Tint Rules in Kansas
Kansas has strict laws in place regarding window tinting that apply to vehicles on all roadways. Under Kansas Window Tint Law 8-1741, all manufacturers of window tint including window tint providers and commercial users in the state of Kansas must have their products certified by a testing lab approved and arranged by the Kansas Department of Transportation. Once these products pass the approved lab’s tests, the samples are dispatched to the Department for evaluation.
The Department assesses the samples and certifies them as "satisfactory or unsatisfactory." The tint law states that motor vehicles registered in Kansas must be manufactured with window tinting which has been certified as satisfactory by the Department. In addition, the tint is required to display a sticker on the windshield which has been approved by the Department.
K.S.A. Section 8-1741 – Windshield; Tinting Device. No person shall install, possess or operate any motor vehicle which is registered for operation in this state or offer for sale, sell or exhibit for sale any tinting device applied, sprayed or otherwise affixed to the windshield or any window of such vehicle unless such tinting device has met the certification requirements of subsections(a) and (b) and the tinting device is certified with the approved sticker specified in subsection (c). Tinted windshields on motor vehicles are permitted only if the tinting device meets the following standards:
(a) Windshields exempt from tinting requirements. These are motor vehicles which come into contact with heat extremes such that tinted windows may prevent safety glass from shattering, for example, ambulances, hearses, limousines, funeral cars, buses and vans designed for transporting persons. No motor vehicle so equipped with tinted windows shall be required to display the approved sticker specified in subsection (c).
(b) Windshields not exempt from tinting requirements. These are all other tinted motor vehicle windshields other than those specified in subsection (a). Approved tinting devices are permitted for installation on these motor vehicles only if they are tested and certified to the satisfaction of the Kansas Department of Transportation by an independent laboratory approved by the department . A significant adverse effect on traffic safety or driver behavior, or typical use or durability of this product on this type of motor vehicle, or any adverse comment from a typical automobile owner could be grounds for rejection of the proposed tinting device. Any tinted window must be labeled with an approved label showing the name of the manufacturer, the brand name of the product, the percent of light transmittance and the percent of light reflection, as certified by the testing laboratory. Such label shall be permanently displayed either on the tinted window or adjacent to the window during the lifetime of the tinted window. If the required label is not affixed to the tinted window at the time the vehicle is first registered in the state, the owner shall obtain such label before further operation of that vehicle on the highways of this state.
(c) Approved sticker. The approved sticker specified in subsection (a) shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) It shall be entitled "Kansas Law Exempt," "Kansas Law Approved" or the like. (2) It shall display the name of the laboratory that did the sampling and testing and the date of sampling and testing. (3) It shall display the highway patrol license number of the manufacturer of the tinted window, or the name and address of the vehicle dealer. (4) The sticker shall be affixed only on the lower corner of the driver’s side windshield or, where there is no driver’s side windshield, on the lower corner of the windshield normally viewed by the driver while operating the vehicle and in the lower corner, opposite to the side at which the sticker is located.
(d) Installation prohibited. Tinting devices are prohibited from being installed on the windshields of passenger cars, vans, SUVs, trucks or multipurpose vehicles, or on the front side windows or on the rear side windows of passenger cars or trucks, or on the rear window of a passenger car structure, truck structure or multipurpose vehicle structure, if the tinting reduces the amount of light transmission to less than seventy percent.
(e) Violation. Owners of vehicles who violate this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of $10.00.
Permitted Darkness for Tinted Windows in Kansas by Vehicle Type
In the Sunflower State, tint percentages are regulated differently for different types of vehicles. As with most states, Kansas has varying laws for passenger vehicles versus SUVs and trucks, and sometimes even more specific for certain makes and models of those vehicles. However, the essence of the matter is that window film cannot block more than a certain percentage of light, or else local law enforcement official will be on the lookout. Kansas law also requires that windshield tint not be reflective, although some states do allow reflective tint at certain percentages on the windshield only.
Let’s take a look at the rules Kansas has for passenger vehicles, which include cars, vans, and SUV’s that are under 10,000 pounds:
• For sedans like the Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat, and Ford Fusion, the tint on any window other than the windshield cannot be darker than 35% when applied from the factory or aftermarket. The only way to legally tint the first layer of window film on new vehicles is if there is no tint on that window at all.
• SUVs, vans, trucks and mini-vans registered in Kansas are allowed a maximum of 35% tint, regardless of whether it is factory-made or applied later.
• The back window of all passenger vehicles must have enough light transmittance in the first layer to support a minimum of 10% dark tint.
• Any windows behind the first layer of tint on passenger vehicles may be tinted any darkness.
• Passenger vehicles cannot have reflective tint on their front or rear windows.
Kansas law states that a passenger vehicle is defined as:
"Pursuant to K.S.A. 8-1420, the term ‘passenger vehicle’ means any motor vehicle designed primarily for carrying passengers and their baggage. Passenger vehicles are classified into the categories described in the following table:"
As you can see, passenger vehicles, as defined by Kansas law, can come in all sizes and types. More often than not, however, they are sedans, coupes and hatchbacks.
What about SUVs and trucks? Again, for the most part this includes just about anything that isn’t a passenger vehicle. Because Kansas treats these vehicles differently, a law enforcement officer has a different standard for SUVs, vans, trucks, and mini-vans that are registered to the owner in Kansas.
• For SUVs, vans, trucks, and mini-vans, the tint on any window except the windshield must not be darker than 35% when applied from the factory or aftermarket.
• The back window and all passenger windows behind the driver’s seat and passenger seat must have enough light transmittance to support a minimum of 10% dark tint.
• SUVs may not have reflective tint on their front or rear windows.
• For trucks with a manufacturer’s window height of 28 inches or more above the width of the window, the tint may not be darker than 15%.
• SUVs, vans, mini-vans and trucks may have tint over the factory window tint on the first layer of tint, provided that 70% of light must be transmitted while tint covers no more than 50% of the window.
The tint percentage limits by state, including for SUVs, vans, trucks, mini-vans, and passenger vehicles, change from time to time, so use this information as a guide only and refer to your local Department of Motor Vehicles for the most accurate information.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Generally, the state has exemptions for vans, buses, and other passenger-type vehicles that have windows that are typically factory-tinted, but they must be identified and signed off by a certified window film installer upon installation in order to be recognized. Exceptions also apply when it comes to windshield tinting. Kansas law states the windshield shall be clear above the horizontal AS-1 line or above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line where the windshield is so marked. Aftermarket tinting of the windshield is illegal in all but a few cases, unless a statewide modified sticker is displayed in a clearly visible fashion at the lower corner on the driver’s side of the window and is visible from the outside. Additionally, Kansas law requires that any film used on the windshield be either AS-1 film (wavelength 380-1500 nm) or be documented in the database maintained by the International Window Film Association.
Fines and Penalties
Failure to comply with the window tint regulations in Kansas may result in a citation, fine, or a removal order. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the jurisdiction, as different counties and cities have their own laws and enforcement methods. Generally speaking though, the legal consequences for failing to comply with window tint laws may include: On-the-spot fines: In some cases, law enforcement officers may issue on-the-spot fines for window tint law violations. These fines can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the severity of the violation and the specific regulations of the jurisdiction. Court citations: If law enforcement officers believe that a vehicle’s window tint violates state or local laws, they may issue a citation which requires the driver to appear in court. At court , the judge will determine the final penalty for the violation. Vehicle removal order: In extreme cases, authorities may order the removal of the illegally tinted windows and impound the vehicle until the necessary modifications are made. Appearance modifications: In certain situations, a citation will require the offending party to make the necessary adjustments before releasing the vehicle. If the driver fails to comply or repeat offenses arise, more severe penalties such as a fine or citation could take place. It is in a motorist’s best interest to comply with the window tinting laws for their state of travel and residence. Failure to do so could result in significant costs of penalties, potential legal fees, and even court appearances. An attorney experienced in handling window tint cases can be a helpful resource for resolving a violation.
How to Stay Legal Under Kansas Tinted Window Rules
To ensure that your vehicle complies with Kansas window tint laws, there are several important tips to consider. First, always consult a professional who is familiar with the state’s tint laws and regulations before applying any tint or film to your vehicle’s windows. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information on the regulations and help you choose the right level of tint for your needs.
Second, make sure that any tint or film you apply to your vehicle is of high quality and meets or exceeds the state’s standards for light transmission. Low-quality tint or films can not only result in your vehicle failing an inspection but can also pose safety risks by obstructing your view of the road and surrounding environment .
Third, be aware that some types of tint or film may not be allowed on certain windows, such as the windshield or front side windows. Before applying any tint or film, check with the Kansas Highway Patrol or a local law enforcement agency to determine whether the tint or film you are considering for those windows complies with the state’s regulations.
Finally, be sure to keep all paperwork and receipts for any tint or film you apply to your vehicle on hand. If you are ever pulled over or involved in a traffic stop, being able to prove that your vehicle’s tint or film complies with the state’s regulations can prevent you from being issued a citation or ticket.
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