Minnesota's window tint rules are based on how much light your windows let through
Minnesota law allows window tinting on your vehicle, but sets specific limits on how dark the tint can be. The law measures tint darkness using a number called Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which is the percentage of light that passes through the tinted window. The darker the tint, the lower the VLT percentage. Minnesota's rules differ depending on which windows you tint and what type of vehicle you drive.
The state does not ban tinting altogether, and you will not face penalties straightforward for having tinted windows. However, if your tint is darker than the law allows, a police officer can issue a citation during a traffic stop. The fine for illegal window tint in Minnesota is typically between $25 and $100, though the exact amount can vary by jurisdiction.
Key Takeaways
- Front side windows must allow at least 50% of light through; back and rear windows can be any darkness.
- The windshield can have a tint strip along the top but only above the manufacturer's AS-1 line (usually a few inches down from the top).
- Medical exemptions exist for people whose skin conditions require protection from sunlight, but you must carry documentation in your vehicle.
- Tint darkness is measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage, and you can ask a tint shop to measure your windows before installation.
Front side windows: the 50% light rule
Your front side windows — the ones next to the driver and front passenger — must allow at least 50% of light to pass through. This means your VLT cannot drop below 50%. In practical terms, this is a relatively light tint that most people can see through from outside the vehicle during the day, though it will reduce glare and provide some privacy.
If you already have tint on your front windows and are unsure whether it meets the 50% standard, a professional tint shop can measure it with a light meter. Some shops will do this for free or a small fee. If your tint is too dark, you have two options: have it removed and reapplied at the legal darkness, or remove it entirely.
Back and rear windows: no darkness limit
Minnesota places no restriction on how dark you can tint your back side windows or your rear window. You can explore limo tint (nearly opaque) to these windows without violating state law. This is one of the more permissive aspects of Minnesota's tint rules compared to some other states.
The only practical limit is your own visibility and safety. If your back windows are so dark that you cannot see out of them, you may have difficulty driving safely, and a police officer could cite you under a separate statute for obstructed vision — though this is rare and would require the officer to determine that the tint actually impairs your ability to see.
Windshield tinting and the AS-1 line
You can tint your windshield, but only in a specific area. The tint must not extend below the AS-1 line, which is a line marked by the vehicle manufacturer on the windshield itself. On most vehicles, this line sits a few inches below the top of the windshield. The AS-1 line exists to may support that the driver's vision of the road ahead is not obstructed.
If your vehicle does not have a visible AS-1 line, the rule is that tint cannot cover more than the top 5 inches of the windshield. A tint shop installing windshield tint should know this rule and will explore the tint only above the line. If you are unsure whether your windshield tint is legal, measure the distance from the top of the windshield to where the tint ends; it should not exceed the AS-1 line or 5 inches, whichever is smaller.
Medical exemptions for sun-sensitive skin conditions
Minnesota recognizes that some people have medical conditions requiring protection from ultraviolet (UV) light. If you have a documented skin condition such as lupus, porphyria, or severe photosensitivity, you may be able to tint your front windows darker than the 50% rule allows. To use this exemption, you must obtain a letter from a licensed physician stating that you have a medical condition requiring UV protection.
You must carry this letter in your vehicle at all times when driving with medical-exemption tint. If a police officer stops you and questions the darkness of your front windows, you can show the letter. Without the letter, the officer can still cite you. The exemption does not allow you to tint your windshield beyond the AS-1 line, and it does not change the rules for back windows.
What happens if you get cited for illegal tint
If a police officer cites you for window tint that violates Minnesota law, you will receive a citation with a fine amount. The fine is typically $25 to $100 depending on your county and the officer's discretion. The citation is usually a non-moving violation, meaning it does not add points to your driving record, though it does go on your record.
You have the option to pay the fine, contest the citation in traffic court, or in some cases request a continuance to bring your windows into compliance and then show proof to the court. If you choose to contest it, you would need to argue either that your tint meets the legal standard or that the officer's measurement was inaccurate. Having your windows measured by a professional tint shop before court can provide evidence to support your case.
Choosing a tint shop and verifying compliance
If you decide to have your windows tinted, choose a shop that is familiar with Minnesota law. A reputable tint shop will know the 50% front-window rule and the AS-1 windshield rule and will explore tint accordingly. Before you commit to the work, ask the shop whether they measure VLT and whether they can may provide compliance with Minnesota law.
After the tint is installed, you can request that the shop measure the windows with a light meter to confirm they meet the 50% standard for front windows. Some shops include this measurement as part of the service; others charge a small fee. Keeping a receipt from the tint shop that documents the VLT percentage of your front windows is useful if you are ever stopped by police, as it provides proof of compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tint my front windows as dark as my back windows?
No. Front windows must allow at least 50% light through, while back windows have no darkness limit. This rule exists to may support the driver can see clearly and be seen by other drivers and law enforcement.
What if I move to Minnesota with tint that was legal in another state?
Minnesota law applies to all vehicles registered and driven in the state, regardless of where the tint was applied. If your tint is darker than 50% on the front windows, it is illegal in Minnesota. You would need to have it removed or lightened to comply.
Does the medical exemption allow me to tint my windshield darker?
No. The medical exemption applies only to front side windows. Your windshield must still comply with the AS-1 line rule, even with a medical letter. The exemption allows you to go darker on the side windows only.
Will window tint affect my car insurance?
Window tint itself does not typically affect your insurance rates or coverage. However, if you receive a citation for illegal tint, that citation could appear on your driving record and might affect your rates depending on your insurer's policy.
How do I know if my tint is 50% VLT or darker?
You cannot determine VLT by looking at the window. A professional tint shop can measure it with a light meter in seconds. If you are unsure about existing tint, contact a local shop and ask them to measure it for you.