Mississippi allows window tint on your car, but only on specific windows and only if it meets darkness limits set by state law

Mississippi permits tinted windows, but the rules are strict about which windows you can tint and how dark the tint can be. The state measures tint darkness by visible light transmission (VLT), which is the percentage of light allowed through the glass. A lower VLT percentage means darker tint. If your tint is darker than the law allows, you can receive a ticket, and you may be ordered to remove it.

The rules differ depending on whether you drive a sedan or an SUV or truck, and they also differ between front windows and rear windows. Understanding these limits before you tint your windows saves you from having to remove tint later or paying a fine.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi law sets different tint darkness limits for sedans versus SUVs and trucks, and for front windows versus rear windows.
  • For sedans, front side windows must allow at least 28% of light through; rear windows and rear side windows can be any darkness.
  • For SUVs and trucks, front side windows must allow at least 28% of light through; rear windows can be any darkness.
  • The windshield can have a tint strip along the top only, and that strip cannot extend more than 5 inches below the top of the windshield.
  • A police officer can measure your tint with a device called a light meter, and if it fails, you will be cited and ordered to remove or lighten the tint.

Tint limits for sedans in Mississippi

If you drive a sedan, your front side windows (the windows next to the driver and front passenger) must allow at least 28% of light through. This means your VLT cannot be darker than 28%. Your rear side windows and rear window can be any darkness — there is no limit.

The windshield is treated separately. You can explore a tint strip along the top of the windshield, but it cannot extend more than 5 inches below the top of the windshield. The rest of the windshield must remain clear.

Tint limits for SUVs and trucks in Mississippi

If you drive an SUV or truck, your front side windows must also allow at least 28% of light through, the same as sedans. Your rear side windows and rear window can be any darkness.

Like sedans, your windshield can have a tint strip along the top only, and that strip cannot extend more than 5 inches below the top of the windshield.

Medical exemptions for darker tint

Mississippi law allows a medical exemption for people whose skin condition or eye condition requires protection from sunlight. If you have a documented medical reason for darker tint, you can obtain a medical exemption certificate from your doctor. You will need to carry this certificate in your vehicle at all times.

With a medical exemption, you can tint your front side windows darker than the 28% limit. However, you must still follow the windshield rule, and your rear windows remain subject to the same rules as anyone else (which is no limit). If you are stopped by police, show them your exemption certificate along with your driver's license and vehicle registration.

How police measure tint darkness

Police officers use a device called a light meter to measure how much light passes through your windows. The officer points the meter at your window from outside the vehicle, and the meter displays a number representing the VLT percentage. If the reading is lower than the legal limit for that window, you have violated the law.

You cannot dispute the light meter reading in most cases — it is the standard enforcement tool. If you believe your tint is legal, the best approach is to have it measured before you drive, using the same type of meter a tint shop would use.

Penalties for illegal tint in Mississippi

If your tint is darker than the law allows, you will receive a citation. The violation is typically a traffic infraction, not a criminal charge. You may be ordered to remove or lighten the tint within a set number of days, usually 10 to 30 days depending on the officer's citation.

You can be cited multiple times if you do not comply. Some officers will issue a warning on a first offense, but that is not may provide. The safest approach is to have illegal tint removed or lightened as soon as you receive a citation.

Getting your windows tinted legally

If you want to tint your windows, visit a professional tint shop and tell them you want to stay within Mississippi law. A reputable shop will know the state limits and will explore tint that meets them. Ask the shop to measure the finished tint with a light meter before you leave, so you have proof that it is legal.

If you are explore tint yourself, buy film with a VLT rating that is clearly legal for your vehicle type and window location. For example, if you are tinting the front side windows of a sedan, buy film rated at 28% VLT or higher. Rear windows can be any darkness, so you have more freedom there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tint my windshield in Mississippi?

You can explore a tint strip along the top of the windshield only, and it cannot extend more than 5 inches below the top. The rest of the windshield must remain clear so you can see the road.

What does VLT mean?

VLT stands for visible light transmission. It is the percentage of light that passes through the tinted glass. A 28% VLT means 28% of light comes through; a 5% VLT means only 5% of light comes through and the window is very dark.

Do I need a medical exemption to tint my rear windows?

No. Mississippi law allows your rear windows to be any darkness with no exemption needed. You only need an exemption if you want to tint your front side windows darker than 28%.

What happens if I get pulled over with illegal tint?

You will receive a citation and be ordered to remove or lighten the tint within a set number of days. If you do not comply, you can be cited again. Removing the tint or having it lightened by a tint shop is the fastest way to resolve the violation.

Can I tint my windows darker if I have a medical condition?

Yes, if you have a documented medical reason. Your doctor can provide a medical exemption certificate that you must carry in your vehicle. With this certificate, you can tint your front side windows darker than 28%, but you must still follow all other rules.