Wisconsin Window Tint Laws
Wisconsin allows 50% VLT on front side windows and 35% on rear side windows and the rear window, for every vehicle type including SUVs and vans, with non-reflective film.
Wisconsin Window Tint Laws Chart
Official Wisconsin Tint Percentage Limits
Visible Light Transmission (VLT%) statutory limits by window placement under Wisconsin 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 | 50% | 50% |
| 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 Wisconsin
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).
Wisconsin Specific Tint Rules & Mandates
Dual Side Mirrors Required
Required on both sides if the rear window transmits less than 60%.
Prohibited Tint Colors
Trans 305.32 and 305.34 have no color restrictions.
Compliance Certificate Sticker
Trans 305.32 and 305.34 do not require a label or compliance certificate.
Medical Tint Exemptions
With a recommendation from a physician or a Christian Science practitioner for the owner or an immediate family member, front side windows may go down to 35%. A statement identifying the patient, the condition, whether it is temporary or permanent, and the vehicle (with VIN) must be kept in the vehicle. The film must be removed when the car is sold, if the person no longer lives in the household, or when a temporary condition ends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint percentage in Wisconsin? +
For passenger sedans and coupes in Wisconsin, front side windows must allow at least 50% 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 Wisconsin? +
Under Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin? +
While law enforcement in Wisconsin enforces the state vehicle code (Wis. Admin. Code Trans 305.32 and 305.34), 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 Wisconsin? +
On passenger cars, 20% and 5% tint are illegal on front side windows in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin, 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. Wisconsin statutes recognize a 3%. to account for equipment calibration and factory glass variance.
Does Wisconsin allow medical exemptions for darker window tint? +
Yes, Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin? +
A compliance label between the glass is not legally mandated in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin? +
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 Wisconsin
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