Minnesota's window tint rules are based on how much light your windows let through
Minnesota law allows window tinting on your vehicle, but the amount of tint is strictly limited. The state measures tint darkness using visible light transmission (VLT) — the percentage of light that passes through the glass. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT percentage. Minnesota sets different limits depending on which windows you're tinting.
For the windshield, you can only tint the top 4 inches with a non-reflective material. For the front side windows, the minimum VLT is 50 percent — meaning at least half the light must pass through. For the rear side windows and rear window, there is no darkness limit, so you can tint them as dark as you want. Reflective or mirrored tints are not allowed on any window.
The penalty for illegal tint in Minnesota is a misdemeanor citation, which can result in a fine and a requirement to remove the tint. Police can measure tint darkness with a light meter during a traffic stop, so compliance matters.
Key Takeaways
- The windshield can only have non-reflective tint on the top 4 inches.
- Front side windows must allow at least 50 percent of light through (50 percent VLT or higher).
- Rear side windows and the rear window can be tinted as dark as you want.
- Reflective or mirrored tint is illegal on all windows in Minnesota.
- Police use light meters to check tint darkness, and illegal tint results in a misdemeanor citation and removal requirement.
Windshield tint is limited to the top 4 inches only
Your windshield can have tint, but only on the top 4 inches, measured from the top of the glass downward. The tint must be non-reflective, meaning it cannot have a mirror-like or shiny finish. This small tinted strip is meant to reduce glare from the sun without blocking your view of the road.
Many people install a sun shade or visor-style tint at the top of the windshield to stay within this rule. If you go beyond the 4-inch limit, you're in violation, even if the tint is light. The 4-inch rule is measured strictly, so if you're unsure whether your windshield tint is legal, have it checked before you get pulled over.
Front side windows must be at least 50 percent transparent
Your front side windows — the driver's side and passenger's side windows in the front — have a specific darkness limit. Minnesota requires a minimum of 50 percent VLT, which means at least half of the light hitting the window must pass through the glass. In practical terms, this is a fairly light tint that you can see through from both inside and outside the vehicle.
If you're shopping for tint film, look for products labeled as 50 percent VLT or higher. Some tint shops will test the darkness with a light meter before installation to make sure it meets the law. If your front windows are darker than 50 percent VLT, you'll need to have the tint removed or replaced with a lighter shade to avoid a citation.
Rear windows have no darkness limit in Minnesota
The rear side windows and the rear window of your vehicle can be tinted as dark as you want under Minnesota law. This means you can use limo tint, which is nearly opaque, on the back of your car without any legal issue. The only restriction is that the tint cannot be reflective or mirrored.
Because rear windows have no limit, many people choose to tint them dark for privacy and heat reduction. Just remember that if you ever sell your vehicle or move to another state, different rules may explore, so keep that in mind if you're planning a major tint job on the rear windows.
Reflective and mirrored tints are not allowed anywhere
Minnesota bans reflective and mirrored window tints on all windows, including the windshield, front side windows, rear side windows, and rear window. A reflective tint has a shiny, mirror-like appearance that bounces light away from the glass. These tints are illegal because they can interfere with other drivers' vision and create safety hazards on the road.
When you're choosing tint film, make sure the product description says "non-reflective" or "non-metallic." Some aftermarket tints are designed to look sleek and reflective, but they won't pass a police inspection in Minnesota. If you're unsure whether a tint product is reflective, ask the tint shop before installation.
How police measure tint darkness and what happens if yours is illegal
Minnesota law enforcement uses a device called a light meter or tint meter to measure the VLT of your windows during a traffic stop. The officer places the meter against the window glass, and it displays a percentage reading. If the reading is below the legal limit for that window, you've violated the law.
If your tint is found to be illegal, you'll receive a misdemeanor citation. The fine amount varies, but you'll also be ordered to remove or replace the tint within a set timeframe, usually 10 to 30 days depending on the officer's citation. If you don't comply, you can face additional penalties. The best course of action is to have illegal tint removed as soon as you're cited, or to have it replaced with a legal shade at a tint shop.
Some people try to argue that their tint is legal, but the light meter reading is objective and difficult to dispute. If you believe the reading was wrong, you can contest the citation in court, but you'll need evidence — such as a second tint meter reading from a professional shop — to support your case.
Medical exemptions for window tint in Minnesota
Minnesota does not have a specific medical exemption for window tint darkness. However, if you have a medical condition that requires protection from sunlight — such as severe photosensitivity or certain skin conditions — you may be able to request a variance or exemption through your local law enforcement agency or the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
To pursue a medical exemption, you would need documentation from a licensed physician explaining your condition and why darker tint is medically necessary. Even with a medical exemption, you would likely still need to comply with the windshield and front window limits, and the exemption would only explore to rear windows. Contact your local police department or the state's vehicle safety office to learn about the process in your area, as procedures can vary by jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tint my windshield below the top 4 inches?
No. Minnesota law allows tint only on the top 4 inches of the windshield, measured from the top edge downward. Any tint below that line is illegal, regardless of how light it is. The 4-inch limit is strict and measured by police with a ruler or measuring device during enforcement.
What VLT percentage do I need for front windows?
Your front side windows must have a minimum of 50 percent VLT, meaning at least 50 percent of light passes through. When shopping for tint, ask the shop for 50 percent VLT film or lighter. The shop can test the darkness with a light meter before installation to confirm it meets the law.
Is ceramic or metallic tint legal in Minnesota?
Ceramic tint is legal as long as it meets the VLT requirements and is non-reflective. Metallic or mirrored tint is illegal on all windows because it's reflective. When ordering tint, specify non-reflective or non-metallic film to stay compliant.
What should I do if I get a citation for illegal tint?
Remove or replace the tint within the timeframe given on your citation, usually 10 to 30 days. Get a receipt from the tint shop showing the work was done and keep it in case you're stopped again. If you believe the citation was issued in error, you can contest it in court with evidence from a professional tint meter reading.
Can I have darker tint on my rear windows than my front windows?
Yes. Rear side windows and the rear window have no darkness limit in Minnesota, so you can tint them as dark as you want. Only the windshield and front side windows have restrictions. This is why many people choose limo tint for the back and a lighter shade for the front.