For many drivers in Pennsylvania, window tint is more than just a way to enhance the look of their vehicle. It’s also about reducing glare, protecting against UV rays, maintaining privacy, and improving overall driving comfort. However, Pennsylvania law places clear limits on how dark you can tint your vehicle’s windows. Understanding these legal limits is essential if you want to avoid tickets, inspections, or being required to remove your tint altogether.
In this blog, we’ll answer the common question: What is the darkest legal tint in PA? We’ll also explain how you can legally get darker tint through a medical exemption, and how ForeverTint can help you do that quickly and legally online.
What Does “Darkest Legal Tint” Mean?
The darkness of window tint is measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT). This percentage indicates how much visible light is allowed to pass through the window film and the glass. The lower the percentage, the darker the tint.
For example:
- 70% VLT means 70% of light passes through (lighter tint)
- 20% VLT means only 20% of light passes through (much darker tint)
Pennsylvania’s laws regulate VLT levels based on the type of window and the vehicle classification.
Pennsylvania’s Legal Tint Limits by Vehicle Type
Pennsylvania has different legal tint rules depending on whether your vehicle is a passenger car or an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle), such as an SUV or van.
Passenger Car Tint Limits:
For standard passenger vehicles (sedans, coupes, etc.), the legal limits are:
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in (70% VLT or lighter)
- Rear Side Windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 70% of light in
- Windshield: No tint allowed below the AS-1 line (the top strip marked by most manufacturers); non-reflective tint only above that line
This means that 70% VLT is the darkest legal tint on side and rear windows of passenger cars in Pennsylvania—unless you have a medical exemption.
SUVs and Vans (MPVs) Tint Limits:
For SUVs and vans, the rules are a bit more flexible:
- Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in
- Rear Side Windows: No specific VLT limit (can be darker than 70%)
- Rear Window: No specific VLT limit
- Windshield: Same as passenger vehicles—non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line only
This means that rear windows on SUVs and vans can be significantly darker than those on sedans, without requiring a medical exemption.
Reflective Tint Rules:
In addition to VLT rules, Pennsylvania also prohibits metallic or mirrored finishes on window tint. The tint must be non-reflective and should not create a mirror-like effect that reflects light or visibility.
What Happens If You Break Pennsylvania’s Tint Laws?
If your vehicle’s tint is darker than allowed by law and you do not have a valid exemption, you may face:
- A traffic citation for illegal tint
- A requirement to remove the tint
- Possible vehicle inspection failure
- Fines or court appearances if the violation is not corrected
Even if you installed the tint for legitimate comfort or health reasons, Pennsylvania law still requires proper documentation to justify tint that exceeds legal limits.
How to Legally Get Darker Tint in Pennsylvania
If you need darker tint due to a medical condition, you can obtain a medical window tint exemption, also called an online window tint prescription. This allows your vehicle to be legally fitted with window film darker than the state’s standard VLT requirements.
Common qualifying conditions include:
- Chronic migraines
- Lupus and autoimmune disorders
- Photosensitivity or photophobia
- Skin conditions like eczema or vitiligo
- Eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts
- History of skin cancer
- Neurological disorders made worse by light exposure
Even if your condition is not listed above, you may still qualify if sunlight or glare negatively impacts your health.
How ForeverTint Makes the Tint Exemption Process In PA Easy For You!
ForeverTint provides a simple, 100% online process to help Pennsylvania residents get a legal medical window tint exemption quickly and without hassle.
Step 1: Go to the ForeverTint Website
Visit https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/ and select Pennsylvania. This ensures your exemption follows the state’s specific laws and formatting requirements.
Step 2: Purchase the Exemption Package
Review the qualifying conditions listed. If you believe you qualify—or are unsure—you can purchase the service with confidence. ForeverTint offers a full refund if the physician does not approve your exemption.
Step 3: Complete a Quick Phone Consultation
After your purchase, ForeverTint will schedule a 5–10 minute phone consultation with a licensed physician. There are no in-person visits or video calls—everything is handled over the phone.
During the call, you’ll describe your medical condition and how exposure to sunlight affects you.
Step 4: Receive Your Certificate
If approved, ForeverTint will email you a signed medical tint exemption certificate that includes:
- Your name and condition
- Medical necessity for darker tint
- Duration of the exemption
- Physician’s license number and signature
You’ll need to keep this certificate in your vehicle at all times in case law enforcement requests proof of your exemption.
What to Tell Law Enforcement
If you’re pulled over due to darker-than-standard tint, simply explain that you have a medical exemption and present your certificate. Officers are trained to recognize and validate these documents, and the ForeverTint certificate contains everything they need to verify its legitimacy.
Final Thoughts on Legal Tint Limits in PA
So, what is the darkest legal tint in PA? For passenger cars, it’s 70% VLT on side and rear windows—unless you have a valid medical exemption. For SUVs and vans, you have more flexibility in the rear but still must follow front window limits.
If you need darker tint for medical reasons, don’t risk tickets, fines, or being forced to remove your tint. With ForeverTint, you can get legally protected in just a few simple steps, backed by a licensed physician’s signature and a fast online process.
Ready To Get Your Legal Tint Exemption?
If you need darker tint to protect your health and comfort, ForeverTint can help. Get a valid medical exemption certificate fast—without the hassle of traditional doctor visits or paperwork.
Visit https://forevertint.com/select-your-state/ to get started today and enjoy your legal window tint exemption in Pennsylvania.
