Nevada law requires at least 35% VLT on the front side windows, but a driver with a qualifying medical condition can apply for an exemption that allows darker tint. The exemption rules come from NRS 484D.440 and NAC 484D.280-.290: you apply in writing to the Nevada Highway Patrol (Department of Public Safety) using its Application for Window Tint Exemption, with a sworn statement from your treating physician, and the approved exemption must be kept in the vehicle. The application goes to the Nevada Highway Patrol in Carson City, not to a DMV office. The 20% VLT floor comes from that DPS form, which states that no window tint exemption less than 20% VLT will be approved by the Department of Public Safety. Polar Tint Summerlin can walk you through the process. Once approved, we can install film to the specs on your exemption. Here is the step-by-step.
Quick Answer
- Nevada's exemption rules (NRS 484D.440 and NAC 484D.280-.290) allow darker-than-35% front side tint for a qualifying medical condition.
- You apply with the Nevada Department of Public Safety's Application for Window Tint Exemption and submit it to the Nevada Highway Patrol in Carson City, not to a DMV office.
- The 20% VLT floor comes from that DPS form: no exemption below 20% VLT will be approved.
- A currently licensed Nevada physician completes the medical section, and you sign a declaration that you're the primary driver of each vehicle listed. The exemption isn't transferable if you sell the vehicle.
- If approved, keep the approved exemption, or a copy, in the vehicle at all times.
- Once approved, Polar Tint Summerlin can install film to the specs on your exemption.
Step 1: Confirm a qualifying medical condition with your physician
Nevada does not publish a closed list of qualifying conditions. Instead, NAC 484D.285 relies on a sworn statement from your treating physician that you have a medical condition requiring tinted windows, and the application asks the physician for a clinical diagnosis. Conditions commonly associated with photosensitivity that physicians may cite on exemption statements include:
- Lupus (SLE) and other autoimmune photosensitivity disorders
- Porphyria
- Melanoma history or skin cancer treatment in progress
- Severe sun urticaria or photodermatitis
- Albinism and other pigmentation disorders
- Certain post-transplant immunosuppression regimens
If you have a condition that makes Mojave sun exposure medically harmful, ask your physician whether darker window tint would help limit your UV and visible-light exposure.
Step 2: Have a Nevada-licensed physician complete Section 2
Section 2 of the application must be completed by a currently licensed State of Nevada physician. It asks for:
- A clinical diagnosis explaining the exact nature of the impairment
- The recommended visible light transmittance (VLT) for you
- The recommended permit duration: a 4-year permit for a temporary condition, or indefinite for a permanent, stable condition
- The physician's certification that tinted windows are a medical necessity for your condition, plus signature, printed name, date, mailing address, phone, and license number
Section 2 is part of the application itself, so bring the form to your appointment for your physician to complete.
Step 3: Submit the application to the Nevada Highway Patrol
The exemption application does not go to a DMV office. The form and NAC 484D.280(2) direct it to the Nevada Highway Patrol, at the address printed on the form:
Nevada Highway Patrol, Department of Public Safety
555 Wright Way, Carson City 89711
In Section 1 you list up to two vehicles (a primary and a secondary vehicle) with each one's VIN and plate number, and you sign a declaration that you're the primary driver of every vehicle on the application. If the exemption is approved, the original is forwarded back to you and serves as your authorization. Approval is either for 4 years or indefinite.
The exemption isn't transferable. The form says that if the vehicle is sold, the exemption letter must be returned to the Department of Public Safety, so it doesn't carry over to a replacement vehicle.
Step 4: Schedule the Polar Tint Summerlin install
Bring your approved exemption (the original the Department of Public Safety returns to you, or a copy) to your install appointment at 9530 W Tropicana Ave Ste B. Once approved, we can install film to the specs on your exemption, so bring it to the appointment.
We install film to the specs on your exemption. The DPS form states that no exemption below 20% VLT will be approved, whatever VLT the physician recommends. Typical reasons drivers file for the exemption:
| Approved front side VLT | Typical reason | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest VLT DPS will approve: 20% | Photosensitivity, lupus, porphyria, melanoma history, post-transplant, migraine light-triggers | Plus or Ultimate Plus Nano Ceramic, in the darkest shade that stays at or above the approved VLT |
Step 5: Carry the documentation - always
The DPS form says the approved exemption document, or a copy of it, must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Keep these in the vehicle:
- Your approved exemption (the original or a copy)
- Polar Tint Summerlin install receipt - we provide one on request
A few film and safety notes
Even with an exemption, a couple of technical points shape the install:
- We will not install metallic or hybrid film on any vehicle - non-metallic Nano Ceramic only. This is designed not to interfere with vehicle electronics and modern ADAS.
- We will not film over backup cameras, forward camera arrays, or sensor housings.
- We do not tint the windshield below the top strip - the strip whose bottom edge sits at least 29 inches above the driver's seat is the only windshield film we install.
The Polar Tint Promise applies to exemption installs
The same Polar Tint Promise covers exemption installs: no bubbling, no peeling, no fading, no color shift. The Match Guarantee also applies - find a verifiable lower price on the same film grade and coverage and we match it.
Locally quoted. Call (702) 551-6039 or request a free estimate online. See also the Nevada tint law overview, our automotive window tint page, and the Polar Tint Summerlin FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
What conditions qualify for a Nevada medical tint exemption?
Nevada does not publish a fixed list of qualifying conditions. Under NAC 484D.285, the exemption rests on a sworn statement from your treating physician that you have a medical condition requiring tinted windows, and Section 2 of the application must be completed by a currently licensed Nevada physician. Common conditions cited in physician statements include lupus, porphyria, melanoma history, severe photosensitivity, and certain autoimmune disorders. Your physician documents the condition; the state decides whether to approve the exemption.
Does the medical exemption attach to me or to the vehicle?
Both. Nevada's Application for Window Tint Exemption (Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol Division) requires a Nevada-licensed physician's section documenting your condition plus your signed declaration that you're the primary driver of each vehicle listed — and the exemption covers only the vehicles listed on the application. It isn't transferable if you sell the vehicle. For a new vehicle, confirm the current procedure directly with the Nevada Highway Patrol.
How dark can I go with a Nevada medical exemption?
20% VLT is the darkest Nevada will approve. The Department of Public Safety's Application for Window Tint Exemption states that no window tint exemption less than 20% VLT will be approved, no matter what VLT the physician recommends. Once approved, we can install film to the specs on your exemption, and we steer you toward non-metallic films, which are designed not to interfere with vehicle electronics.
Do I need to bring the exemption paperwork to my Polar Tint appointment?
Yes. Bring your approved exemption: the original the Department of Public Safety returns to you, or a copy. Once approved, we can install film to the specs on your exemption.
How long does the exemption process take in Summerlin?
Timing depends on two things: your physician appointment to complete Section 2, and the Nevada Highway Patrol's review. The application goes to the Nevada Highway Patrol at its Carson City address rather than to a DMV counter, and if it is approved the original is forwarded back to you. The form does not state a processing time, so plan ahead. Polar Tint Summerlin can book your install once your approved exemption arrives.
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