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California Window Tint
Exemption
How to get a medical window tint exemption in California: who qualifies, the doctor's letter you need, and what it does and doesn't allow.
Quick answer: California allows a medical window tint exemption that lets you run darker sun-screening on your side windows if a licensed physician certifies you need protection from the sun for a diagnosed condition. There is no DMV permit card — the documentation is the signed letter from your doctor, kept in the vehicle. It does not allow dark film on the windshield, and the device can't be used at night.
What is the California medical tint exemption?
Most drivers are capped at 70% VLT on their front side windows under California Vehicle Code §26708. The medical exemption is the one legal way around that limit: if you have a medical condition that requires you to be shielded from UV or sunlight, California permits darker sun-screening material on the side windows. The basis is CVC §26708.5, which allows authorized sun-screening for medical reasons with the proper certification.
Who qualifies for a tint exemption in California?
You qualify if a licensed physician and surgeon (and in some cases an optometrist) certifies in writing that you have a condition requiring shielding from the sun. Conditions commonly cited include:
- Lupus and other autoimmune photosensitivity
- Melanoma and other skin cancers
- Severe photosensitivity / photodermatitis
- Xeroderma pigmentosum and similar UV-sensitive disorders
The decision is the physician's — there's no fixed state checklist. What matters is a signed certification stating the medical need.
How to get a tint exemption in California (step by step)
- See your doctor. Ask a licensed physician (or qualifying optometrist) to certify, in writing, that you need to be shielded from the sun.
- Get the signed letter on letterhead, referencing CVC §26708/§26708.5, signed and dated. There is no DMV form to file and no permit card issued.
- Choose compliant film. Have a professional apply neutral, non-reflective sun-screening to the side windows.
- Keep the letter in your vehicle so you can show it if pulled over. Bring a copy to your tint appointment.
Because the paperwork and qualifying conditions are set by statute and can change, verify current requirements with the California DMV before relying on an exemption.
What the exemption does — and doesn't — allow
| Allowed with a medical exemption | Still not allowed |
|---|---|
| Darker sun-screening on side windows | Dark tint below the legal strip on the windshield |
| Neutral, non-reflective film | Red or amber film (prohibited for everyone) |
| Daytime use for sun protection | Use of the device during darkness / at night |
The exemption is specifically about medical sun-screening on side glass. It is not a blanket pass to tint the whole car, and it doesn't override the windshield or color/reflectivity rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a medical exemption to tint my car in California?
No — most tinting is done within the normal limits (70%+ up front, any darkness in back). You only need an exemption if you want darker-than-legal film on the front side windows for a medical reason.
Is there a DMV tint exemption permit or card in California?
No. California does not issue a permit card for medical tint. Your documentation is the signed letter from your physician, which you keep in the vehicle.
Who can sign a California medical tint exemption?
A licensed physician and surgeon, and in some cases a licensed optometrist, can certify the medical need in writing.
What conditions qualify for a tint exemption?
There's no fixed state list — your doctor decides. Commonly cited conditions include lupus, melanoma and other skin cancers, and severe photosensitivity disorders.
Does the exemption cover the windshield?
No. The medical exemption covers sun-screening on the side windows. The windshield still follows the normal rule (clear, non-reflective top strip only).
Can I be ticketed even with an exemption?
An officer can still stop you for dark tint, but a valid physician's certification is your defense. Keep the letter in the car at all times.
Does the exemption let me use the tint at night?
No. Authorized sun-screening devices may not be used during darkness.
Window tint that fits your needs in Sacramento
Whether you're tinting within the standard limits or working with a medical exemption, BGI Tint installs clean, neutral, non-reflective film on the right windows and documents the job. We carry LLumar, STEK, Rayno, Feynlab, BLASK, and Carlas, back installs with a lifetime tint warranty, and offer same-day appointments and free quotes across Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado counties. Bring your doctor's letter and we'll handle the rest.
- Call: (916) 460-9257
- Book: automotive window tinting
Written by BGI Tint • Reviewed by Vadym Bugai, owner & window tint installer.
Disclaimer — accurate as of 2026: General information, not legal or medical advice. Laws change — verify with the California DMV and consult your physician.
Related guides
- California window tint laws — the full legal breakdown (the pillar)
- How much is a tint ticket in California? — fines and fix-it tickets
- Is ceramic tint legal in California? — heat rejection within the legal limit
Sources
- California Vehicle Code §26708 / §26708.5 — leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- California DMV — dmv.ca.gov
A California window tint ticket carries a base fine around $25, but fees can push it to about $197. Here's what it costs and how to clear it.
How to get a medical window tint exemption in California: who qualifies, the doctor's letter you need, and what it does and doesn't allow.
Yes — ceramic tint is legal in California as long as it meets the same VLT limits as any film. Here's the 70% front-window rule and how to stay ticket-free.
