Massachusetts Window Tint Laws
Massachusetts requires 35% VLT and no more than 35% reflectance on side windows and the rear window; a tinted rear window requires side mirrors on both sides.
Massachusetts Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Massachusetts Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Massachusetts vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Top 6 in. | Top 6 in. |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 35% | 35% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 35% | 35% |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 35% | 35% |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Massachusetts
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).
Massachusetts Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Required on both sides to tint the rear window.
Prohibited Tint Colors
c. 90, §9D has no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
No compliance label is required. With a medical exemption, the Registrar issues a visible sticker placed on the driver's window (c. 90, §9D(8)).
Medical Tint Exemptions
Written application to the Medical Advisory Board with a statement from a Massachusetts-licensed physician, for photosensitive people. If granted, the Registrar issues a sticker for the driver's side window.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Massachusetts? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Massachusetts, front side windows must allow at least 35% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 35%, and the rear window requires 35%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow 35%.
Can you tint the front windshield in Massachusetts? +
Under Massachusetts law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Top 6 in. (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Massachusetts? +
While law enforcement in Massachusetts enforces the state vehicle code (Mass. Gen. Laws c. 90, §9D), 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 Massachusetts? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts, 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. Massachusetts statutes recognize a Not specified (the RMV sets the measurement method). to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Massachusetts allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts? +
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 Massachusetts
Certified installers guaranteeing 100% compliance with statutory VLT standards and state certification labels.
Falmouth Window Tinting Residential Commercial Auto
📍 Teaticket, MA
Smart Audio | Window Tint & Remote Start
📍 Lawrence, MA
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