Minnesota tint laws were legislated in August,1985, which restricts motorists to apply window tint up to specified tint percentages. Darker or illegal tinting materials are risky because they obstruct visible light from passing through vehicle windows, potentially causing personal injuries due to the driver’s decreased vision.
Minnesota Window tinting laws permits to apply window tints that must transmit more than 50% of visible light through the windows. Moreover, the front and back side windows of motor vehicles must not reflect more than 20% of the light. Hence, drivers are advised to install the type of window tints with minimum solar reflectance.
Overview of Minnesota Tint Laws
The below image shows the legal tint limits visible light transmission and solar reflectance for Cars and SUV type vehicles operated in Minnesota.
Darkest Legal Tint in Minnesota
Window tint darkness and luminous reflectance limits for Cars and SUVs are mentioned in the below tables:
Tint Darkness and Solar Reflectance For Sedans
| State | Front Side Windows | Back Side Windows | Rear Window | Windshield | Tint Reflection | Other Restrictions |
| Minnesota | 50% | 50% | 50% | Tinting on front windshield is prohibited. | Not more than 20% reflective. | None |
Tint Darkness and Solar Reflectance For SUV or MPV
| State | Front Side Windows | Back Side Windows | Rear Window | Windshield | Tint Reflection | Other Restrictions |
| Minnesota | 50% | Any Tint percentage | Any Tint percentage | Tinting on front windshield is prohibited. | Not more than 20% reflective | None |
Drivers and vehicle owners must adhere to the tint darkness and reflection limitations outlined above, with a 3 percent tint variance permissible.
Window Tint Reflection
According to Minnesota window tinting rules the front and back side windows of any motor vehicle must not reflect more than 20% light, whereas 3% variance is allowed. Drivers are advised to install the tinting or glazing materials with minimum solar reflectance. The reflective window tints produces glare due to sunlight or headlights of other vehicles, which cause difficulty while driving for the following or oncoming vehicles.
Sedan type vehicles and Multi purpose vehicles or SUVs with treated windows follow these limits:
- Front Side Windows: Tinting materials applied to front side windows must have less than 20% solar reflectance.
- Back Side Windows: Tinting materials applied to back side windows must have less than 20% solar reflectance.
The windows of motor vehicles must not look shiny or mirrored in appearance if treated or covered with any material.
Other Rules and Regulations
Besides window tint darkness and solar reflectance limits, there are some other rules required to be followed:
- Dual Side Mirrors: No requirement is specified in the Minnesota Statutes Transportation § 169.71
- Restricted Tint Colors: No tint colors are specifically restricted in MN.
- Certificate: Window film manufacturers are not required to obtain the certificate for the tinting materials they sell in Minnesota.
- Sticker: Label or Sticker to identify the legal tint is required to display on the vehicle window, between glass and film.
Medical Exemption
Minnesota window tinting laws allow to apply lower tint due to certain medical conditions. A prescription is required from the licensed physician which must state the medical need for applying tinting materials with reduced light transmittance. The physician statement for medical need should specify the Make, Model and License Plate of the vehicle that will have tinted windows due to medical exemption.
The expiry date of the Physician’s statement or prescription must not be more than two years from the date of issue. The motor vehicle for which medical exemption certificate was issued can be operated by Parent, Child, Grand Parent, Grand Child, Spouse or personal care attendant.
Penalties for Violating Minnesota Tinting Rules
Failure to comply with Minnesota Tinting rules is a misdemeanor with substantial legal implications for repeat violations. The first offense for unlawful window tinting may cost up to $125, while further offenses can result in fines of up to $375.
Further, The illegal darker tints can lead to accidents due to reduced vision of the driver. Because illegal tints blocks visible light to a large extent which is a safety risk too. Hence, drivers must follow the tinting rules because it’s not only about the aesthetics of the vehicle but it is also important for safety of vehicle occupants.