Whether you are considering tinting your windows to help keep your car cooler during the summer, or you simply like the look of having an auto tint window, you can’t just set up a tinting appointment without checking Minnesota’s window tinting laws. If you fail to follow the laws, police will stop you again and again, and those tickets will quickly add up. However, there are some states whose laws are different than these ones and those cars can go for a window tinting service if it is safe to do so, you must always check with your area first. Below, we take a closer look at Minnesota’s tinting laws so you can avoid a costly ticket.
Minnesota’s Tinting Percentage
Here’s a look at the tint percentage you are legally allowed to have on different vehicle windows in Minnesota:
- No vehicles are allowed to have any window tint on the front windshield.
- Passenger vehicles can have up to 50 percent window tint on all side and rear windows.
- Trucks, vans and SUV’s are allowed to have up to 50 percent tint on their front side windows. There are no tint restrictions on rear side and rear windows for these vehicles.
- Limousines, police cars and hearses are not limited by tint restrictions.
Also, remember that most vehicles have some sort of built-in tint on new vehicles. Most vehicles are designed to let in about 75 percent of light before any modifications are made, so you need to keep this in mind if you are going to have your windows tinted.
Exceptions
There is one notable exception to Minnesota’s tinting law, and that’s if you have medical clearance from a doctor. For example, some people are prone to migraines if they are exposed to intense lighting, so Minnesota law allows those individuals to have their windows tinted beyond normal regulation if they receive medical clearance. Here are the guidelines for receiving medical clearance for excessive window tinting.
- You have to have a prescription or document from your doctor that shows there is direct medical need to have your windows tinted beyond an acceptable range.
- The document must state the minimum percentage of light transmittance that would satisfy the patient’s medical needs, i.e. 30 percent light transmittance or 70 percent tint.
- The driver must have this document with them at all times they are driving, otherwise they may receive a ticket, even if they have medical clearance. Proof is required at every traffic stop.
- The document must have an expiration date that is no more than two years after the document or prescription was issued.
- Even if you have this clearance, don’t be surprised if you are pulled over more often because officers can usually tell when a window is illegally tinted. This is also why it’s so important to have your document of medical clearance on you at all times.
If you’ve been cited for illegal window tint or you failed to have your medical proof on you at the time of the citation, reach out to Appelman Law Firm. We may be able to help you get the ticket reduced or dropped. Learn more about what we can do for all your traffic citation needs by reaching out to our firm at (952) 224-2277.
