IS MY MOD LEGAL?

Headlight & Taillight Tint in Kentucky

Illegal

Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Kentucky. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements.

Verified against primary sources · August 2026

What the law says

Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Kentucky. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements. Two rear red lights visible at 500 feet are required. No state expressly permits smoked lamp film; the violation is the loss of required color or visibility distance, which any meaningful tint causes.

Specific Limits

Film permitted
No
Headlight color
white
Taillight color
red

Exceptions & Exemptions

Kentucky law requires headlights to emit white or amber light and be clearly visible. Any tinting that reduces light output or changes color would likely violate these requirements.

Statute

KRS 189.040, 189.050

Read the statute →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are headlight & taillight tint legal in Kentucky?
Smoked or tinted film on headlights and taillights is illegal in Kentucky. Headlights must emit white light and taillights must show red at the required visibility distance, and tint that dims or discolors them violates those requirements.
What are the exact headlight & taillight tint limits in Kentucky?
Film permitted: No. Headlight color: white. Taillight color: red. Source: KRS 189.040, 189.050.
Are there exceptions for headlight & taillight tint in Kentucky?
Kentucky law requires headlights to emit white or amber light and be clearly visible. Any tinting that reduces light output or changes color would likely violate these requirements.

Street-legal headlight & taillight tint picks

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