Michigan allows tinting on your windows, but the law sets specific limits on how dark the tint can be and where you can explore it

Michigan's tint rules focus on how much light your windows must let through, measured as a percentage called visible light transmission (VLT). The higher the percentage, the lighter the tint. If your tint is darker than the law allows, you can be stopped and cited, and you may be ordered to remove it before you drive again.

The rules differ depending on which windows you are tinting. Front side windows have stricter limits than rear windows, and the windshield has its own rules. Knowing these limits before you tint saves you money and keeps you from having to remove tint later.

Key Takeaways

  • Front side windows must allow at least 50 percent of light through; rear and back windows can be any darkness.
  • Your windshield can have tint only on the top six inches, and that tint must allow at least 70 percent of light through.
  • Reflective or mirrored tint is not allowed on any window in Michigan.
  • If you are stopped for illegal tint, the officer can issue a citation, and you will be ordered to have it removed before you can legally drive again.

Front side windows: the 50 percent rule

Your front side windows — the ones next to the driver and front passenger — must let at least 50 percent of outside light pass through. This is the strictest limit in Michigan. If your tint is darker than 50 percent VLT on these windows, it violates the law.

This rule applies whether you tint the windows yourself or have a shop do it. The tint shop should know this limit, but it is your responsibility to make sure the tint meets the standard before you drive away. If you are unsure, ask the shop to show you documentation of the VLT percentage they are explore.

Rear and back windows: no limit

Michigan places no darkness limit on your rear side windows or your back window. You can tint these windows as dark as you want, including complete blackout tint. This is one of the more permissive aspects of Michigan's tint law.

Many drivers use this to their advantage by tinting rear windows heavily while keeping front windows within the legal limit. Just remember that the front side window rule still applies no matter how dark your rear windows are.

Windshield tint: the six-inch band

You can tint only the top six inches of your windshield, and that tint must allow at least 70 percent of light through. This is lighter than the front side window limit and is designed to keep your view of the road clear while allowing some sun protection at the very top.

Measuring the six inches correctly matters. The measurement starts from the top of the windshield and goes down. If your tint extends below the six-inch mark, it is illegal, even if the tint itself meets the 70 percent standard. A tint shop should measure this correctly, but verify it before you leave.

Reflective and mirrored tint is not allowed

Michigan bans reflective and mirrored tint on all windows. This means your tint cannot have a shiny, mirror-like appearance that reflects light back outward. Even if the tint meets the darkness limits, reflective tint will result in a citation.

Some aftermarket tint products advertise a reflective quality. Before you buy or have tint applied, confirm with the shop that the product is non-reflective and meets Michigan law. If you already have reflective tint, you will need to have it removed.

What happens if you are stopped for illegal tint

If a police officer stops you for tint that violates Michigan law, you will receive a citation. The citation is typically a civil infraction, not a criminal charge. You can be fined, and you will be ordered to remove the illegal tint before you can legally drive the vehicle again.

Once you receive the order to remove the tint, you have a set time frame to comply — usually a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the court's order. You will need to have the tint removed by a professional or do it yourself, and you may need to show proof of removal to the court or the police department. Driving with illegal tint after receiving a citation can result in additional fines.

Medical exemptions for window tint

Michigan allows medical exemptions for window tint in limited cases. If you have a medical condition that requires protection from sunlight — such as certain skin conditions or light sensitivity disorders — you may be able to tint your windows darker than the law normally allows.

To obtain a medical exemption, you must have a letter from a licensed physician stating that the tint is medically necessary. You will then need to register this exemption with the Michigan Secretary of State. Once approved, you should carry documentation of the exemption in your vehicle. If you are stopped, this documentation protects you from a citation. The exemption does not override the reflective tint ban.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tint my windows any darkness if I do it myself?

No. The law applies to all window tint regardless of who applies it. If your tint is darker than the legal limit, you can be cited whether you did it yourself or had a shop do it. The responsibility for legal compliance is yours as the vehicle owner.

What is the penalty for driving with illegal tint?

A citation for illegal tint is typically a civil infraction with a fine. The exact amount varies by court and jurisdiction within Michigan. You will also be ordered to remove the tint. Driving after receiving an order to remove it can result in additional fines.

Can I get a ticket for tint that was legal when I applied it but the law changed?

Michigan's tint law has been stable for many years, so this is unlikely. However, if a law change did occur, you would generally be given a grace period to bring your vehicle into compliance. Check with your local police department or the Secretary of State if you believe a change has occurred.

Do I need to remove tint before I sell my car?

Not legally, but the buyer may require it. If your tint is illegal, the new owner will eventually face the same citation risk you do. Many buyers will negotiate the price down or ask you to remove illegal tint before purchase. It is worth disclosing the tint status upfront.

Does Michigan recognize tint from other states?

No. If you move to Michigan with a vehicle that has legal tint in another state but illegal tint under Michigan law, you must bring it into compliance with Michigan's rules. You can be cited for out-of-state tint that violates Michigan's limits.