Question: I moved to Minnesota from Florida about half a year ago and I have a car that has tinted windows. I heard that I can't have tinted windows in Minnesota. Is this true?
Answer: Minnesota does have tint laws and restrictions. Even if your previous state allowed tinted windows, you would now need to comply with Minnesota law. Let me explain: In Minnesota, you can have your windows tinted to a light transmittance of 50 percent, but not less. Light transmittance is the amount of light that is required to pass through both the window and the tint film. Before any tint material is applied to your windows, a vehicle comes from the factory with tint already inside the glass material. No window comes from the factory at 100 percent light transmittance. My experience has been that most vehicles are already at 75 percent before any modifications.
Other requirements:
· No vehicle can have any tint to the front windshield.
· Passenger cars are limited to 50 percent on all side and rear windows.
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· Pickups, vans and SUVs are limited to 50 percent on the front side windows.
· Pickups, vans and SUVs are not limited on the rear side and rear windows. (Can be less than 50 percent behind the front seat).
· Squad cars, limousines and vehicles used to transport human remains by a funeral establishment are not limited on the side and rear windows.
If you move from another state or purchase a vehicle that has tinted windows and would like to know if you are legal, here is what I suggest. Stop in at a Minnesota State Patrol office, the local sheriff's office or your local police department. Most agencies and officers are equipped with tint meters and would be able to let you know what your tint level is at. It's better to find out sooner than later (red lights in the rear view mirror) that you need to make the necessary changes. If you need to have the tint removed, you can check with a body or detailing shop. Or you can do it yourself, do some homework and look on the Internet for some good advice and suggestions.
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Neil Dickenson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 1131 Mesaba Ave. Duluth, MN, 55811. Or reach him at neil.dickenson@state.mn.us .
