Missouri Window Tint Laws
Missouri allows 35% VLT and up to 35% reflectance on front side windows; the statute does not regulate rear side windows or the rear window.
Missouri Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Missouri Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Missouri vehicle code.
| Window Position | Passenger Cars (Sedans / Coupes) | SUVs, Trucks & Vans (MPVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Windshield Top visor strip | Above AS-1 | Above AS-1 |
| 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 Missouri
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).
Missouri Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
§307.173 does not require side mirrors.
Prohibited Tint Colors
§307.173 does not regulate colors.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
§307.173 does not require a compliance label; it only clarifies that labels, stickers and informational signs are allowed.
Medical Tint Exemptions
Department of Public Safety permit for a serious illness with a physician's prescription. The vehicle may be driven by the permit holder or a relative up to the second degree living in the household.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Missouri? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Missouri, 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 Missouri? +
Under Missouri law, tinting the full front windshield is strictly prohibited. You are only legally permitted a non-reflective visor sun strip: Above AS-1 (typically above the manufacturer's AS-1 line).
Can out-of-state drivers be ticketed for window tint while driving through Missouri? +
While law enforcement in Missouri enforces the state vehicle code (RSMo §307.173), 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 Missouri? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Missouri 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 Missouri, 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. Missouri statutes recognize a ±3% on transmission and reflectance. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Missouri allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Missouri 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 Missouri? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Missouri, 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 Missouri? +
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 Missouri
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