Table of legal window tinting limits and medical exemption information for all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Description
There are significant variations in legal window tinting limits and medical exemption laws across the United States, with potential implications for patients with photosensitive dermatoses and their healthcare providers. In this study, we collected data from government websites and online legal codes for all 50 states and Washington, D.C., focusing exclusively on passenger vehicle window tinting laws. Legal tinting limits were measured as a percentage of transmission of visible light (Tvis), with lower Tvis indicating darker tint and greater photoprotection. Data was stratified by window location (e.g., front side, rear side, rear).Information regarding medical exemptions, including qualifying conditions and provider requirements, was extracted. The data highlighted whether states specify medical qualifications, acceptable levels of Tvis for exemptions, or provider roles (e.g., dermatologist, general physician, optometrist). This supplement material is a table describing the legal window tinting limits for passenger vehicles, stratified by window type, as well as specific information on medical exemptions across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The findings demonstrate variability and vagueness in tinting regulations and medical exemption policies across the U.S., highlighting a lack of standardization and potential impacts on patient care and provider responsibility.