Window Tint Laws in Georgia

October 21, 2025 | The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

Thinking about tinting your windows in Georgia? Make sure you know the law first. Window tint laws in Georgia set limits on how dark and reflective your tint can be. Breaking these rules can lead to fines or even having to remove your tint.

Whether you’re adding tint for privacy, heat reduction, or style, knowing what’s legal will help you avoid problems, or even an accident.

How Dark Can You Go?

Georgia uses a system called Visible Light Transmission (VLT) to measure window tint. VLT is the amount of light that can pass through the window and the tinted film. The lower the VLT, the darker the tint.

Here are the legal VLT limits in Georgia:

Front side windows: Must let in at least 32% of light
Back side windows: Must let in at least 32% of light
Rear window: Must let in at least 32% of light
Windshield: Can only have a non-reflective tint along the top six inches

These limits apply to most cars, trucks, and SUVs in Georgia. The goal is to ensure drivers still have a clear view of the road and that police officers can see inside the vehicle during traffic stops.

Reflectivity Rules

Georgia also controls how reflective your tint can be. Reflective tint helps keep your car cooler, but too much reflection can be dangerous for other drivers.

Here’s what the law says:

Front and back side windows can’t reflect more than 20% of light
Mirrored or metallic finishes are not allowed

If your tint is too shiny or acts like a mirror, it may be illegal even if the VLT is within range.

Banned Tint Colors

Georgia law bans certain tint colors, especially those that can reduce visibility or distract other drivers. You are not allowed to use:

Red tint
Amber tint
Any film that changes the normal color of light

Stick to neutral tints like gray, black, or smoke shades to stay compliant.

Medical Exemptions

Georgia allows exemptions for certain conditions, such as:

Lupus
Albinism
Photosensitivity
Severe skin conditions

The state understands that some people need a darker tint for medical reasons. To get a medical exemption, you’ll need:

A written statement from a licensed physician or optometrist
A completed Medical Exemption Application from the Georgia Department of Public Safety
A state-issued permit, once approved

Keep the permit in your vehicle at all times in case you’re pulled over.

Out-of-State Tint Laws Don’t Count

If your car was tinted in another state with more relaxed laws, that won’t protect you in Georgia. Once you drive in Georgia, you must follow Georgia tint laws. Officers won’t accept “but it’s legal in my home state” as an excuse.

Penalties for Illegal Tint

Driving with illegal tint can result in:

Traffic tickets
Fines
Vehicle inspection failures
Being ordered to remove the tint

Police officers use handheld devices to test your window tint’s VLT on the spot. If it’s too dark, they can issue a citation.

How to Stay Legal

Here are some steps to make sure your window tint is legal in Georgia:

Get your tint installed by a licensed professional
Ask for a VLT certificate from the tint shop. This proves your tint is within legal limits.
Keep the certificate in your glove box
Avoid DIY kits. They may not meet state standards
Avoid banned colors and reflective tints

It’s also smart to have your tint rechecked if it was installed a long time ago. Tint can degrade or darken over time, especially in high heat.

Why the Laws Matter

These laws aren’t just about looks. Georgia’s tint laws are designed to:

Improve driver visibility
Protect law enforcement
Reduce glare
Improve road safety

Illegal tint can make it harder to see at night or in the rain. It can also prevent officers from seeing inside during traffic stops, which raises safety concerns.

Window Tint Laws in Georgia: Know the Rules Before You Tint

Window tint laws in Georgia are clear and specific. Before you get your windows tinted — or if you’re driving a car with existing tint — make sure you’re in compliance. A few minutes of research now can save you from a ticket or worse.

If you’re unsure, ask a licensed tint shop to measure your VLT and help you understand your options. To learn more or seek help if you’ve been in an accident, please contact The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.

We have three convenient locations throughout Georgia:

The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Tifton Office
1603 US Hwy 41, Tifton, GA 31794
(229) 386-1376

The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Griffin Office
3317 Fayetteville Rd, Griffin, GA 30223
(404) 567-4546

The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Macon Office
886 Mulberry St, Macon, GA 31201
(478) 292-7272

Or if you would prefer to reach out to us online, please visit our contact us page.