Kentucky Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)

Kentucky law restricts what you can attach to or place on your vehicle's windshield. The primary statute governing these restrictions is KRS 189.110, which covers windshield obstructions, window tint requirements, and windshield wiper mandates.

Whether you are wondering about mounting a GPS unit, attaching a phone holder, installing a dashcam, or applying window tint film, this guide covers every provision of Kentucky's windshield and window laws as they stand in 2026.

What KRS 189.110 Says About Windshield Obstructions

The core windshield obstruction rule is found in subsection (2) of KRS 189.110. It states that a person shall not operate a motor vehicle on a public highway, road, or street with any sign, sunscreening material, product, or covering attached to or located in or upon the windshield.

There are only three exceptions to this blanket prohibition:

• Certificates or papers required by law. This includes items like vehicle inspection stickers, registration decals, or toll transponders that the state or federal government requires you to display.

• A transparent tint strip at the top of the windshield. Sunscreening material is allowed along a strip at the top of the windshield, provided the material is transparent and does not encroach upon the driver's direct forward viewing area as defined by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 205. This is commonly called the AS-1 line, which typically extends about five inches down from the top of the windshield.

• Windshield film with at least 70% visible light transmittance (VLT). This exception was added by SB 46 in 2024 and allows sunscreening material or other product applied to the windshield, when used in conjunction with the safety glazing materials, if it has a light transmittance of not less than 70% and is not red or yellow in color. This is a significant change from earlier law that only permitted tinting in the AS-1 strip.

What This Means for Common Devices

Because KRS 189.110(2) prohibits any "product" attached to or located on the windshield beyond the three exceptions listed above, several common devices fall into a gray area.

GPS navigation units. Suction-cup mounted GPS devices technically violate the statute because they are a "product" attached to the windshield. Kentucky does not have a specific statutory exception for GPS or navigation devices on the windshield, unlike states such as California or Minnesota that explicitly allow devices in certain windshield zones.

Phone mounts. Suction-cup or adhesive phone mounts on the windshield are subject to the same prohibition. The statute does not distinguish between phones used for navigation and phones used for other purposes when it comes to windshield attachment.

Dashcams. Dashboard cameras mounted to the windshield using suction cups or adhesive mounts also fall under the "product attached to the windshield" language in the statute.

Toll transponders. These are generally permitted under the first exception because they are devices required for operation on certain roadways. Kentucky is part of regional toll networks that may require transponder display.

Enforcement in Practice

While these devices are technically prohibited on the windshield, enforcement in Kentucky focuses primarily on whether the device obstructs the driver's clear view of the road. Law enforcement officers have discretion in deciding whether to cite a driver for a small GPS unit or dashcam versus a large object that clearly blocks visibility.

A windshield-mounted device does give an officer probable cause to initiate a traffic stop, even if the officer's primary concern is something else. To eliminate legal risk entirely, consider using dashboard mounts, vent-clip mounts, or other alternatives that do not attach to the windshield glass.

Windshield Requirements Under KRS 189.110(1)

Subsection (1) of the statute requires that every motor vehicle operated on public highways, roads, and streets must have a windshield in a fixed and upright position. The windshield must be equipped with safety glazing as required by federal safety-glazing material standards.

This requirement applies to all motor vehicles except motorcycles and implements of husbandry (farm equipment). If your windshield is cracked, broken, or missing, you can be cited under this provision regardless of whether any devices are mounted on it.

The 2024 Windshield Film Exception (SB 46)

Senate Bill 46 was one of the most significant changes to Kentucky's windshield laws in decades. Sponsored by Senators Greg Elkins and Damon Douglas, the bill passed both chambers unanimously: 35-0 in the Senate on January 29, 2024, and 95-0 in the House on March 26, 2024. Governor Andy Beshear signed it into law on March 29, 2024, and it took effect on July 15, 2024.

What SB 46 Changed

Before SB 46, Kentucky only allowed window tint film in the narrow AS-1 strip at the top of the windshield. The new law added a third exception to KRS 189.110(2), permitting sunscreening film across the entire windshield surface, subject to two conditions:

1. The film must allow at least 70% of visible light to pass through when used in conjunction with the factory safety glazing. This is measured as Visible Light Transmittance (VLT). Because factory windshield glass already blocks some light (typically around 70-80% VLT on its own), the film must be very light to maintain the combined 70% threshold.

2. The film cannot be red or yellow in color. These colors could interfere with the driver's perception of traffic signals and brake lights.

Why This Matters

A 70% VLT windshield film is nearly clear. You will not notice a significant visual difference from the driver's seat. However, even this light film can block a meaningful amount of UV radiation, which protects the driver and interior surfaces from sun damage. It can also reduce glare and slightly lower interior temperatures.

Installer and Labeling Requirements

Kentucky law requires that every installer or seller of sunscreening material provide the vehicle owner with a pressure-sensitive, self-destructive, non-removable vinyl-type film label. This label must be affixed to the inside of the left (driver's side) door jamb. The label must state the trade name of the material and the installer's or seller's business name.

This labeling requirement is important because it serves as proof to law enforcement that the window tint was professionally installed and complies with Kentucky standards. Factory glazing that complies with FMVSS No. 205 does not require an additional label.

Kentucky Window Tint Laws for All Windows

While the windshield rules are the focus of this page, KRS 189.110 also governs tint on all other vehicle windows. Here is a complete breakdown of the legal limits.

Sedans and Passenger Cars

Window Location	Minimum VLT	Maximum Reflectivity
Windshield	70% (film allowed since July 2024)	Not specified
Front side windows (adjacent to driver)	35%	25%
Rear side windows	18%	35%
Rear window	18%	35%

SUVs, Vans, and Multipurpose Vehicles

Window Location	Minimum VLT	Maximum Reflectivity
Windshield	70% (film allowed since July 2024)	Not specified
Front side windows (adjacent to driver)	35%	25%
Rear side windows	8%	35%
Rear window	8%	35%

Important Tint Rules to Know

Tolerance. Every VLT and reflectivity measurement is subject to a tolerance of plus or minus three percent (3%). This means a front side window measured at 32% VLT would not be in violation because it falls within the 3% tolerance of the 35% minimum.

Dual mirrors required. If the rear window is composed of, covered by, or treated with any material that makes it nontransparent, the vehicle must be equipped with side mirrors on both sides.

Perforated film. Kentucky allows perforated sunscreening material (sometimes called one-way vision film) on windows. When tested with existing glazing or film, the material must have a total reflectance of visible light of not more than 35% and a light transmittance of no less than 30%.

Color restrictions. Windshield film cannot be red or yellow. The statute does not impose color restrictions on side or rear window tint.

No medical exemptions. Unlike many other states, Kentucky law does not currently provide a medical exemption that allows darker window tint for individuals with light-sensitive medical conditions.

Penalties for Windshield and Window Tint Violations

Violations of KRS 189.110 are classified as follows under KRS 189.990:

Driver operating with an obstructed windshield or illegal tint:

• Fine of not less than $20 and not more than $100 per offense
• Subsequent offenses may carry fines from $50 to $250

Installer who applies sunscreening materials in violation of KRS 189.110:

• Guilty of a Class B misdemeanor upon conviction
• A Class B misdemeanor in Kentucky carries a maximum jail sentence of 90 days and a fine of up to $250

These are not traffic points offenses, but accumulated fines and a misdemeanor record can have broader consequences for professional installers.

Windshield Wiper Requirements

KRS 189.110(11) requires that the windshield on every motor vehicle be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield. This device must be constructed so it can be controlled by the operator of the vehicle.

In practical terms, your windshield wipers must be functional and operable from the driver's seat. Driving with broken, missing, or inoperable wipers is a citable offense under this statute, separate from any windshield obstruction violation.

American Flag Display on Rear Windows

KRS 189.110(10) contains a specific provision allowing the display of a representation of the American flag on the rear window of any motor vehicle, including government-owned vehicles. The flag representation must not exceed five inches by eight inches in size and must be placed in a lower corner of the rear window.

This provision ensures that small patriotic decals do not violate the general window obstruction rules.

Kentucky's Current Distracted Driving Law (KRS 189.292)

Understanding Kentucky's distracted driving law is important context for windshield mounting restrictions because the two statutes work together to regulate how drivers interact with electronic devices.

KRS 189.292 currently prohibits drivers from writing, sending, or reading text-based communication on a personal communication device while the vehicle is in motion. This includes text messages, instant messages, and emails.

What Is Currently Allowed for Adult Drivers

• Making and receiving phone calls while holding the phone
• Using a GPS feature on a phone or standalone device
• Using integrated vehicle navigation systems
• Entering a phone number or contact name to initiate a call

What Is Prohibited for All Drivers

• Texting, emailing, or instant messaging while driving
• First offense: $25 fine plus 3 points on driving record
• Subsequent offenses: $50 fine plus 3 points

Stricter Rules for Drivers Under 18

KRS 189.294 prohibits all personal communication device use by drivers under 18 while the vehicle is in motion, regardless of whether the device is hands-free. The only exceptions are for emergency situations and use of a GPS system (though information must be entered while the vehicle is stopped).

Accumulating 7 points results in license suspension for drivers under 18, compared to 12 points for adult drivers.

Pending Legislation: The Phone-Down Kentucky Act (SB 28)

Senate Bill 28 of the 2026 Regular Session, officially titled the "Phone-Down Kentucky Act," would significantly expand Kentucky's distracted driving restrictions. As of March 2026, the bill has passed the Kentucky Senate with a 31-7 vote and has been referred to the House Transportation Committee.

What SB 28 Would Change

The bill would repeal and reenact KRS 189.292 to prohibit drivers from holding a mobile electronic device in their hand while operating a vehicle. This goes well beyond the current texting ban. Under SB 28, prohibited activities while holding a device would include:

• Texting, typing, or scrolling
• Watching video content or viewing moving images
• Any manual interaction with a handheld device

Exceptions Under SB 28

The bill includes several exceptions:

• Hands-free navigation and voice-based communication
• Emergency calls and reporting accidents or hazards
• Use by first responders during official duties
• Use while the vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped
• Citizens band, amateur, ham, and commercial two-way radios

Penalties Under SB 28

• $100 fine per violation
• No points assessed to the driver's record
• Fines would be distributed to the traumatic brain injury trust fund, Kentucky trauma care system fund, and veterans' program trust fund

Enforcement Timeline

• Courtesy warnings only (no citations) until October 31, 2026
• The state transportation cabinet must post signage statewide before enforcement begins
• Officers must have a clear and unobstructed visual observation of the violation before initiating a stop
• Officers cannot stop a driver based on surveillance footage alone
• No seizure, search, viewing, or forfeiture of a driver's cell phone is permitted during a stop

Impact on Windshield Mounts

If SB 28 passes, mounting a phone on the windshield would present a dual legal issue. The windshield attachment itself would still violate KRS 189.110(2), and holding or manually interacting with the device while driving would violate the new hands-free requirement. However, using a hands-free mount (on the dashboard or vent) with voice commands would be permitted under SB 28's exceptions for hands-free navigation.

How to Stay Compliant in Kentucky

Based on the current law and pending legislation, here are practical steps to stay on the right side of Kentucky's windshield and device laws:

1. Avoid windshield mounts entirely. Use dashboard mounts, vent-clip mounts, or CD-slot mounts for GPS units, phones, and dashcams. This eliminates any KRS 189.110(2) issue.

2. If you use windshield tint, keep it at 70% VLT or above. Make sure the installer provides the required door jamb label. Avoid red or yellow tint film.

3. Check your front side window tint. It must allow at least 35% VLT. This is the most commonly enforced tint violation because officers can easily observe it during a traffic stop.

4. Keep windshield wipers functional. Replace worn blades before they fail.

5. Watch for SB 28. If the Phone-Down Kentucky Act passes, prepare to switch to hands-free device use. Get a Bluetooth-enabled vehicle system or a hands-free mount with voice control.

6. Drivers under 18 should not use any device. Even GPS entry must be done while the vehicle is stopped.

More Kentucky Laws

Explore other Kentucky law topics we cover:

• Kentucky Recording Laws
• Kentucky Car Seat Laws
• Kentucky Lemon Law
• Kentucky Hit and Run Laws
• Kentucky Dog Bite Laws
• Kentucky Sexting Laws
• Kentucky Statute of Limitations
• Kentucky Child Support Laws
• Kentucky Whistleblower Laws