Minnesota Window Tint Laws Explained
Window tint laws in Minnesota are designed to work for both the car owners and the law enforcement officers that ensure their enforcement. The laws are fairly simple to understand, because they follow a predictable formula. Minnesota uses a number percentage to define window tint laws, rather than a visible light percentage like some states still do. When a car owner or driver follows all of these rules, the likelihood of any trouble is drastically reduced.
The amount of tint on the front windshield must be a minimum of 50 percent light transmittance, and there is no limit for the top 6 inches. For the side windows of the front passengers of the car, the tint must also meet the 50 percent rule , and there is no reduction in the lower 6 inches. The rear side windows are made for privacy and are permitted to be tinted as dark as the owner likes. There are no allowances for medical waivers in Minnesota, but the law is liberal in the percentages for the tint anyway.
The rear window of the car is allowed to be completely tinted with no discretion on the part of the officer approaching. Even if the tint is super dark and leaves the window opaque, there is nothing to be done other than making sure the law is upheld across the board.
If you happen to have a sunroof, it can have any degree of tint on it, so you can be as comfortable and shielded from the harsh sun as possible.
Default Legal Tint Percentage for Various Vehicles
In Minnesota, each vehicle type has different legal tint percentage limits. These limits range by vehicle type, and are differentiated by the VLT (visible light transmission) coupled with how much reflective tint can be used. For passenger cars, vans, and SUVs, window tinting is regulated by Minnesota Statute 169.71. Most SUVs and vans qualify as a "multi-purpose vehicle" per Minnesota law, but even if your SUV or van is defined under another vehicle class, the law makes clear that it is not illegal for someone to own or operate a tinted-window version of said vehicle.
The law requires that all passenger cars, vans, and SUVs—that is, any vehicle that is not a truck—must have second-row VLTs of 50% or more. This means that you cannot legally use window tints in Minnesota that will result in having VLTs of lower than 50% on your rear passenger windows and rear driver’s side windows.
Vans, SUVs, and passenger cars (again, any vehicle not defined as a truck) will also need to keep their windshield tint VLTs above 70%. This means that any tint you place on your windshield must have VLTs of 70% or higher, except when it comes to the top 6 inches of your windshield, where you are allowed to have 50% VLTs.
Pickup trucks and larger SUVs—vehicles that meet the statutory definition of what is considered a pickup "truck"—have a different set of rules when it comes to tinting their windows. This remains largely the case as long as the rear passenger windows are tinted at the same level as the driver’s side window. However, the law is less strict when it comes to the front windshields of trucks and large SUVs. Minnesota Statute 169.71 defines trucks as "a motor vehicle constructed and used primarily for carrying cargo or a motor vehicle that is constructed both for carrying cargo and for carrying persons." If your SUV or pickup meets this definition, it will revert to being treated as a truck under the law when it comes to window tint percentages.
This means that the front windshield of your truck or SUV may have up to 50% tint, given that the tint is used only on the top 6 inches. Unlike passenger cars, you are allowed to have 50% tint on the front windshield as long as the tint is substantially above the top of the windshield.
In addition, Van and truck windows can have up to 50% tint with the following exceptions. Vehicles over 10,000 Lbs., government vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, church buses, taxis, limousines, funeral livery vehicles, ambulettes, or vehicles with a red or blue dot decal need to follow a few extra regulations.
Exemptions and Special Factors
The Minnesota tint law provides for a few exceptions or special provisions for certain types of vehicles and circumstances. Tinted windows are generally prohibited on commercial vehicles and buses with a gross weight exceeding 10,000 pounds. Additionally, the law allows for tinted sunscreen on the uppermost line of the windshield in a manner that complies with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Medical exemptions exist under the law for anyone who can provide medical documentation demonstrating a need for darker tint for their windows. This documentation must state that the individual has a medical condition that requires additional shading beyond the limits set forth in the legislation. The medical exemption extends to only those windows that would otherwise be exempt, such as the windshield, and it does not allow for tinting of the other windows beyond what is already permitted for non-medical purposes. Medical waivers are applied at the discretion of law enforcement, and are not issued for illegal fraudulent reasons.
Penalties for Violating the Law
If window tinting is not compliant with state law, the penalties in Minnesota can be steep. Activities that are done without a valid certificate of compliance can lead to misdemeanor charges that come with heavy fines and sentences. For instance, an individual who installs, sells, or purchases any window tint that has not been approved by the commissioner, can be charged with a misdemeanor for committing an illegal activity. An individual who removes or alters a sticker, label, or certificate of compliance is also committing an illegal activity. The basic penalties for committing these crimes includes a fine of no more than $1,000, or three times the amount received as a result of the illegal activity, whichever is greater. For a misdemeanor, the potential penalty can include up to 90 days in jail, or a fine of no more than $1,000. It is also important to note that the $1,000 limit on the fine does not count any amount of restitution that might need to be paid to the commissioner or any law enforcement agency, as a result of the illegal activity . Bench and administrative orders can be given to individuals who are in violation of Minnesota’s window tint laws as well. These orders can require an individual to stop any action that may be in violation of state law, until there is proof that the action has been eliminated. The court can also order that evidence that was gathered as a result of an illegal act can’t be admitted in any future civil or criminal case. In addition, the court may also award the prevailing party in any civil action reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees. This is especially true for an individual who is convicted of a gross misdemeanor as a result of a second or later conviction for activities that were in violation of Minnesota’s window tint laws. Staying compliant with the window tint laws is extremely important, and should not be ignored. Individuals who choose to ignore the law could end up spending time in jail, or paying thousands of dollars in fines.
Choosing Compliant Window Tint Film
To ensure that you select window tint that meets Minnesota regulations while fitting your vehicle’s style, it’s important to choose materials wisely. Because all tints block UV rays, starting with a film that offers strong sun protection is a smart strategy that won’t risk running afoul of the law. For example, ceramic tint is cutting-edge technology that allows infrared heat to be blocked without using dark coloring that would violate Minnesota laws. Your tint installer should be able to explain how materials help block sunlight and which products comply with regulations.
When you’re comparing tints from different manufacturers, ask about the VLT, or Visible Light Transmission. Tint products with a high VLT percentage are closer in appearance to what you’ll see on an untreated window. A tint that doesn’t offer sufficient UV blocking will require a much darker look to keep too much sunlight from getting through. Otherwise, your window tint choice may not pass State Patrol inspection.
If you or anyone who drives your car has installed vehicle window tinting before, you probably have a tint meter. You can measure film at various locations on your vehicle’s windows and document the results in the event an officer cites you for illegal tint. In a case of mistaken identification of tint percentage, a local hearing examiner may even grant a one-time exemption. If you’re in doubt about what window tint will pass a Minnesota law enforcement inspection, consult with your installer. That way, you can enjoy sun protection while saving money on any tickets you might otherwise pay for tinted windows.
Updates to Minnesota Window Tint Laws
In 2019, Minnesota amended its tint laws to include additional criteria for window tinting of commercial motor vehicles. The law now states that all windows except the rear windows of a passenger motor vehicle and all windows of a multipurpose passenger vehicle must have a minimum VLT of 70%. Further, the law now states that all windows except the rear windows of a commercial motor vehicle must have a minimum VLT of 70%, except for those used in the agricultural business . In this case, a Class A CDL holder could tint their windows to a darker level as long as the tint passes through a certain percentage of light.
Tint that is too dark can decrease visibility, which can lead to blind spots and increase the chance of a car accident. Fortunately, the above mentioned darker tint requirements apply only to commercial motor vehicles and are for the benefit of those in the agricultural business. All other vehicles still require dark tint to be 50% VLT.