Michigan Window Tint Laws: A Comprehensive Guide

A Closer Look at Window Tint Laws in Michigan

In Michigan, window tinting is generally legal as long the conditions of the law are met. The following section will provide a brief overview of the rules and regulations that apply to window tinting in Michigan. A law regarding tinted windows recently changed in February of 2017. After talking to some of my clients, I have learned that there are some who are confused by provision of the law. Therefore , this section will also clarify the new law as well as provide basic information on Michigan vehicle window tint laws. Michigan tint law states that the front windshield may have a tint that allows more than 35 percent of light in. Any tint on the front window must be above the AS-1 line or the top five inches of the windshield. For the front seat side windows, any product may be used as long as it allows more than 35 percent of light in. The percentage lower at the back seat window can be any percentage of light but must have greater than 35 percent at the left and right windows. There are no restrictions for window tint on SUVs and vans. One should keep in mind that all window tint must have a SAE number that is permanent and etched in the tint.

Tint Percentages Allowed by the Law

In Michigan, the percentage of tint you can have on your vehicle’s windows depends on the type of vehicle. Passenger cars have different rules than SUVs and pickup trucks, and so on. For all vehicles, the law dictates both the tint percentage (how much light is allowed to pass through) as well as the reflectivity requirements (how much light bounces back out of the window). The limits are more varied for the front windshield (and front side window) than for the rest of the vehicle’s windows. Passenger cars (tri-axle or less): State tint laws don’t apply to taxis, buses, limousines, and commercial vehicles that are registered for a gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds. Other vehicles: All other passenger vehicles have legal options of 20% to 35% VLTs for the front side windows. The rear side windows can be tinted legally to whatever darkness you choose – but avoid including reflective tint because it is never allowed to be used on rear windows. Highly reflective tint is not permitted on any part of the vehicle, whether it’s a commercial or non-commercial vehicle.

Restrictions on Frontversus Rear Windows

Michigan law differs significantly when it comes to tinting limits for front and rear windows. The reasons behind this are twofold. First, impaired visibility is known to be a factor in many automobile accidents, so limiting the amount of tint on windows is believed to enhance safety for the drivers and passengers of all vehicles. While this limit may differ from state to state, it has been consistently applied in Michigan. Second, car manufacturers typically provide front windows with more advanced privacy "tints" than the rear windows, so the practical application of more window tint on rear windows is not only readily available, but is also technologically feasible.
The standard requirements for front and rear window tinting in Michigan are as follows:
Front Windows
In Michigan, the tint on every vehicle’s front window must conform to MCL 257.709(4). The tint must allow more than 35 percent of light through, without any metallic or reflective surface. This applies to any tinting by an aftermarket company, as well as those provided by the manufacturer.
Back Windows
A window sticker referring to the law must be displayed on the driver’s side dashboard or elsewhere by the manufacturer; if not, the rear window must have at least 35 percent light transmittance. Exceptions to this, however, apply to sport utility vehicles, vans and buses, which require only that at least 4 percent of light pass through.
All windows on sport utility vehicles, vans or buses are allowed any percentage of tinted film on the windows. If the vehicle was manufactured by an original equipment manufacturer, limiting the tint on either the windshield or rear sides is not necessary. The only exception to this rule is for those vehicles not manufactured with manufacturer’s certificate of compliance.
Exceptions to the above tinting rules in Michigan are as follows:
While the tint on your vehicle windows can have a significant effect on the comfort level and temperature, it is important to keep in mind that Michigan law makes tinting illegal for the certain portions of the vehicle’s windows. In assessing the legality of the tinted windows, the question is typically whether or not the tint allows the driver to properly see out of the vehicle.

Exemptions to Window Tint Laws for Medical Reasons

Michigan residents may qualify for exemptions from the usual window tint regulations under specific medical conditions. The Michigan Secretary of State website states that California Rule 1175 qualifies applicants for medical exemptions if they have been diagnosed by a physician as having a medical condition that causes an extreme sensitivity to sunlight. Affected conditions include, but are not limited to, lupus erythematosus, porphyria, solar urticaria, and albinism. Additionally, those with a reduced sensitivity may qualify for a Medical Waiver Exemption to allow for non-reflective tint that meets VLT requirements of 35 percent on the front side windows and 20 percent on the backside and rear windows. The tinted windows should not allow in more than 35 or 20 percent of light respectively, pursuant to Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.208(1).
Application for a medical window tint exemption involves completion of a Styled Window Tint Exemption Application by a qualified doctor. This must be submitted to the Retail Licensing Section along with a government-issued and verified photo identification card. The application is subject to a processing fee of $10 that must be submitted along with the application to the address specified on the application form.

Consequences to Using Illegal Window Tint in Michigan

Violating window tint laws in Michigan can lead to compliance trouble and fines. Law enforcement in Michigan might pull you over if you have dark tinted windows. If they check the tint and discover that it exceeds the state’s 5% tint limit, you will most likely receive a ticket for the illegal tinting. Although this ticket will not be expensive, the problematic inspection it will spark could potentially cost you thousands of dollars to remedy.
The compliance trouble that comes with having illegal window tinting relates to the fact that your windows will likely need to be replaced to get the tint off . The cost to have your windows removed and reinstalled can add up quickly.
If a police officer is suspicious that your window tint is either illegal or non-compliant, he might use a specialized window tint meter that reads the amount of visible light that passes through your window. The officer will place the meter on the window, push a button, and wait for the machine to produce the results of the tint test. He will then write the ticket based on those results.

How to Check if Your Window Tint is Compliant

Michigan residents can measure the percentage of their window tint using a simple tool known as a tint meter. This device is affixed to the window and emits bright ultraviolet light onto the film. The tint meter then measures how much light is transmitted through the tint and displays a percentage for you. All Michigan residents should consider investing in one of these portable devices. They are readily available at online retailers and most auto parts stores, and make verifying the legality of your window tint a breeze.
It may be helpful to test your tint with a meter before you schedule a window tint removal appointment. If your tint is legal, you can continue to safely enjoy the protection it provides from the sun. But if your window tint density is illegal, the tint meter will provide you with an accurate percentage that you can use to discuss your replacement options with a professional.

Where Can You Get Legal Window Tint Installed

Professional Installation Service is Your Best Option
When it comes to getting your window tint installed legally, nothing beats professional service. Many private shops in Michigan offer reliable and legal tint installation services to their customers. Several brands of window tint are available to consumers, but here we offer up a few sources of reputable service in particular. For people who live in Detroit and want high-quality tint, Tint Specialists detroit offers professional installation services. Provided by AirFx, Tint Specialists not only sells window films from manufacturers like Vista, Global, and Formula One, its certified master craftsmen also install those products. The business has a reputation for professionalism and service that make it a great choice for automotive tinting . In the Kalamazoo area, Speedy Tint offers on-site mobile tinting service as well as in-shop installation service. The truly mobile quality of this service means that any tinted windows can be approved by law enforcement as being legal, regardless of whether the tint is attached at home, at school, or at work. Those who purchase film from Speedy Tint can call for an appointment or set a date during the purchase process to have their window tint installed. In Grand Rapids, Tint 1 offers installation service on site in addition to its products for sale. When you take your car in for work, your vehicle stays parked in the Tint 1 garage under close supervision until the tint is approved. This shop offers added value for consumers: lifetime warranties guarantee the integrity of the tint and keep you crystal clear while you drive, preventing haze and peeling even as the years go by.