Missouri is one of the many states that has implemented laws on car window tinting. The said laws were first established in 2002, and since then, it has been crucial for car owners to adhere to these regulations. To avoid facing potential penalties and fines, it’s essential to educate yourself on all the relevant information and documents regarding your car’s window tint. This includes understanding how dark or reflective the tint can be in Missouri, as well as other additional rules and regulations that may apply. So, I advise you to take the time to read up on these important details and ensure that your car’s window tinting complies with the state’s standards.
Auto window tinting involves two critical factors that you should be aware of: Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR). In this discussion, I’ll explain both concepts, starting with VLT.
1. Window Tint Darkness in Missouri (VLT)
Window Tint Darkness or Visible light transmission (VLT) is a measure of the amount of light that passes through a film. It’s measured in percentages and can go from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
Every state has a unique legal limitations. Therefore, Missouri’s car window tinting laws differ from those of other states. It’s also important to note that the amount of light allowed to pass through your tinted glass can vary depending on whether you’re driving a passenger vehicle or a multi-purpose vehicle. To avoid any confusion or potential legal issues, it’s crucial to carefully review and understand the tinting laws in Missouri. Be sure to note any distinctions or variations and ensure that your car’s window tint complies with the state’s regulations.
Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Missouri:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness on the front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can use any tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use any tint darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Missouri:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness for front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can use any tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use any tint darkness for rear windows.
2. Window Tint Reflection in Missouri (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. For car window tinting in Missouri, it’s also crucial to note the percentage of visible light reflection (VLR) allowed under the law. This measurement ranges from 0% to 100%, with a lower percentage showing that less visible light is reflected into the car and more sunlight is blocked. To ensure that your car’s window tinting adheres to the state’s regulations, it’s essential to pay close attention to this VLR percentage. By doing so, you can avoid potential fines and penalties and enjoy the benefits of having a well-tinted car.
Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Missouri:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 35% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the back side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 35% reflective.
Tint reflection laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in Missouri:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 35% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the backside windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 35% reflective.
Other Missouri Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
When it comes to car window tinting in Missouri, there are several rules and regulations that you must adhere to. These laws are put in place to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers on the road. In addition to maintaining a specific percentage of darkness and glare on each window, there are other guidelines you need to follow. Here are these:
Side Mirrors: In Missouri, the law requires that vehicles have dual side mirrors only if the back window is tinted. This means that if you want to tint your back window, you must have two side mirrors on your vehicle, to ensure that the driver has adequate visibility.
Restricted Colors: There are no colors of tint that are explicitly banned in Missouri. This means that you are free to choose any color of tint for your vehicle, as long as it meets the legal requirements for light transmittance.
Tint Variance: Missouri laws allow for a 3% variance in the level of tint on a vehicle. This means that there is a slight margin of error allowed when measuring the level of tint on a vehicle, which can be useful when dealing with slight variations in the type of tint used or the installation process.
Certificates: Manufacturers of film do not need to certify the film they sell in Missouri. This means that they do not have to prove that the film they are selling meets the legal requirements for light transmittance.
Stickers: There is no requirement for a sticker to identify legal tinting in Missouri. This means that there is no requirement for a sticker certifying that your windows have a legal level of tint.
Medical Exceptions: Missouri allows for medical exemptions for special tint. This means that if a medical professional determines that you have a medical condition that requires you to have a special tint, you may be exempt from the standard tint laws. This exemption must be verified by a licensed physician and may require additional documentation.
Penalties For Non-Compliance: When the coloring has been done wrongly, you will be fined $75 for the first time. Subsequent offenses can result in fines of $100 or more. This penalty is for individuals who have violated the laws regarding tint darkness and the like, and is in addition to any penalties for driving with illegal tint.
Conclusion
The 2023 Missouri window tint law declares that the laws regarding vehicle window tinting allow for the use of non-reflective tint on the top portion of the windshield, above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. For front side windows, a maximum of 35% tint darkness is permitted, while there are no restrictions on the darkness of the tint for back and rear windows. This applies to both passenger vehicles (sedans) and multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans).
Disclaimer
The information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or as a substitute for the advice of an attorney. No user of this site, or any other person or entity that may have received this information, shall rely upon the information contained as creating an attorney-client relationship between such user and Car Glass Advisor. The rules and regulations pertaining to car window tint in Missouri may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.