Driving in Florida with window tint that exceeds the legal limits can attract the attention of law enforcement. However, if you have a valid medical exemption for darker window tint, you’re entitled to have that additional protection—provided you follow all legal procedures. That said, many drivers wonder what exactly happens if they’re pulled over by police while having darker-than-standard tint, even with an exemption on file.
This is an important question for anyone who’s either already received their medical window tint exemption or is thinking about applying. While the exemption grants you the right to use darker film, being pulled over can still happen, and knowing how to handle it can save you stress and potential legal trouble.
This blog will walk you through the possible scenarios, what Florida law says, how you should respond, and how services like ForeverTint can help you stay fully prepared.
Understanding your legal rights with a tint exemption
Florida law generally sets strict limits on how dark your window tint can be. The front side windows must allow more than 28% of visible light in, and your windshield may only have non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line. If your vehicle appears to violate these standards, law enforcement may stop you—even if you’re legally exempt.
That’s because police officers can’t determine your exemption status by simply looking at your windows or scanning your plate. Visual appearance alone may prompt a traffic stop, especially if your front side windows or full windshield appear significantly darker than the average vehicle.
But here’s the good news: as long as you have your official documentation, Florida law protects you from citations for tint violations when your exemption is valid.
What documentation you need to show
If you’re pulled over for dark tint, the burden is on you to provide physical proof that your vehicle is legally exempt. This means showing a valid medical window tint exemption signed by a licensed physician.
In Florida, that document is Form HSMV 83390, issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The form must include:
- The name, license number, and contact details of the signing physician
- A statement of medical necessity for darker tint
- Your name and identifying details
- The duration of the exemption (permanent or temporary)
This documentation is required to be kept in your vehicle at all times. Verbal explanations or digital copies on your phone are not sufficient during a traffic stop. Officers are required to follow protocol, and without proper paperwork, they are authorized to issue a citation.
What law enforcement is trained to do
Law enforcement officers in Florida are trained to treat traffic stops for tint violations seriously. If they observe what appears to be an illegal level of tint—especially on the front side windows or full windshield—they will likely pull you over to investigate.
Once stopped, they may:
- Use a tint meter to measure the visible light transmission (VLT) percentage through your windows.
- Ask for your license, registration, and proof of your medical exemption.
- Evaluate whether your documentation is valid and matches the tint applied to your vehicle.
If you have a proper medical exemption certificate, the officer will verify its legitimacy and likely allow you to continue without a ticket. If you cannot present the form or if the document appears invalid or expired, you may be subject to penalties.
What happens if you forgot your exemption form?
If you don’t have your physical exemption documentation with you when stopped, the officer has the legal right to treat your tint as a violation. You may be issued a noncriminal traffic citation, which can include:
- A fine (typically around $100–$150 depending on the county)
- A requirement to appear in traffic court
- An order to remove or modify the tint to comply with state law
In some cases, if you later produce valid documentation in court, the judge may waive the fine. However, there is no guarantee, and it is ultimately at the discretion of the court.
To avoid all of this, always store your exemption certificate in your glove compartment or another easily accessible location inside your vehicle.
Can police still ticket you even with an exemption?
In rare cases, a citation may be issued despite showing valid exemption paperwork—usually due to misunderstanding or miscommunication during the stop. If this happens, your best course of action is to:
- Stay calm and polite during the stop.
- Accept the citation without arguing.
- Gather your documents and prepare to contest the ticket in court.
You can present your medical exemption and explain that your tint is legally authorized due to medical necessity. With proper documentation, most traffic judges will dismiss the citation.
Avoiding unnecessary stops
To reduce the chances of being pulled over in the first place, make sure:
- Your window tint is professionally installed and not reflective or metallic.
- Your exemption certificate is current and includes all required information.
- You avoid drawing extra attention to your vehicle with illegal mods (like underglow lighting or missing plates).
- You comply with all other traffic laws so you’re not pulled over for unrelated reasons.
How ForeverTint helps you stay protected
ForeverTint offers an easy and secure way to get your Florida medical tint exemption completed correctly, so you’re ready if and when you’re pulled over.
Here’s how it works:
- You select Florida from the ForeverTint state selector page.
- Purchase your Online Window Tint Exemption service package.
- Speak with one of our licensed physicians during a brief consultation.
- If you qualify, we’ll mail your signed HSMV 83390 form and include instructions on submitting it to the Florida DMV.
- Your certificate will be prepared with all the information law enforcement and inspection centers expect to see.
We take the guesswork out of the process and make sure you’re fully prepared and compliant.
Get Your Legal Window Tint Today!
If you want to avoid citations and travel with confidence, ForeverTint makes it easy to legally protect yourself with a Florida window tint exemption. With support from our licensed physicians and step-by-step guidance, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy darker tint without legal stress.
Ready to make your Tint exemption purchase?
Start your application today and experience peace of mind behind the wheel.
