Back to Blog
Auto Window Tint

How to Get a Medical Window Tint Exemption in California: Complete Guide

Mar 8, 2026 7 min readBy BestAutoTechs Team
Car with dark window tint and medical exemption certificate in San Diego California

Key Takeaway

California's medical window tint exemption under Vehicle Code Section 26708(d)(2) allows drivers with qualifying medical conditions to legally install darker tint on front side windows — overriding the standard 70% VLT minimum. Qualifying conditions include lupus, eczema, photosensitivity dermatitis, melanoma, albinism, porphyria, rosacea, xeroderma, vitiligo, and other skin or eye conditions requiring sun protection. Through BestAutoTechs' partner ForeverTint, the complete exemption package costs $199 and includes a licensed physician consultation (5–10 minutes by phone), a signed exemption certificate, and a money-back guarantee if you don't qualify. The certificate must be kept in the vehicle at all times and is valid for as long as the medical condition persists. Once approved, BestAutoTechs can install premium ceramic or carbon tint at whatever darkness your exemption allows.

California has some of the strictest window tint laws in the country. Front side windows must allow at least 70% visible light — meaning you're basically limited to a nearly clear tint. But if you have a qualifying medical condition, you can legally go darker with a medical window tint exemption.

We've partnered with ForeverTint to help our customers get their California medical tint exemption quickly, legally, and with a money-back guarantee. Here's everything you need to know.

Quick Summary

  • California law allows medical exemptions for darker front window tint under Vehicle Code §26708(d)(2)
  • Common qualifying conditions: lupus, eczema, photosensitivity, skin cancer, blurry vision, and more
  • ForeverTint handles everything for $199 — physician consult + signed certificate
  • Money-back guarantee if you don't qualify

Understanding California Window Tint Laws

Before we get into exemptions, let's review what California currently allows without one:

Front Windshield

Top 4 inches only (non-reflective)

Front Side Windows

Must allow 70%+ light (essentially clear)

Rear Side Windows

Any darkness allowed

Rear Window

Any darkness allowed

That 70% front-window rule is why so many drivers feel unprotected from the intense San Diego sun. A medical exemption changes that — allowing you to install darker tint on your front side windows legally.

What Is a California Medical Window Tint Exemption?

Under California Vehicle Code Section 26708(d)(2), drivers with certain medical conditions can apply for an exemption that allows darker-than-legal tint on their front side windows. The exemption requires:

  • A signed certificate from a licensed physician or optometrist
  • The certificate must state the specific medical condition
  • You must keep the certificate in your vehicle at all times
  • The tint must still allow a minimum of 35% visible light on front side windows

Important Note

Even with a medical exemption, California still requires front side windows to transmit at least 35% of visible light. This means you can go significantly darker than the standard 70% limit — but not limo-dark on front windows. Rear windows and back windshield have no restrictions regardless.

Qualifying Medical Conditions

You may qualify for a medical tint exemption if you have a condition requiring reduced exposure to sunlight or UV rays. Common qualifying conditions include:

Lupus
Eczema
Photosensitivity Dermatitis
Melanoma & Skin Cancers
Albinism
Porphyria
Rosacea
Xeroderma
Vitiligo
Severe Burns or Scarring
Cockayne Syndrome
Bloom Syndrome
Autoimmune Diseases
Blurry Vision
Skin Irritation from Sunlight
Other Skin/Eye Conditions

Even if your condition isn't listed, you may still qualify. The licensed physician will review your case individually during the consultation.

How to Get Your Exemption Through ForeverTint

We've partnered with ForeverTint because they make the process simple, fast, and risk-free. Here's how it works:

1

Purchase Your Exemption Package

Securely complete your purchase through ForeverTint's website. The complete package is $199 — no hidden fees.

2

Schedule a Quick Phone Call

ForeverTint's team contacts you to schedule a 5–10 minute phone consultation with a licensed physician.

3

Physician Reviews Your Eligibility

The licensed physician confirms whether your condition qualifies under California's medical tint exemption law.

4

Receive Your Signed Certificate

Once approved, your official California Tint Exemption Certificate is emailed directly to you. Print it and keep it in your vehicle.

Why We Recommend ForeverTint

100% Legal & Compliant

Follows CA Vehicle Code §26708(d)(2). Certificate signed by a licensed physician.

Quick Phone Consultation

No long doctor visits — just a 5–10 minute call with a licensed medical professional.

Fast Digital Delivery

Approved certificate emailed directly. Print or store digitally.

Money-Back Guarantee

Don't qualify? Full refund, no questions asked.

Ready to Go Darker — Legally?

Get your California Medical Window Tint Exemption through our trusted partner ForeverTint. Approved or your money back.

Get Your Tint Exemption — $199

100% legal • Licensed physician • Money-back guarantee

After You Get Your Exemption: Book Your Tint Installation

Once you have your certificate in hand, it's time to get your windows tinted! As San Diego's top-rated mobile window tinting service, BestAutoTechs comes to your home or office and installs premium window film.

We recommend our ceramic window tint for the best heat rejection and UV protection — which pairs perfectly with a medical exemption since the whole point is protecting your skin and eyes from harmful sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a California medical window tint exemption?

A medical window tint exemption is an official certificate signed by a licensed physician that allows you to legally have darker window tint on your front side windows under California Vehicle Code Section 26708(d)(2). Without this exemption, California law requires front side windows to allow at least 70% visible light transmittance.

What medical conditions qualify for a tint exemption in California?

Common qualifying conditions include lupus, eczema, photosensitivity dermatitis, melanoma and other skin cancers, albinism, porphyria, rosacea, xeroderma, vitiligo, severe burns or scarring, Cockayne syndrome, Bloom syndrome, autoimmune diseases, blurry vision, and other skin or eye conditions that require protection from sunlight.

How much does a California medical tint exemption cost?

Through our partner ForeverTint, the complete medical tint exemption package is $199. This includes the physician consultation, signed certificate, and a money-back guarantee if you don't qualify.

How long does it take to get the exemption certificate?

The process is fast. After purchasing, you'll have a 5–10 minute phone consultation with a licensed physician. Once approved, your signed certificate is emailed directly to you — typically within a few business days.

Is the ForeverTint medical tint exemption legal?

Yes. ForeverTint's process follows California Vehicle Code Section 26708(d)(2). The exemption certificate is signed by a licensed physician and serves as official proof of your legal exemption. You must keep the certificate in your vehicle at all times.

Can I get a medical tint exemption and then get my windows tinted by BestAutoTechs?

Absolutely! Many of our customers get their medical exemption through ForeverTint first, then schedule a mobile tinting appointment with us. We'll install premium ceramic or carbon tint at the darkness level your exemption allows.

Get Your Exemption + Professional Tint Installation

Step 1: Get your medical exemption through ForeverTint. Step 2: Book your tint installation with BestAutoTechs. It's that simple.

Try Our Interactive Tint Shade Selector

See what different tint shades look like — especially useful when deciding how dark to go with your medical exemption.

Option 1 · Sedan

Sedan Window Tint Selector

See how each shade looks on a sedan — ideal for sleek daily drivers.

Carbon IRCeramic IR
Loading tint preview...
Vehicle with 5% window tint

Ceramic IR Film

5%VLT
99%UV Block
88%IRR
95%Glare Cut
65%TSER

Lower VLT percentage = darker tint. Ask us about the best options for your vehicle.

Disclaimer: BestAutoTechs is not a medical provider and does not issue medical window tint exemptions. The exemption service is provided by ForeverTint, a third-party company. BestAutoTechs is an affiliate partner and may earn a commission on referrals. All medical decisions and certifications are between you and ForeverTint's licensed physicians. BestAutoTechs makes no guarantees regarding qualification or approval.

CallText