Not only do tinted windows make cars or buildings look aesthetically appealing, but they also keep the sun rays out, cut glare, and create a sense of privacy. For some users, tinted windows can be a health barrier and sometimes even a special order, but for some people, they are medically necessary.
For example, people with conditions imply that they need tinted windows because they are sun-sensitive. In such cases, tinted windows prescription becomes a legitimate necessity.
This blog will discuss when and how to get a prescription for tinted windows and the process involved in getting one. So, let’s get started!
Tinted windows aren’t just a luxury; they’re crucial to some people with medical conditions. They help to give comfort and safety, making daily life easier.
Here are some medical conditions that may require the individual to obtain tinted windows:
We can explain this simply: a person who has Photophobia becomes extremely sensitive to light. It is highly likely associated with migraine, lupus, or other neurologic diseases.
Light becomes quite intolerable or even painful for people suffering from this particular condition; hence, tinted windows can help reduce sunlight.
Some functionally intense skin diseases, like “xeroderma pigmentosum ” (XP), result in oversensitive skin to UV exposure.
For these people, even a little time in the sun can destroy the skin or even increase the risk of skin cancer. Tinted windows, which block harmful UV protection, are the solution.
People with diseases such as macular degeneration, chronic dry eye, or cataracts tend to become sensitive to light.
Tinted windows lessen the amount of sunlight that causes discomfort, making activities such as driving or sitting next to a window bearable.
In the case where you feel the need for tinted windows for medical purposes, follow these procedures below to acquire a prescription:
The first course of action one needs to take is to visit a doctor, optometrist, or dermatologist who is duly qualified with the required medical degrees to provide prescriptions. You need to narrate the symptoms you have developed and how exposure to light is a problem for you.
State your case explicitly as to what makes you think using tinted windows could be more useful. The doctor in question will carefully examine your condition and decide if it is relevant to prescribe anything.
Doctors always recommend prescriptions after approval. As a rule, this document contains the following information:
For instance, when obtaining a vehicle window tinting service, you may need to submit the medical certification to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or another relevant agency. In Georgia, you can read more about medical exemptions for window tinting on the state’s official government website.
In some states, you’ll receive a permit or an exemption that allows you to have your windows tinted beyond the normally allowed limits.
The installation of car window tints is governed by certain laws and regulations so as to enhance road and general safety. The laws governing window tints have regulations on how dark the window can be, and these regulations differ greatly from one state or country to the next.
Here is what needs to be noted:
VLT, which means Visible Light Transmission, is the light that transmits through the tinted glass; a percentage of transmission that is lower than less percentage would mean darker windows.
Though the restrictions of regular window tinting may state the minimum VLT percentage to be 35% and above, in some cases, medical lettering provides exceptions to this minimum standard. These exceptions must be checked in the local jurisdictions.
To avoid the danger of getting fined, you should ensure that you have the medical letter or approval in your vehicle. This is especially vital when being questioned by law enforcement officers about the legality of your window tints.
A medical prescription may have a restriction whereby the degree of tint that a patient can use may be restricted.
For instance, a car’s windshield may not be able to be tinted as it has to meet a certain level of transparency for safety reasons.
Very few prescriptions for darker window tinting are issued, as they require legitimate medical justification under tint law M.S.S. 169.71 S4 (b)(2) to prevent illegal tinting citations.
Aspect | Standard Tinting | With Medical Prescription |
VLT Percentage | 35% or higher | Can go as low as 20% or lower |
Applicable Areas | Side and rear windows | Side, rear, and sometimes windshields |
Documentation Required | No | Yes (medical prescription required) |
Enforcement by Authorities | Strict | Flexible with valid documentation |
To ensure accuracy, it’s essential to check the specific laws in the state of interest as there can be significant variations in how tint laws are structured and enforced across the United States. Each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent will have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding both standard tinting regulations and medical exemptions.
Exposure Tinted windows are known to block 99% of the harmful effects of UV rays, which might, in turn, result in skin issues or other medical concerns. This is vital for patients suffering from XP or lupus conditions.
People who are light averse or have eye problems will be most comfortable with these, as they help reduce glare while controlling the level of sunlight entering an area.
Tinted windows also help to prevent other people from seeing inside the windows, which is ideal for people who do not want to be in direct sunlight in public places.
Those who have been granted a legal document may still face restrictions on how dark they can go. These rules are in place to ensure that the medical requirement isn’t at odds with safety on the roads.
Different states and countries have different regulations regarding tinted windows, including the use of various types of tint such as dyed, metalized, hybrid, carbon, and ceramic films. The prescription issued in one area for medical exemptions may not be valid in another area, making it essential to consider local laws when traveling.
For people suffering from specific ailments, tinted car windows are no longer a luxury but a daily requirement. We have discussed when doctors can prescribe tinted car windows that are indeed medically required to improve comfort and health.
It is best always to clarify everything with the concerned authorities in your jurisdiction to avoid unpleasant surprises as to what is allowed and what action is to be taken.
Protecting your health and ensuring legality are the same thing, so go to the doctor and do what it takes to protect and make your surroundings more comfortable and safe!