sell your current vehicle and plan to buy another, your medical tint exemption still applies—but you’ll need to reinstall your window tint on your new vehicle. The certificate from your physician can still be used as long as:
- The medical condition hasn’t changed
- The exemption is still valid (check for expiration if applicable)
- You keep the document in your new vehicle
There’s no need to reapply or obtain a new prescription unless your current exemption has expired or your medical status changes.
If you’re unsure, ForeverTint makes it easy to reverify your eligibility and receive a fresh, updated certificate for your new car.
Can I Sell My Car With the Tint Still On?
Yes, you can sell your car with the tint still installed—but it’s your responsibility to inform the buyer that the tint may not be legal for them without a medical exemption.
Leaving the tint in place could be convenient for the buyer if:
- They plan to apply for their own exemption
- They intend to remove or replace the tint themselves
- They understand the legal risk and assume responsibility
For your protection, include written disclosure in the sale documentation stating that the tint was installed under a medical exemption and is not guaranteed to be legal for the next owner.
What Are the Legal Risks for the Buyer?
If a new owner drives a vehicle with darker-than-legal tint without the proper medical documentation, they are at risk of:
- Receiving a citation or fine
- Being required to remove the tint
- Failing their annual state vehicle inspection
- Being denied vehicle registration renewal
In Pennsylvania, officers can use a light transmission meter to measure how much visible light passes through the tint. If the VLT (visible light transmission) is lower than allowed by law and the driver cannot provide a valid medical exemption certificate, the tint will be considered illegal.
Can the Buyer Use My Exemption Document?
No, a medical tint exemption document is non-transferable. Even if the buyer has a similar condition, they must obtain their own physician-approved certificate. Law enforcement will not accept a prescription that was written for another person.
ForeverTint makes it easy for the new owner to get approved if they have a valid condition. The process includes:
- Purchasing the exemption package for Pennsylvania
- Completing a brief phone consultation with a licensed physician
- Receiving a signed certificate to carry in their vehicle
This allows them to continue using the existing tint legally—provided their condition qualifies.
Get Your Legal Tint Exemption for Your Next Vehicle
If you’re upgrading to a new car or simply selling your current one, it’s important to keep your medical tint exemption current and valid for your needs. While the exemption doesn’t follow the car, it continues to protect you as the driver.
At ForeverTint, we make it easy to:
- Obtain or renew your tint exemption
- Understand your rights under Pennsylvania law
- Receive your certificate via email after a short phone consultation
We help you avoid the guesswork and stay compliant every step of the way.
Ready To Get Your Legal Tint Exemption?
ForeverTint is your trusted partner in obtaining a valid Pennsylvania medical tint exemption. Whether you’re selling your car or buying a new one, we make the process fast, convenient, and legally compliant.
Visit https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/ to get started today.
