A Primer on Michigan Window Tint Laws
In Michigan, window tint rules for cars and trucks establish the amount of light that must be able to penetrate your windows. These rules apply to tinted windows and also apply to tint strips across the top of your windshield and other windows. Michigan tint film laws are in place to help keep you and your passengers safe. An officer must be able to make eye contact because speeders and drivers under the influence often hold eye contact when they pass the police officer.
In Michigan, tint laws vary depending on the type of vehicle: cars, vans, trucks, SUVs, and SUVs with a flat back. In most cases, the windshield can have no more than 4 inches of film above the AS1 line (the line painted on windshield glass that may be tinted in some cars). The front-window film has 70 percent allowed with just 4 inches of film allowed. For SUVs, trucks, and vans, the front window tint must allow 35 percent net light. The rear window film must allow 35 percent net light for cars while these windows can have any percentage for any size vehicle. In the front side window on all vehicles, the tint can allow 35 percent net light filtration. The back side windows have no limit to the amount of light filtration. There is no restriction on the amount of blackout on the rear windows of any vehicle.
In Michigan , the tint darkness on the rear and side windows is not regulated. This means the car or truck can have 5 or 20 percent tint if the driver prefers. These vehicles are not required to have the tint percentage sticker which all front windows must have.
Michigan tint laws do not allow red, blue, amber, yellow, brown or white tint on the front or side windows of any vehicle. Additionally, the tint may have no reflection on the windshield and front side windows. The tint on the back side windows, rear window and top of the glass can have no more than 35 percent reflectivity.
Finally, Michigan tint law requires that window tint film manufacturers and installers meet Michigan tint laws and provide you with the proper Certificate of Compliance. This Certificate of Compliance allows your vehicle to pass the inspection required by the state during registration. Once you have removed any tint that does not meet requirements, the DMV will provide you with the Compliance Certificate.
If your windshield is tinted to the AS1 line, it must not be tinted below that line or below the manufacturer’s AS1 line, if your make and model has one. No tint that exceeds the manufacturer’s percentage is allowed and Michigan laws prevent tinting older classic cars.
Window Tint Percent Legal in Michigan
The window tint laws of Michigan require that certain VLT percentages be adhered to in order to be in compliance with the law. Lower numbers mean less light is able to penetrate through the tint, while higher numbers means that there is a higher transmittance of light. In Michigan, the window tint laws state that a vehicle’s front windshield cannot have tint on the whole window, but can utilize a non-reflective tint for the top 4 inches of the windshield. Front side windows must have a minimum VLT of 70 percent, while the back side windows and rear window have no tint restrictions aside from the VLTs not being reflective tints. Certificates are not required for ceramic window tints for passenger vehicles, but those for a multi-vehicle must carry a certificate while all manufacturer tint stickers are necessary. The law does not recognized certificates for basic window tints that are over 35 percent and 20 percent VLTs.
Michigan Window Tint Exceptions
Currently, Michigan law does allow for certain exceptions to the general tint restrictions in Michigan. One such exception is the use of "non-reflective" window tint on the front windshield above the AS-1 line or above the manufacturer’s tint mark either on the top of the windshield or above the rearview mirror. Standard tinted film in this area on the front windshield provides additional heat protection.
Another exception allows small strip of "non-reflective" tint to be applied over the front windows at the same level as the tint mark at the top of the windshield. This strip, sometimes referred to as the "eyebrow," provides some additional glare reduction.
Certain medical exemptions are also available for those individuals that have an eye condition. These exemptions allow an individual to apply for a special permit authorizing the use of darker window tint than would otherwise be allowed under the law.
Individuals seeking medical exemptions must apply for these exemptions using a form provided by the Michigan Secretary of State. Once obtained, this special permit certificate must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Keep in mind that just because your tint is a medical exemption, that does not mean it is shielded from law enforcement in the event you are pulled over for illegal tint. The permit will need to be produced to show that you are permitted to have darker tint before the officer backs off.
Penalties for Michigan Window Tint Violations
Failing to comply with Michigan’s window tint laws can result in hefty fines. The exact amount you’ll pay in fines depends on how serious the violation is. The 2018 Michigan Vehicle Code states that "a person shall not operate on a highway or upon any other place open to vehicular traffic a motor vehicle with window tint that does not meet the requirements of this chapter." Violation of this section is considered a civil infraction, meaning you could be fined up to $100.00 at first . However, repeat offenders will face steeper fines and/or jail time.
There is a no-tint medical exemption in Michigan that allows for dark tint to be put on a car if a person has a letter from a doctor. This letter must be presented upon request and specify the medical necessity for non-transparent windows. This letter will also state that the individual is unable to tolerate sunlight and that installing window tint is essential. The fine for failing to comply with tint levels is $125 for each impermissible window.
Measuring Your Tint Window Percent
If you don’t have a light-transmission meter readily available, or you’re just curious how accurate your DIY estimate is, there are other methods available to measure the tint on your windows.
One popular option is to use an electronic tint tester, available online or in retail stores. These tools work in various ways depending on the manufacturer, but most of them will estimate the tint level by comparing the amount of light that can pass through your window film to the amount which can pass through a sample of commercially available clear tint. Most manufacturers will provide a test sample for reference, but the accuracy of most testers will only be within +/- 1% – so, if you’re at the 15% tint level, this method may not work for you. This method will likely be more effective for those in the all-or-nothing 4-66% tinting range.
Another way to not only gauge the tint level, but also check for scratches or other issues is to use a phone or tablet with a strong flashlight feature. This method requires you to cover the flashlight opposite the window you’re testing with a white paper. The flashlight must be completely covered so that no outside light reaches the test area. If your window is tinted, a dark spot should appear in the shape of the flashlight’s opening. If the window does not appear tinted in this circumstance, you likely have a scratch in the tinting which will allow outside light to pass through – meaning the tint level likely does not fit within Michigan’s requirements.
If you have difficulty estimating where the tint level will land based on the tinting guidelines, you can always get your tint level estimated and certified by a professional window tinter. There are many options available at various prices and with all kinds of options if you’re looking to upgrade to the highest legal level of tint allowed in Michigan.
Updates to Michigan Window Tinting Laws
Michigan’s window tint laws have been a topic of discussion among lawmakers in recent months, leading to the introduction of new legislation that, if passed, would further clarify the rules in regards to window tinting in Michigan. HB 4565 would allow individuals in Michigan to obtain medical exemptions for using window tint on any windows, including the windshield and front windows. Currently, excessively-tinted windows are illegal under Michigan law, barring few exceptions. Michigan is one of 12 states that prohibits window tint on the windshield and front windows completely. However, some lawmakers have said that those that have blindness and other medical conditions should have access to full window tinting for their motor vehicles. The proposed bill does not address privately-owned vehicles, so it is unclear whether people will be issued a medical exemption for the entire motor vehicle or limited to certain windows.
The bill would also clarify other sections of the law. For example, the bill would require drivers to keep a copy of the written statement from a physician in their glove compartment. The bill would require a reflection percentage of a vehicle’s window to meet federal law of 20 percent, whereas a separate bill would require the rear and sides to meet the same level of 20 percent .
The two bills are separate from the legislation introduced earlier this year that would allow for window tint on public transportation, such as public buses and select other motor vehicles. The proposed bill regarding medical exemptions has been discussed in committee, and it is uncertain whether the bill will gain momentum in the Legislature.
It is important to note that because the legislation has not yet passed, the existing law is still in effect. Drivers in Michigan who violate the window tint regulations in Michigan can be pulled over by law enforcement and issued a citation. Michigan police officers are generally very aware of the state’s tint laws, and their interpretation of the law can be a determining factor in how that law is enforced. In general, judicial discretion or, in other words, the discretion for officers to carefully enforce the law, plays a major role in every state in the country. With Michigan being one of them.
While it remains to be seen whether legislation will be passed allowing for tinted windows on private vehicles, Michigan’s laws suit most people and vehicles, though there can be occasions when drivers face strict enforcement of the tint law and thus risk having their vehicle pulled over.