Working for Illinois Caucus

An Illinois bill would allow drivers with certain medical conditions to tint all of their vehicle’s window surfaces.

Under existing law, it’s illegal to apply window tint to the driver side window or entire front windshield unless the primary operator of the vehicle has a condition such as albinism that makes sun exposure damaging to the skin. The law specifically prohibits issuing full surface window tint for “any condition, such as light sensitivity, for which protection from the direct rays of the sun can be adequately obtained by the use of sunglasses or other eye protective devices.”

State Rep. Maurice West’s legislation would allow for all window surfaces to be tinted if a driver has a medical condition, such light sensitivity due to brain trauma, that results in photophobia. 

“They will get a special license plate that will tell our law enforcement that they are approved through the Secretary of State’s office,” he said. 

If the measure is approved, the Rockford Democrat said it will benefit police as well because approaching a vehicle that they cannot see into presents a real danger. 

“It makes life easier for our law enforcement because they will know why his windows are tinted,” he said. 

West’s office said he plans to file an amendment to his bill to further specify the changes he wants to make to existing state law. 

The window tint could be a useful backstop of protection to someone with photosensitivity beyond protective glasses, something West said could become a safety measure for others around them if a light-triggered migraine hits when they’re driving. 

Michigan, Massachusetts, and North Carolina have window tinting exemptions for people with light sensitivity. West’s office said other states offer medical exemptions as well.