Back in 1985, Massachusetts made its stance on car window tinting loud and clear. The state established strict laws that dictate just how dark or reflective the tint on your car’s windows can be. If you’re cruising around the Bay State with tinted windows, it’s important to make sure you’re in compliance with these regulations to avoid any potential fines. Luckily, I’ve got all the information and documents you need to know about car window tinting in Massachusetts, including some additional rules and guidelines that you’ll want to keep in mind. So sit tight and read on to ensure your ride is both stylish and legal on the roads of MA.
If you’re thinking about auto window tinting, it’s essential to know about TWO KEY THINGS: Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and Visible Light Reflection (VLR). In this discussion, I’ll explain both concepts, starting with VLT.
1. Legal Window Tint Darkness in MA (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 differ from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
Every state has a special legal limitations. Therefore, how much light can pass through your tinted auto glass in Massachusetts may vary from the other states. The rules differ even between passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles. That’s why it’s crucial to take the time to carefully read and understand the tinting laws specific to the Bay State. Whether you’re driving a sleek sedan or a versatile SUV, make sure you’re up to speed on Massachusetts’ unique tinting regulations to avoid any potential legal trouble.
Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Mass:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint on the AS-1 line or top 6 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use maximum up to 35% tint darkness.
Back Side windows: You can use a maximum 35% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use maximum 35% tint darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Mass:
Windshield: You can use a non-reflective tint on the AS-1 line or top 6 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness for front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can use up to 35% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use up to 35% tint darkness for rear windows.
2. Legal Window Tint Reflection in MA (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects. If you’re considering tinting your car windows in Massachusetts, it’s also important to understand the measurement of visible light reflection (VLR) and how it relates to the amount of sunlight blocked. The VLR percentage can range from 0% to 100%, with a lower percentage indicating that less visible light is reflected into the vehicle, resulting in more sunlight being blocked. Massachusetts has established specific regulations around VLR percentages, so it’s crucial to pay attention to this when selecting a tint for your windows. Keep reading to learn more about these regulations and ensure you’re in compliance with Massachusetts window tint laws.
Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Massachusetts:
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 Massachusetts:
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 MASS Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
When it comes to window tinting in Massachusetts, the state has established a comprehensive set of rules and regulations to ensure safety on the roads. In addition to adhering to specific darkness and glare percentages for each window, there are several other guidelines you’ll need to follow as well. From the positioning of the tint to the types of materials allowed, it’s important to be well-informed to avoid any potential fines or legal issues. So, before you move forward with tinting your vehicle’s windows, make sure to review all of the applicable rules and regulations. Read on to learn more about the additional requirements for window tinting in Massachusetts.
Side Mirrors: In MA, it is mandatory for vehicles to have dual side mirrors if the rear window is tinted. This regulation is in place to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road. The side mirrors are an important safety feature as they provide the driver with a clear view of the vehicles behind and on the sides of the car. Without this view, it would be difficult for the driver to gauge the distance and speed of the other vehicles, making it challenging to make safe lane changes or merge onto the highway. Additionally, side mirrors are also crucial in helping drivers to safely back up and park their vehicles. By requiring dual side mirrors, Massachusetts is ensuring that all drivers on the road have the necessary tools to drive safely and avoid accidents.
Restricted Colors: In MA, there are no restrictions on the specific colors that can be used for auto tint. This means that drivers are free to choose any color they prefer for their car’s tint, as long as it adheres to the state’s laws regarding the amount of tint that is allowed on the windows. The state regulates the amount of light that can pass through the tinted windows, rather than the color of the tint itself. This allows for more flexibility for drivers and allows them to personalize their vehicles to their preferences without worrying about breaking the law. However, it’s important to note that even though the state does not restrict the color of the tint, it’s still important to comply with the laws regarding the amount of tint allowed on the windows, as it’s put in place to ensure the safety of the drivers on the road.
Certificates: In MA, manufacturers of film are not required to certify the film they sell in the state. This means that there is no requirement for manufacturers to provide any documentation or proof that their film meets the state’s standards for legal tinting.
Stickers: Massachusetts State law recommends but does not require stickers to identify legal tinting. This means that manufacturers or installers may choose to apply a sticker to the tinted windows to indicate that the tint has been installed in compliance with the state’s laws. This can serve as a helpful reference for law enforcement officers, but it is not mandatory.
Medical Exceptions: MA does permit medical exemptions for special tint. These exemptions are intended for individuals with certain medical conditions that require a specific level of tint on their car windows. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult your state law.
Penalties For Non-Compliance: Penalties for violating tinting laws in Massachusetts can include fines of up to $250 for a first offense. Third or subsequent convictions will result in 90-day driver’s license suspension. It’s important to comply with the state’s laws regarding tinting to avoid penalties and ensure the safety of all drivers on the road.
Conclusion
The 2023 Massachusetts window tint law declares that the laws for tint darkness on passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles such as SUVs and vans are similar. On the windshield, non-reflective tint can be used on the AS-1 line or top 6 inches. On front side windows, 35% tint darkness is allowed, and on back and rear windows, 35% tint darkness is also permitted. Dual side mirrors are required if the back window is tinted. There are no restrictions on the specific colors that can be used for auto tint. Stickers to identify legal tinting are recommended but not mandatory. Medical exemptions for special tint are permitted, and penalties for violating tinting laws include fines of up to $250 and a 90-day driver’s license suspension for third or subsequent convictions.
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 Massachusetts may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.