Pennsylvania window tint laws
In Pennsylvania, windows on passenger cars must allow at least 70% VLT on front side, back side, and rear windows. Multipurpose vehicles (SUVs, vans, trucks) also require 70% on front side windows, but back side and rear windows can be any darkness. Medical exemptions are available through PennDOT (Form DL-38).
Tint darkness limits in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the amount of light that must pass through your windows is set by statute. Darker film has a lower VLT percentage. The rules below apply to aftermarket window film; factory tint on back windows is usually permitted regardless of percentage.
Sedan — VLT limits
SUV / van / truck — VLT limits
Reflectivity — sedan
Reflectivity — SUV / van
Windshield, mirrors, colors & certification
Windshield
Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top portion of the windshield that does not extend below the AS-1 line.
Tint on the windshield must not obstruct the driver’s clear view of the road.
Side mirrors
Dual outside mirrors are required if rear window tint obstructs rear visibility.
Restricted colors
- Red, amber, and blue tint are prohibited.
Compliance sticker
Pennsylvania does not require a compliance sticker on the vehicle, but the annual safety inspection checks tint compliance.
Film certification
Film installed for medical-exemption purposes must be certified or come with supporting documentation per PennDOT regulations.
Penalties & enforcement
Tint violations can trigger failure of the annual safety inspection plus fines under PennDOT regulations.
Darker tint with a medical exemption in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania permits a medical sun-screening exemption through PennDOT using Form DL-38. A licensed physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist must certify the medical necessity.
Who typically qualifies: Drivers with a physician-certified medical condition requiring restricted exposure to sunlight.
Renewal / expiration: The DL-38 certificate is typically valid for as long as the issuing provider indicates. Drivers should carry a copy while operating the vehicle.
What you need to apply
- Form DL-38 completed by a licensed physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.
- Certificate retained in the vehicle at all times.
- Even with an exemption, tint must still satisfy color and reflectivity restrictions.
Common mistakes drivers make in Pennsylvania
- Installing 20% or 35% film on the front side windows of a sedan without a medical exemption.
- Assuming the MPV rule (any darkness on back side windows) applies to sedans.
- Missing the annual Pennsylvania safety inspection tint check.
- Failing to keep the DL-38 form in the vehicle when relying on a medical exemption.
Pennsylvania tint law FAQ
Is limo tint legal on sedans in Pennsylvania?
No. Pennsylvania requires 70% VLT on all windows of sedans. Limo tint would only be legal on back side or rear windows of SUVs, vans, or trucks.
Do I need a tint sticker in Pennsylvania?
No compliance sticker is required on the vehicle, but the annual state safety inspection includes a tint check.
How do I qualify for a tint medical exemption in Pennsylvania?
A licensed physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist must complete PennDOT Form DL-38 certifying the medical need. Keep the form in the vehicle while driving.
Can I tint the windshield in Pennsylvania?
Only a non-reflective strip at the top of the windshield that does not extend below the AS-1 line is allowed.
Official references
Sources below are the primary official documents we consulted for this page. If you notice an outdated link or discrepancy, please report it to our editors.
Editor’s notes
Pennsylvania’s combination of 70% VLT on sedans and annual inspections makes it one of the stricter-enforced tint regimes in the Northeast.
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