Did you know car window tinting laws in Minnesota date back to 1985? It’s important to ensure that your vehicle’s windows comply with state regulations by verifying the darkness and reflectivity of the tint. Not only that, but there are several other car window tinting regulations you should know to avoid any fines. To avoid penalties, it’s best to familiarize yourself with all the guidelines and regulations that apply to your car’s window tinting in Minnesota. Check out the details below to make sure you’re in compliance!
Two MOST IMPORTANT things to consider for auto window tinting are 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 Minnesota (VLT)
Window Tint Darkness or Visible light transmission (VLT) is a measurement of the amount of light that passes through a film. It’s measured in percentages and can alter from 0% to 100%. The higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted through the film.
Every state has exclusive legal limitation. Therefore, the amount of light allowed to pass through can differ from other states, as well as vary between passenger vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles. That’s why it’s crucial to carefully review the tinting laws in Minnesota to ensure that your vehicle meets all the requirements. Don’t risk getting fined or pulled over for violating tinting regulations – take the time to read up on the specific guidelines for your type of vehicle in Minnesota.
Tint darkness laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Minnesota:
Windshield: In Minnesota, no tint is allowed on the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 50% tint darkness on the front side windows.
Back Side windows: You can use up to 50% tint darkness for backside windows.
Rear Window: You can use up to 50% tint darkness for rear windows.
Tint darkness laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) in Minnesota:
Windshield: In Minnesota, no tint is allowed on the windshield.
Front Side windows: You can use up to 50% 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 Minnesota (VLR)
Window Tint Reflection or Visible light reflection (VLR) is the amount of light that a window film reflects.
The amount of visible light reflection (VLR) permitted on car windows is expressed as a percentage ranging from 0% to 100%. The lower the VLR percentage, the less visible light is reflected, resulting in a greater reduction in sunlight penetration.
When adhering to Minnesota’s window tint regulations, it’s essential to keep track of the allowable VLR percentage for your car’s windows. Neglecting this factor could cause an improper tinting job that cannot meet legal standards. Be sure to note this important detail to avoid any unwanted legal complications.
Tint reflection laws for passenger vehicles (sedans) in Minnesota:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 20% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the back side windows of a passenger vehicle must not be more than 20% reflective.
Tint reflection laws for multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and Vans) in Minnesota:
Front Side windows: Window tint installed on the front side windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 20% reflective.
Back Side windows: Window tint installed on the backside windows of a multipurpose vehicle must not be more than 20% reflective.
Other Minnesota Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
Minnesota takes car window tinting seriously, and as a vehicle owner, you must adhere to a variety of rules and regulations. Besides maintaining specific levels of darkness and glare on each window, there are several other guidelines that you must follow. These are:
Side Mirrors: In Minnesota, there are no regulations on the use of side mirrors, and no colors of tint are explicitly prohibited.
Tint variance: There is a 3% variance allowed for the darkness of the tint. This means that some deviation from the legal limit is permitted, as long as the tint is not significantly darker than what is allowed.
Restricted Colors: Minnesota has no restrictions on the color of auto tint that can be used on vehicles. You can use any color of your choice.
Certificates: Manufacturers of window tint film are not required to certify their products for Minnesota.
Stickers: However, a sticker identifying legal tinting must be placed between the film and the glass on the driver’s side window. This allows law enforcement to easily determine if a vehicle’s tint complies with state regulations.
Medical Exceptions: Additionally, Minnesota allows for medical exemptions for special tint. This means that individuals with certain medical conditions may be permitted to have a darker tint on their windows than what is typically allowed. In order to qualify for a medical exemption, individuals must provide documentation from a licensed physician attesting to their condition and the need for the darker tint.
Penalties For Non-Compliance: In Minnesota, if an individual is found to have violated the state’s regulations regarding vehicle window tint, they may be subject to penalties. The specific punishment for this infraction typically includes a monetary fine of $95.
Conclusion
The 2023 Minnesota window tint law declares that the laws for tint darkness on passenger vehicles (sedans) and multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs and vans) have some differences. For passenger vehicles, there is no tint allowed on the windshield, while the front side windows can have up to 50% tint darkness, and the back side and rear windows can have up to 50% tint darkness. For multi-purpose vehicles, no tint is allowed on the windshield, the front side windows can have up to 50% tint darkness, but the back side and rear windows can have any tint darkness.
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 Minnesota may change at any time. Therefore, please contact a local lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.