Maine Window Tint Laws
Maine allows 35% VLT on front side windows; rear side windows and the rear window may be any darkness with two outside mirrors, and no reflective film is allowed.
Maine Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Maine Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Maine vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | AS-1 or 5" | AS-1 or 5" |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 35% | 35% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | Any darkness | Any darkness |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | Any darkness | Any darkness |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Maine
Operating a vehicle with tint darker than statutory limits is classified as a misdemeanor. Citations escalate significantly upon repeat violations:
First Conviction
Classified as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and/or up to 10 days in jail.
Second Conviction
Fine of up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
Third Conviction
Criminal citation with a fine up to $300 and/or up to 3 months in jail (within 1 year).
Maine Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
With two outside rearview mirrors, rear side windows and the rear window are free of the 35% limit (§1916(2)(B)).
Prohibited Tint Colors
29-A M.R.S. §1916 has no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
Added tint requires a transmission certificate issued by a person authorized by the State Police (usually the installer). It is shown at inspection; if it is not shown to police, the vehicle is presumed not to comply.
Medical Tint Exemptions
Exemption certificate from the Chief of the State Police if the health of the owner or a regular occupant is affected by sunlight. It must be shown to police on request.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Maine? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Maine, front side windows must allow at least 35% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow Any darkness, and the rear window requires Any darkness. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow Any darkness.
Can you tint the front windshield in Maine? +
Under Maine law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: AS-1 or 5" (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Maine? +
While law enforcement in Maine enforces the state vehicle code (29-A M.R.S. §1916), officers generally extend interstate reciprocity to visiting motorists whose vehicles comply with the legal tint statutes of their home registration state. However, if the tint is excessively dark and prevents officers from seeing the driver, you can still be stopped for safety verification.
Is 20% or 5% (limo tint) legal in Maine? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Maine because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 35% VLT. On SUVs, trucks, and vans, 20% or 5% limo tint is legally permissible only on the windows behind the driver (rear sides and back window).
How do police test window tint in Maine, and is there an official tolerance? +
Police officers and state troopers use handheld, certified light meters that slide over the roll-down window to measure total net light transmission. Maine statutes recognize a Not specified. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Maine allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Maine permits medical tint waivers for individuals with certified photosensitivity or UV-reactive conditions (such as lupus or porphyria). An official affidavit signed by a licensed physician must be approved and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Do I need a compliance certification sticker on my windows in Maine? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Maine, but the vehicle must be capable of passing an optical light meter test during routine traffic stops or state inspections.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Maine? +
Driving with non-compliant tint is classified as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. First convictions carry fines starting around $100 plus court costs, typically accompanied by a 'fix-it' compliance order requiring removal or replacement of the illegal film.
Top-Rated Window Tint Shops in Maine
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