Minnesota Car Window Tinting Laws: What You Need to Know
Minnesota is known for its beautiful scenery, great outdoors, and of course, its strict car window tinting laws. As a driver in Minnesota, it is essential to stay up-to-date on the current laws about window tinting to avoid getting pulled over by the authorities and potentially facing hefty fines.
This article aims to provide you with comprehensive information about Minnesota’s car window tinting laws to ensure you’re always on the right side of the law.
Tint Darkness for Sedans and SUVs
The Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is the percentage of visible light that can pass through your car’s windows. For sedans and SUVs in Minnesota, the front windshield’s tint can have a VLT of no less than 50%.
Meanwhile, the front side windows and the back side windows can have a VLT of no less than 50%, including the combined total of film and the window. The rear window, however, can have any level of tint darkness, which means you can tint it as dark as you prefer.
It’s important to note that different types of vehicles may have varying tint darkness limits. For instance, trucks, vans, and SUVs have a slightly lower requirement, with a VLT of 50% for the front and back side windows.
However, this varies across counties and is dependent on the vehicle’s place of residence. As such, double-checking the local laws is always your safest option.
Tint Reflection for Sedans and SUVs
Window reflection, also known as the ability of a window to reflect light, is another essential aspect of Minnesota’s car window tinting laws. While window reflection doesn’t apply to the front windshield, sedans and SUVs’ front side windows can’t reflect more than 50%.
The back side windows, on the other hand, can reflect as much as you’d like. Other Minnesota Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
a.
Side Mirrors
When you have a relatively dark tint on your vehicle’s windows, it’s crucial to have two functioning side mirrors. Vehicles without operable side mirrors violate Minnesota’s car window tinting laws.
b. Restricted Colors
Select colors, including red, blue, and yellow, can’t be used in window tint films in Minnesota.
The law on restricted colors is to promote public safety, as these colors can be associated with emergency and law enforcement vehicles. c.
Tint Variance
Minnesota law allows up to 3% variance in window tint measurements. This means that your window tint film’s actual darkness can be slightly lower or higher than the required VLT.
Again, this may vary across counties; hence it’s best to double-check the laws in your local area. d.
Certificates and Stickers
When getting your vehicle windows tinted, ensure the installer gives you a certificate of compliance. This certificate specifies that your vehicle meets the Minnesota window tinting laws.
It’s also essential to have a tint sticker applied to your car’s window in the lower left corner to indicate the tint’s percentage. e.
Medical Exceptions
Minnesota allows medical exceptions for people with medical conditions that signify they need reduced VLT percentages on their vehicle windows. However, this exception is granted through an application process and is subject to approval, making it incredibly rare.
State of Minnesota Info
Minnesota is officially known as the North Star State and is America’s 22nd largest and 12th most populous state, with a population of about 5.7 million people. The state covers an area of approximately 225,163 km2, making it the 12th largest in the U.S., bordering significant lakes, including Lake Superior, the country’s largest freshwater lake.
The state’s capital is Saint Paul, while its largest city is Minneapolis, and it comprises 87 counties. Updating and Contacting for Information:
To ensure your car window tinting is up-to-date and correct, it’s essential to seek reliable information from relevant authorities.
You can contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division, or the Minnesota State Patrol. With any installation of vehicle window tints, consider keeping the paperwork to ensure that you have all the necessary details regarding your window’s compliance with legal requirements.
Flexible Interpretation of Tint Laws in Minnesota
It’s worth noting that, depending on your location, Minnesota window tinting laws may be interpreted differently. The best way to avoid any confusion is to double-check the laws, seek reliable information concerning installation, and ensure that your vehicle windows meet the required percentage of VLT, among other regulations.
Conclusion:
In summary, Minnesota’s car window tinting laws are strict, and as such, it’s much safer to ensure that your vehicle windows comply with these laws. Often, double-checking laws in your area, seeking counsel from authorities, and keeping relevant paperwork can prevent hefty fines or legal penalties.
As a driver in Minnesota, knowing the law only puts you in good stead and furthers promoting safety on the roads. In conclusion, Minnesota’s car window tinting laws are complex and strict, making it essential to ensure proper compliance to avoid legal consequences.
The laws cover various aspects of window tinting, such as tint darkness and reflection, restricted colors, and medical exceptions. To comply with the law, it’s crucial to double-check the laws in your area, seek counsel from relevant authorities, and keep all relevant paperwork.
Ultimately, following these guidelines promotes safety on the roads and ensures a hassle-free driving experience. Remember to always stay up-to-date with changes in the laws to avoid any unexpected legal penalties.