Tinted Window Vehicle Regulations

The Illinois Secretary of State has changed the regulations regarding the exemption of vehicles having tinted windows. Past practice has allowed drivers to obtain an exemption by merely carrying a letter from their doctor stating that due to a medical condition the driver (or passenger) required the tint. However, as of January 1, 2008, the Secretary of States office requires drivers to obtain new vehicle registration plates in addition to filinga doctor's letter with the Secretary of States office. Below is an example of the license plate currently being issued.






Tinted Window License Plates are issued to any person owning and operating a motor vehicle, who is determined by a physician licensed to practice medicine in Illinois is afflicted with or suffers from a medical illness, ailment or disease including but not limited to systemic or discoid lupus erythematosus, disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis or albinism, which would require that person to be shielded from the direct rays of the sun is entitled to operate said vehicle with tinted windows. This exception also applies to a vehicle used in transporting a person when the person resides at the same address as the registered owner and the person is afflicted with or suffering from a qualifying medical condition.

For more information, please visit the Secretary of State's web site.

Applications must be submitted to the Secretary of State's office. Tinted Window Certification forms for tinted window license plates should be completed and signed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in Illinois and thea pplicant.

The request can only be processed in Springfield. Apply in person or mail the proper documentation to:
Secretary of State
Special Plates Division
501 S. Second St., Rm. 520
Springfield, Illinois 62756