Minnesota Window Tint Laws
Minnesota requires 50% VLT and no more than 20% reflectance on all side and rear windows of cars and SUVs; vans and the rear window of pickups are exempt.
Minnesota Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Minnesota Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Minnesota vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Front Side Windows Driver & passenger doors | 50% | 50% |
| Back Side Windows Rear passenger compartment | 50% | 50% |
| Rear Window (Back Glass) Back windshield | 50% | 50% |
| Reflectivity Limit Mirror sheen restriction | Max 20% | Max 20% |
Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tint in Minnesota
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).
Minnesota Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
§169.71 does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
§169.71 has no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
All material applied after August 1, 1985 must carry a permanent, legible marking with its transmission and reflectance percentages.
Medical Tint Exemptions
Prescription or statement from a physician or optometrist stating whether the condition is temporary or permanent and the minimum transmission percentage. Expires after 2 years at most, unless permanent. Since 2026 (retroactive to July 1, 2025), an immediate family member or personal care attendant may use it if the document lists the make, model and plate of up to two vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Minnesota? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Minnesota, front side windows must allow at least 50% light transmission (VLT). Back side windows allow 50%, and the rear window requires 50%. For SUVs, vans, and trucks (MPVs), the rear side and back glass allow 50%.
Can you tint the front windshield in Minnesota? +
Under Minnesota law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Not allowed (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Minnesota? +
While law enforcement in Minnesota enforces the state vehicle code (Minn. Stat. §169.71, subds. 4, 4a and 5), 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 Minnesota? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Minnesota because they block significantly more light than the statutory limit of 50% 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 Minnesota, 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. Minnesota statutes recognize a ±3%. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Minnesota allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Minnesota 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 Minnesota? +
Yes. Minnesota statutes mandate that an identifying certification sticker must be affixed between the tint film and glass (typically on the lower driver-side window) to certify compliance with state regulations.
What are the penalties and fines for illegal window tint in Minnesota? +
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 Minnesota
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