What`s the Legal Tint Limit in Michigan

According to the Michigan State Police FAQ, you may tone the windows of your car or truck, but only under certain circumstances governed by the applicable Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.709). Michigan`s window tint laws apply equally to all types of vehicles — i.e. sedans, SUVs, trucks, vans, etc. — but they`re more specific than in many states, and violations are easy to spot, so pay close attention to these regulations. In Michigan, the front side windows, that is, those next to the driver and passenger of the shotgun, can only be tinted along the top four inches of the window. This shade can be of any darkness and unlike the front windshield, it can be reflective up to 35%. These tint strips, like the window film on the windshield, are designed to reduce the glare of the sun on the driver`s face, keep their vision clearer and signify a safer driving experience. If most of the glass is left free, the front cab is still clearly visible to people outside, especially law enforcement officers who can stop the vehicle. Because the illegal tinting of the front side windows is so obvious in the face of these specific rules, violating state policies will almost certainly result in a citation at some point. However, all types of vehicles subject to Michigan`s tint laws have much more leeway when it comes to window tint for the rear side windows and for the rear windshield: any darkness of the window tint can be used, down to the full privacy tint that makes the windows impervious to the outside view. These rear windows are also limited to 35% reflectivity, it should be noted.

Most window hue colors are legal in Michigan, with the exception of silver and gold colors, which are prohibited by applicable Michigan law. However, not all states allow every vehicle to tint its windows. It is important to note that a vehicle equipped with a front side window tint for medical exemption must not be driven by another person who does not medically need the tint. It`s also important to note that manufacturers don`t have to certify the film they`re selling, and you don`t have to advertise a sticker that shows the legal hue. Michigan allows tinting the windshield and windshields (the one next to the driver), but only the top 4 inches of these windows. Huting is not allowed on any other part of these windows. These laws regarding car or truck windows that you can tint and maximum reflection of the material maximize the driver`s visibility and allow the person driving the car or truck the greatest capacity to use it safely. We have represented many clients over the years. We know that people are constantly stopped by various police departments because of the tint of the windows.

Unfortunately, we have also found that failure to comply with the Michigan Window Tint Act results in an arrest for impaired driving or drug possession. Let`s take a look at the rules and regulations for window tinting in Michigan. Michigan has many beautiful roads to drive on in summer and winter. Anyone who has ever driven on Michigan roads has seen a red Ford Mustang with eye-catching rims and tinted windows flying down the highway. How many people I was jealous of these pretty vehicles! An extra tint blocks radiant heat and keeps the car at a cooler temperature. Over the past decade, this type of look seems to have become very popular. While these cars look cool, they also invite law enforcement officers to arrest you for violating the Michigan Window Tint Act, known as MCL 257.709. Michigan does not specify a minimum glass tint allowed under medical exemptions, but it must have less than 35% light reflection. Michigan`s auto window tint laws have only been in effect since 2000, making the state a relative laggard in passing window tint laws. However, window film technology was already at an advanced stage of development in 2000, so the rules created at the time didn`t need to be updated much more than in states like Massachusetts, where rules for tinted windows were established in 1985. Auto window tint laws in Michigan are in many ways simpler than in other states, as all front side windows and rear and rear windows are subject to the same rules, regardless of the type of vehicle, while in other states, tint laws are different depending on the type of vehicle – SUV, truck, van or car, for example. On the other hand, there are some very specific caveats about Michigan state window tint laws that aren`t found elsewhere, so you`ll need to read the following breakdown of hue laws carefully if you want to avoid a Michigan hue violation ticket.

While Michigan`s tinting laws are generally permissive, illegal window tinting can be treated as a felony, meaning you can only be stopped and ticketed for tinting windows, while in other states, tint violations are only considered secondary offenses. In many cases, stopping the window tint in Michigan will only result in a „repair ticket,” where you have some time to correct the illegal tint and then prove that you did, after which you can only pay $25 in processing fees (not to mention the cost of replacing the glass tint). But it is at the discretion of the police to impose harsher sentences. So do not risk being arrested for an illegal tint of the windows that is clear and can be tested in real time on site. Always contact a licensed installer who can install the right shade on your windows to comply with your state legislation. Many motorists with conditions ranging from glaucoma to migraines to skin conditions may benefit from a darker window tint than Michigan law allows on the front side windows. Fortunately, Michigan law allows exceptions for medical tint of windows, which can allow for a darker tint on all windshields. You will need a medical certificate proving that you qualify for a medical exemption, and you may be arrested from time to time for your shade, but you will not be quoted if you can prove that a darker shade is medically beneficial for you. All window tints sold or installed in Michigan must comply with state tint laws, but manufacturers, installers, and sellers of window films are not required to certify the film, the offer explicitly complies with state regulations. It is the responsibility of the end user to have a legal tint and in good faith all suppliers must ensure this. Similarly, no sticker is required to prove that a shade used in Michigan is allowed, but of course, an official or inspector can easily measure a window tint to see if it`s less than a legal length.

If the rear window of a vehicle becomes dark (or otherwise obstructed), the driver must have two exterior mirrors in good condition. In Michigan, first-tint violations often result in the aforementioned „repair ticket,” which charges only a minimal processing fee if the vehicle owner corrects the illegal tint issues and then proves that the problem has been resolved. Failure to act or subsequent contraventions may result in higher fines and may be considered more serious crimes, although civil and non-criminal in nature. Yes, 5% shade is legal in Michigan. But you can use any shade of darkness, but only on the top 4 inches of driver`s side windows and any tinted darkness is legal for the rear and rear windows. Not only are there the fundamental laws that tell you about hue percentages and how dark or reflective your window tint film should be, but there are also various other rules and regulations that should always be kept in mind. Although window tint is cosmetic, it affects the driver`s vision. Scientific studies have also shown that tinting vehicle windows can reduce the number of UVA and UVB rays that enter the vehicle. The windshield of the car or truck should always never be tinted beyond the top 4 inches. It is important to follow Michigan state law regarding window tint and avoid stopping for your tint. The laws are clear: medical necessity or regular tint, special glass treatment or application can at no time disturb or obstruct the driver`s view on the highway or a crossing road.