FRANKFORT — Kentucky lawmakers are considering a measure that would allow vehicle owners to tint their windshields if the tinting allows at least 70% light transmittance.
Senate Bill 46, sponsored by Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, gained unanimous approval in the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday.
The measure would apply only to windshields, not other vehicle windows. Windows on the driver and passenger doors can also be tinted under Kentucky law, Elkins said, but must allow at least 35% of light in. Windows on rear doors must allow at least 18% of light in.
Elkins said windshield tints up to 70% are very light and would appear clear to many people. His bill would prohibit red or yellow tints.
Being able to tint windows would reduce UV damage to people’s skin and car surfaces. It would also reduce glare from bright headlights and the sun and help keep vehicles cooler, Elkins said.
Three other states have approved similar measures, Elkins said: Ohio, North Dakota and Hawaii.
The need for the rule change was brought to Elkins’ attention by a Kentucky State Police veteran, he said.