Georgia Window Tint Laws with Exceptions & Penalties [2021]

Window tinting in your car helps in minimizing the amount of sunlight and other visible lights that enter the vehicle, reducing glare and heat generated inside the vehicle.

The car window tinting laws were enacted in Georgia in 2005. It is the first state in the USA to enact these laws. 

In this article, we provide and explain the window tint laws for cars in the state of Georgia (GA).

The information on this article is based on the latest information and in accordance with the regulations provided by the authorities at the Department of Public Safety and the International Window Film Association in March 2020.

Georgia Window Tinting Laws

Window tint films are provided to cars and multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) for various purposes, including concealing passengers from public view for legal reasons and protection for medical reasons.

Vehicle window tints are measured by devices that determine the VLT, or the Visible Light Transmission.

It is defined as the percentage of light that a window tint film allows to pass through your car windows. A higher VLT allows more light to pass through the window, while a lower VLT allows a lower amount of light.

The percentage of light allowed through your film and glass in every state is specific and different for different kinds of cars, be it a passenger vehicle or an MPV.

Tint Darkness for Sedans

The following are the tint darkness laws for sedans in Georgia.

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top six (06) inches of the windshield.

Front Side Windows: Minimum 32% of the outside light must be allowed inside. In other words, the windows are allowed up to 32% VLT or tint darkness.

Rear Windows: Minimum 32% of the outside light must be allowed inside.

Back Side Windows: Minimum 32% of the outside light must be allowed inside.

Tint Darkness for SUVs and vans

The following are the tint darkness laws for SUVs and vans in Georgia.

Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top six (06) inches of the windshield.

Front Side Windows: Minimum 32% of the outside light must be allowed inside. In other words, the windows are allowed up to 32% VLT or tint darkness.

Rear Windows: Any amount of light may be allowed inside. Any tint darkness is allowed.

Back Side Windows: Any amount of light may be allowed inside. Any tint darkness is allowed.

Windows Tint Reflection Laws in Georgia

Window tints that also have reflective properties help in reflecting incoming light from the environment, reducing the glare and heat created by it.

These films contain metallic components that create a reflective effect.

Tint Reflections for Sedans

The following are the tint reflection laws for sedans in Georgia.

• Front Side Windows: Must not cross 20% reflectiveness.
• Back Side Windows: Must not cross 20% reflectiveness.

Tint Reflections for SUVs and vans

The following are the tint reflection laws for SUVs and vans in Georgia.

• Front Side Windows: Must not cross 20% reflectiveness.
• Back Side Windows: Must not cross 20% reflectiveness.

Other Window Tint Rules in Georgia

There are some supplementary rules for cars regarding the tint manufacturer certificate, label to identify legal exceptions, medical exemptions, and so on.

• Side mirrors: Left and right side mirrors are not required except in cases where the view from the driver’s position is obstructed.
• Tint Variance: Tint variance is allowed up to 3%.
• Certificates: Certification of tinted film by manufacturers is not required in Georgia.
• Stickers: No sticker to identify legal tinting is required.
• Medical Exceptions: Georgia provides medical exemptions for special tints. Please see Exceptions to Window Tinting Laws.

Color Rules Related to Window Tints in Georgia

For some reasons, the car’s windows may have colored tints. Some states have restrictions on the colors that can be used.

The state of Georgia does not allow RED, BLUE, and AMBER colors as window tints; other color tints are allowed.

Exceptions to Window Tinting Laws in Georgia

Exemptions for special window tints are allowed for medical reasons in Georgia. They are provided to citizens with medical conditions for which they need to be shielded from the direct sunlight.

The exemption is provided to a vehicle owner or a habitual passenger. Application for the exemption has to be sent to the Department of Public Safety, Atlanta, Georgia.

The application must contain written attestation from a medical provider licensed to practice medicine or person certified as an optometrist under state law.

The limited exception notice issued by the Department of Public Safety must be present in the vehicle at all times.

The exemption does not permit special tinting on the windshield. Additionally, light transmission through front side windows should not be less than 23%, with 3% tint variance.

The application fee is $10. The form can be accessed here.

Medical exemptions are not granted for any condition where protection from the direct rays of the sun can be adequately provided by use of eye protective devices.

Penalty for Breaking Georgia Window Tinting Laws

Failure to comply with the above laws will result in penalties in the form of a misdemeanor.

Summary

These are the laws and regulations for window tint films for vehicles in Georgia.

If you have any questions or comments, please comment down below or email us. Motor vehicle laws change often, and while we constantly keep our articles up to date, we encourage you to contact your state police for further inquiries.

Window Tint Laws for the Other US States>