Can your vehicle have a tinted windshield or windows in Kansas? Here’s what the law allows

Lindsay Smith
·2 min read

If you’ve ever pulled up at a stop light and made awkward eye contact with the person next to you, you may have considered getting tinted windows on your vehicle. But before you make the purchase, is it even legal?

There is some good news for people who don’t want to drive around in a fish bowl in Kansas: Tinted windows are legal in the state, but there are some guidelines.

Here’s what Kansas law allows when it comes to modifying your windows and windshield.

Are car window tints legal in Kansas? Are there exceptions?

Tints are only allowed if the total light transmission is more than 35%, Kansas law says. Front side windows and the windshield must have more than 70% of light transmission to be legal.

Additionally, tints cannot be red, yellow or amber, and can only be used on the windshield if it does not extend past the AS1 line, which is typically about 5 inches below the top of the windshield. Tints also cannot be reflective.

Kansas laws apply to all registered vehicles in the state, with the exception of law enforcement vehicles.

What is the penalty for illegally tinted windows in Kansas?

It is considered a misdemeanor to drive with an illegal window tint, and the total fine is $96.50.

There were 43 tickets written up in the Wichita in 2022 for illegal tinted windows, according to The Wichita Eagle’s ticket database.

While tint can have benefits, like extra privacy and protection against ultraviolet rays, driving with too much tint has its dangers.

Too much window tint can impair visibility, as well as possibly prevent drivers from communicating with each other and pedestrians, auto club AAA says. There are also some cases where windows with tint could be harder to break if you needed to do so in an emergency.

If your window tint is too dark and needs to be removed, AAA recommends going to a professional for removal. If you want to try it yourself, a steamer can be used to loosen up and peel off the tint from your windows.