Mississippi drivers who need darker tint for a medical reason no longer need a physician's signature. Since July 1, 2026, an optometrist licensed in Mississippi can diagnose the condition and sign the affidavit for a certificate of medical exemption.
What changed
Senate Bill 2453 amends Mississippi Code section 63-7-59. It passed the Senate on February 4, 2026 and the House on March 5, 2026, and Governor Tate Reeves approved it on March 13, 2026. It took effect on July 1, 2026.
Before, only a physician licensed in Mississippi could diagnose a "physical condition or disease that is seriously aggravated by minimum exposure to sunlight" for the exemption. Now a Mississippi-licensed optometrist can too.
How the exemption works
- Get the certificate of medical exemption from your county tax collector's office. It's free.
- Bring an affidavit signed by you and signed and attested by the physician or optometrist, stating the condition.
- Bring proof that you own the vehicle, or a signed affidavit from the owner of a vehicle used for you.
What didn't change
- Every window still needs to let in at least 28% of light, shown by a compliance label on the lower left of the windshield.
- The exceptions for vehicles such as buses, hearses and limousines, and for factory tint on some trucks, vans and SUVs, are unchanged.
- Installing illegal film or faking a label or medical certificate is still a crime, with up to a $1,000 fine, up to 3 months in jail, or both.
For every window limit in Mississippi, see our Mississippi window tint law page.
Sources
- Mississippi Legislature: SB 2453 (2026) bill status (approved by the governor March 13, 2026; effective July 1, 2026)
- SB 2453, as sent to the governor
- Mississippi Code 63-7-59 (Justia, 2025 code, before this change)
